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Learn to Row in the Venice Canals

4.9 · 126 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 98% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Venice Operated by Venice On Board Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
1h 30m
Group
Shared tour
Guide languages
English, Italian, French, Spanish
Start & pickup
09:30, 11:00, 15:00, 16:30 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
Confirmation within 48 hours · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

A rowing lesson in the Venetian standing style with instructors born in the city, run by a sports association that restores traditional boats, starting at their workshop before the canals.

Boat and equipment are provided and nothing else is listed; a city access fee may apply on some dates. 4.92 from 126 reviews at €79 per person for 1h 30m.

In our comparison: #1 of 5 in Boat Tours & Grand Canal, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Price and inclusions

One price for every traveller: €79 per adult.

Included and not included

  • Boat and equipment for rowing

    Children from €79 (ages 3 to 9). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 22 September 2026.

    Reviews

    4.9
    126 ratings
    Tripadvisor 65 · Viator 61

    98% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 124 of 126

    Star breakdown of all 126 ratings

    5 stars
    122 · 97%
    4 stars
    2 · 2%
    3 stars
    0 · 0%
    2 stars
    0 · 0%
    1 star
    2 · 2%

    What reviewers say

    Reviewers praise patient teaching and quiet canals; a few report refused refunds when they cannot attend

    Praised

    • Patient instructors who explain the rowing technique clearly
    • Taking turns rowing a traditional boat through the canals
    • Learning about Venetian boat history and restoration work
    • Quiet residential canals away from crowded sightseeing routes
    • Children and adults enjoying the practical lesson together

    Complaints

    • Some report refund refusals after late arrival or requests to cancel

    Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (27 April 2022 to 26 September 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

    Latest reviews

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    Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

    Meeting point and route

    Meeting point

    Where
    You will find us in Fondamente Contarini at a shipyard · Open in Google Maps
    Departure
    09:30, 11:00, 15:00, 16:30 daily; scheduled year-round (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
    Return
    This activity ends back at the meeting point
    Pickup
    No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
    Operator
    Venice On Board; booking and payment are completed on Viator

    About this tour, from the operator

    We are a sports association that deals with the recovery and maintenance of ancient traditional boats.
    We love to share our knowledge and passions with all travelers by introducing them to our laboratory / museum and the magnificent canals of Venice by learning the art of rowing accompanied by one of our prepared instructors born and raised in Venice

    Walking, children and accessibility

    The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

    Walking and health

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Children

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Accessibility

    • Strollers OK
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby

    Good to know

    • Children from €79 ages 3 to 9

    Cancellation policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

    • 1+ days: Full refund
    • 0-1 days: No refund

    Compared with other Boat Tours & Grand Canal

    TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
    This tour · #1 of 5€791h 30m4.92 (126)shared
    Venice Sunset by Typical Venetian Boat with Prosecco€951h 45m4.83 (546)shared
    Sunset Jazz Catamaran Cruise with Aperitivo and Live Saxophone€801h 30m4.81 (305)shared
    Colibri boat tour Venice : Private Tour of the Venice Lagoon€8050 min4.76 (151)private

    Ranked #1 of 5 in Boat Tours & Grand Canal by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €79 to €95, median €80; typical length 1h 30m. 1 of 5 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 5 Boat Tours & Grand Canal

    From €79 per adult