Myrtle Claus
Lake Garda is the ideal destination if you don't just want to relax on holiday, but are also up for some action. Especially if you like water sports. The lake offers a range of possibilities. From windsurfing and kitesurfing to sailing, from kayaking and canoeing to stand up paddle (SUP).
If you're looking for something more adventurous, it's even possible to go scuba diving or sail your own motorboat! So whether you are a novice or an experienced water sports enthusiast or just want to try something new during your holiday, you will enjoy Lake Garda.
You can swim and snorkel almost anywhere on Lake Garda. Most of the towns on the banks have pebble beaches to spread out your towel and take a dip. But as far as the other water sports are concerned, 'the best place' depends on what you want to do. We have therefore listed the best water activities on Lake Garda for you, with a tip here and there for the best locations.
Wind in the sails
Lake Garda, especially its northern part, is popular with sailors, windsurfers and kitesurfers. The shape of the lake, the surrounding mountains and the temperature differences ensure constant, strong winds.
In the morning the Pelèr or Vento blows with wind force 6 from the north. Around noon the wind changes and the somewhat calmer Ora blows from the south until sunset. In spring, early and late summer and in autumn they are even stronger than the middle of summer. Ideal for all water sports with a sail!
1. Sailing
Lake Garda is therefore internationally known as a perfect sailing area. There are sailing competitions all year round, such as the historic Centomiglia di Bogliaco and the Intervela.
Outside of the competitions it is very relaxed sailing in the northern part of the lake: motor boats are not allowed there. Together with the regular wind, the not too big waves and the sun an ideal combination for beautiful sailing trips.
The most famous locations for sailing are Torbole and Riva del Garda. Of course you can take your own sail drill or catamaran on holiday, but it takes some bureaucratic effort to launch it in Lake Garda.
Renting a sailboat is therefore a lot easier. You will find well-equipped sailing schools, clubs and boat rental companies on all shores of the lake. Whether you need a license depends on the size of the sailboat and the horsepower of the engine. And no man overboard if you can't sail yourself: rent a boat with a captain. That really is a relaxing holiday!
2. Surfing
These perfect weather conditions also make Lake Garda a fantastic place for surfers. There are therefore a lot of good surf spots to be found. With of course surf schools where you can master the first principles or perfect your technique. Don't despair if you don't have your own equipment: you can easily rent a shelf with everything you need.
The wind is best in the northern part of the lake. Torbole and its shores are known as a real surfing paradise. But the surf spots in Riva del Garda and Malcesine also benefit from the favorable winds. You must have some experience to go out on the water in the morning with the north wind: the Pelèr creates big waves and is very powerful!
The best spots for more experienced surfers
- In the morning with Pelèr: Malcesine, Pra della Fam in Tignale and Capo Reamol in Limone sul Garda.
- Afternoon with Ora: Riva del Garda (Pier), the Conca d'Or in Torbole and the Malcesine/Navene zone.
Best spots for beginner surfers
Not all surf spots in the northern part of the lake are suitable for novice surfers because of the strong wind or the steep banks. Of course there are exceptions. In Riva del Garda the wind is less windy and as a beginner you can get on your board without major problems. Just like in the Maroadi bay in Torbole, which lies in the lee. Furthermore, as a starter you can enjoy surfing in Malcesine or at the surf spots in the southern part of the lake, around Sirmione.
Tips for carefree surfing on the lake
There are a number of rules that you have to take into account when surfing on Lake Garda:
- Surfing is allowed from one hour after sunrise to sunset.
- Wearing life jackets is mandatory and is also regularly checked.
- Just like in other places, there are navigation rules about, among other things, priority while surfing. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of this, so beware.
- Before you get on the board, see if you can encounter hydrofoils, ferries and other craft and what their routes are like. This way you prevent them from suddenly appearing behind you or you run the risk of falling into the water where they pass.
- Don't surf when the weather changes or a storm is coming and keep an eye on the sky. The wind and conditions on the lake can change in the blink of an eye. Do not underestimate the west wind Ponale or the Bali that blows after a storm or a longer rainy period. The wind force can then increase to wind force 8.
- Don't underestimate the dangers of the lake and don't think you'll always get ashore somewhere. Ask locals or other surfers for information and tips.
3. Kitesurfing on Lake Garda
That constant wind and the sun also make Lake Garda the ideal place for kitesurfing. However, you cