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Waterbiking on Lake Como: My Experience & Complete Guide
A practical guide to waterbiking on Lake Como, including booking, prices, getting to Laglio and what to expect on the water.
I never imagined I'd find myself cycling past George Clooney's house on Lake Como. Especially not on a bicycle floating on the water!
But that's exactly where I found myself during my latest Italian adventure, trying something I'd never experienced before: waterbiking.
Passing George's house certainly wasn't the focal point of the experience, but it was a rather nice surprise to see how the other half live from out on the water.
Having explored Lake Como on foot along the beautiful Greenway walking trail, I wanted to discover what it was like to get out onto the lake itself. And while most visitors take to the water by ferry, water taxi or sightseeing boat, I'd found a rather different way to explore one of Italy's most famous destinations.
So, with the help of a wonderfully welcoming local called Daniele as my guide, I set off to discover whether cycling across Lake Como might just be one of the best ways to experience it.
At a Glance
Activity: Waterbiking on Lake Como
Location: Laglio, western shore of Lake Como, Italy
Operator: Waterbike Italia / Waterbike Tours
Duration: 2 hours
Price: €100 for a solo rental, or €50 per bike for groups of 2–16. Guided tours advertised from €60 per person (prices checked October 2026).
Booking: Waterbike Tours official website
Getting there: C110 bus from Como to Laglio, approximately 20 minutes.
Meeting point: Porticciolo di Laglio, the small harbour below the main road.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. No previous waterbiking experience required.
Best time to visit: Spring to autumn, with mornings particularly appealing during summer.
Watch my waterbiking adventure on Lake Como
What Is Waterbiking on Lake Como?
Waterbiking is exactly what it sounds like: riding a bicycle on water. Although, thankfully, there's a little more to it than simply pedalling into a lake!
The bikes are mounted on two floating pontoons, with a propeller underneath that moves you through the water as you pedal. You steer using handlebars, much as you would on a conventional bicycle, but instead of following roads or cycle paths, you're exploring the lake itself.
It's a wonderfully different way to experience Lake Como. Rather than sitting on a ferry or sightseeing boat, you're out on the water under your own steam, able to take in the surrounding mountains, beautiful lakeside villages and grand villas at your own pace.
And while it might look like an activity requiring plenty of balance or cycling fitness, I was surprised by just how straightforward and effortless it felt once I got going.
How to Book a Waterbike on Lake Como
If you're thinking of trying waterbiking on Lake Como, I booked my experience with Waterbike Italia, based in the beautiful lakeside village of Laglio, on the western shore of the lake.
The company designs and manufactures its own waterbikes, but also offers visitors the opportunity to experience them on Lake Como through its dedicated Waterbike Tours booking website.
You can choose between renting a waterbike independently or booking a guided tour, depending on how you'd prefer to explore the lake.
Guided Tours or Independent Rental?
I actually booked an independent waterbike rental, but when I arrived, Daniele, who runs the business, decided to come out on the lake with me.
And I'm very glad he did!
Having someone with such a passion for Lake Como alongside me made the experience particularly memorable.
He pointed out some of the beautiful villas along the shoreline, shared his local knowledge and even suggested an unexpected coffee stop.
Of course, I wouldn't expect this to happen with every independent rental.
If you'd prefer to have a guide alongside you, I'd recommend looking at the guided tour options or contacting Daniele directly to discuss what's available.
How Much Does Waterbiking on Lake Como Cost?
One thing worth knowing before booking is that the price varies depending on how many waterbikes you hire.
I paid €100 to hire one waterbike for two hours.
The prices displayed on the booking website when I checked in October 2026 were:
One waterbike: €100 for two hours.
Two to sixteen waterbikes: €50 per waterbike for two hours.
Guided waterbike tours: Advertised from €60 per person.
Sports Travel Tom Tip: If you're booking alone, check the total price carefully. I paid €100 for a two-hour rental of one waterbike, while the advertised €50-per-bike rate applied to bookings of two or more. These were the prices displayed when I checked in October 2026, so confirm the latest rates before booking.
You can check current prices, availability and booking options through the official Waterbike Tours booking website.
How to Get to Waterbike Italia in Laglio
Waterbike Italia is based in the small village of Laglio, on the western shore of Lake Como, around 20 minutes by bus from the city of Como.
It's an easy place to reach using public transport, and you certainly don't need to hire a car to enjoy this experience.
Getting to Laglio by Bus from Como
I took the C110 bus from Como, the same service I'd used to reach the starting point of my Lake Como Greenway hike.
However, Laglio is much closer to the city, with my journey taking approximately 20 minutes.
The bus follows the western shoreline of Lake Como, passing through several beautiful lakeside villages along the way.
I got off at the bus stop beside Hotel San Marino, which is on the main road, close to the Waterbike Italia workshop. There's also a coffee shop nearby.
From here, it's just a short walk down to the harbour where your waterbike adventure begins.
How to Find the Waterbike Harbour
The meeting point is Porticciolo di Laglio, a small harbour tucked away beneath the main road.
From the bus stop near Hotel San Marino, head down the steps towards the lake, continuing until you reach the road at the bottom.
Turn right along this road, then take the left turning that leads into the little harbour.
This is where I met Daniele, who introduced me to my bright red waterbike and showed me how everything worked before we headed out onto the lake.
It's worth allowing yourself a little extra time to find the harbour, particularly if it's your first visit.
I'd also recommend saving the meeting point on your phone before setting off, as it's not immediately visible from the main road. Check the location provided in your booking confirmation before travelling.
My Experience Cycling Across Lake Como
Meeting Daniele and Getting on the Water
When I arrived at the little harbour in Laglio, I was greeted by Daniele, who runs Waterbike Italia and clearly has a real passion for what he does.
He introduced me to my bright red waterbike, which turned out to be Daniele's own. He described it as the 'Ferrari' of waterbikes, before giving me a demonstration of how everything worked.
After putting on my life jacket, also red, so I really did feel like a Ferrari driver, it was time to get onto the water.
I'd never tried waterbiking before, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Would it feel unstable? Would I spend the next two hours desperately trying to keep my balance?
Thankfully, neither turned out to be a problem.
Within moments of pedalling away from the harbour, I was surprised by just how easy it was. The bike felt remarkably stable, steering was straightforward, and moving across the water required very little effort.
It felt like a recovery cycle. There was a little resistance, but nothing that really put any stress on the legs.
And suddenly, there I was, cycling across Lake Como!
What struck me immediately was the completely different perspective. Instead of looking out across the lake from a road, walking trail or ferry, I was right in the middle of it, surrounded by the mountains and beautiful villages along the shoreline.
An Unexpected Coffee Stop and a Race Across the Lake
Although I'd booked an independent rental, Daniele had decided to join me on the water, which turned out to be a lovely bonus.
As we explored the shoreline, he suggested stopping for a coffee at one of his favourite local cafés.
Now, stopping for coffee during a bike ride is hardly unusual. But arriving at a café wearing nothing but swimming shorts and a life jacket certainly attracted a little more attention than I'd anticipated!
While Daniele briefly said hello to some friends at the café, I found myself standing rather awkwardly outside, wondering whether I was really dressed for the occasion.
Daniele had described it as the best bar in Italy. When I mentioned this to the man serving us, he confidently corrected me: it was the best bar in Europe!
Coffee finished, we headed back onto the lake, where Daniele challenged me to a waterbike race.
Despite my best efforts, he won.
Clearly, he'd benefited from the coffee more than I had.
These little moments were what made the experience so enjoyable. Yes, the scenery was spectacular, but it was also the opportunity to meet someone who clearly loved his home and wanted to share it.
Exploring Lake Como From a Different Perspective
We continued past some of the grand villas and beautiful properties that line this stretch of Lake Como.
One of those happened to be George Clooney's famous lakeside home.
It certainly wasn't why I'd booked the experience, but cycling past his house on a floating bicycle was one of those slightly surreal travel moments that made me laugh.
There were plenty of sightseeing boats and water taxis around, too, and I couldn't help wondering what their passengers made of the bloke in the bright red life jacket pedalling past.
But beyond the occasional boat wake, what I enjoyed most was the freedom to travel at my own pace.
I could stop pedalling whenever I wanted, take in the views and simply enjoy being out on the lake before setting off again.
And that, for me, was the real appeal of waterbiking.
You're not following a ferry timetable or watching the scenery pass through a window. You're exploring under your own steam, with the freedom to pause whenever something catches your eye.
By the time we headed back towards Laglio, I was wearing a fairly enormous smile.
I'd come to Lake Como wanting to find a different way to explore it beyond the usual ferry journey, and waterbiking had certainly delivered.
Is Waterbiking Difficult?
Not at all, at least in my experience.
If you're comfortable riding a conventional bicycle, the pedalling and steering should feel familiar almost immediately.
You don't need to be an experienced cyclist to give it a go, although the effort required will naturally depend on the conditions on the lake and how quickly you choose to pedal.
How Stable Is a Waterbike?
The waterbike sits on two floating pontoons, which provide a wide, stable base. Once I was seated, I never felt as though I was constantly having to balance or correct my position.
Lake Como is busy with ferries, sightseeing boats and water taxis, so you will occasionally encounter waves from passing vessels.
I certainly noticed the bike rocking when those waves reached me, but it never felt as though I was about to fall into the water.
Daniele explained that the waterbikes are designed to be extremely stable, which was reassuring.
I certainly felt secure throughout my ride, even when waves from passing boats reached us.
However, you're still on open water, so it's important to wear the supplied life jacket, follow the operator's safety instructions and respect the conditions on the lake.
Can Couples and Families Try Waterbiking?
Yes, waterbiking isn't necessarily a solo activity.
Alongside the single waterbikes, Waterbike Italia also has tandem models that allow two people to pedal together.
There are also family-friendly configurations with space for children to sit on a platform while the adults pedal.
That makes it an interesting alternative to a traditional sightseeing boat for couples or families looking for a more active way to enjoy Lake Como.
I'd recommend checking the available models, age requirements and suitability for your group directly with Waterbike Italia before booking.
My Tips for Waterbiking on Lake Como
If you're planning to try waterbiking on Lake Como, here are a few things I'd recommend knowing before you go.
1. Wear Comfortable Clothes and Suitable Footwear
I wore water resistant cargo shorts, which worked perfectly for the experience. You're sitting above the water rather than in it, but there's always the possibility of getting splashed.
If you feel you might like to get in the water when you return to shore, swimming gear is a good idea to take with you.
I'd also recommend wearing shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Crocs or similar water-friendly footwear would be ideal, provided you can pedal comfortably in them.
And perhaps bring a T-shirt for afterwards. You never know when you might find yourself stopping for coffee in a life jacket!
2. Bring Sun Protection and Plenty of Water
You're out on the open lake with very little shade, so sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are worth considering, particularly during the summer months.
I'd also recommend taking a bottle of drinking water. The waterbikes have bottle holders, just like conventional bicycles, so there's somewhere convenient to keep it while you pedal.
3. Choose the Right Time of Year and Time of Day
Daniele told me that October is one of the best times to enjoy waterbiking on Lake Como, with more comfortable temperatures and fewer of the crowds associated with the peak summer season.
If you're visiting during the summer, I'd recommend booking an early morning session before the midday heat really builds.
Whatever the season, check the weather forecast beforehand and follow the operator's advice about conditions on the lake.
4. Protect Your Phone and Valuables
You'll probably want to take plenty of photographs, but remember that you're travelling on water.
A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag is a sensible precaution. I'd also avoid taking unnecessary valuables onto the bike.
5. Take Your Time and Enjoy the Surroundings
One of the things I loved most about waterbiking was being able to stop pedalling and simply enjoy the scenery.
Rather than treating it as a workout or trying to cover as much distance as possible, I'd recommend taking your time. For me, the pleasure was in the experience itself, not how far I travelled.
6. Ask About Guided Experiences
I booked an independent rental, but Daniele unexpectedly joined me on the lake and shared some wonderful local knowledge.
If you'd like a similar guided experience, contact Waterbike Italia before booking to ask what's available. My coffee stop and the extra hospitality were personal touches, rather than standard inclusions.
Waterbiking on Lake Como: Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Cycling Experience to Try Waterbiking?
You don't need to be an experienced cyclist, although being comfortable pedalling and steering a conventional bicycle will help. I found the waterbike surprisingly easy to control once I got moving.
Can You Rent a Waterbike Without a Guide?
Yes. Waterbike Italia offers independent rentals as well as guided experiences. I booked an independent rental, although Daniele unexpectedly joined me on the lake.
How Much Does Waterbiking on Lake Como Cost?
I paid €100 for a two-hour solo rental. When I checked in October 2026, the operator advertised a lower per-bike rate for bookings of two or more. Check the official booking website for current prices.
Where Can You Try Waterbiking on Lake Como?
I booked with Waterbike Italia in Laglio, on the western shore of Lake Como. My experience started from Porticciolo di Laglio, approximately 20 minutes by bus from Como.
Can Children Try Waterbiking?
Waterbike Italia has offered different configurations, including tandem and family-oriented models. Contact the operator to confirm current availability, age requirements and suitability before booking.
Is Waterbiking on Lake Como Worth It? Final Thoughts
Absolutely. In fact, waterbiking turned out to be one of my favourite experiences during my visit to Lake Como.
There are plenty of wonderful ways to explore this famous Italian lake, from ferries and sightseeing boats to the beautiful walking trails along its shoreline. But waterbiking offers something a little different.
You're not simply looking out over Lake Como anymore. You're part of it.
Being able to pedal along the shoreline, stop whenever I wanted and enjoy the spectacular scenery at my own pace was a wonderfully relaxing experience. And there's something rather joyful about being able to say you've cycled across Lake Como!
But what made my morning particularly memorable was Daniele.
I'd booked a straightforward waterbike rental, yet what followed felt much more like spending a morning exploring with a local friend.
And even when we'd returned to the harbour, the experience wasn't quite finished.
Daniele invited me to have a look around his waterbike workshop before welcoming me into his garden for a beer.
It was a wonderfully generous gesture and a lovely way to finish the morning. Of course, these were personal invitations rather than part of the standard rental experience, but they say a great deal about the welcome I received.
So, would I recommend waterbiking on Lake Como?
Without hesitation. Whether you're visiting on your own, as a couple or with family, it's a memorable way to experience the lake from a completely different perspective.
And if you have the chance to meet Daniele along the way, all the better.
For me, it's experiences like this that make travelling so rewarding. Sometimes, the most memorable moments aren't necessarily the famous attractions you've come to see, but the people you meet and the unexpected adventures along the way.
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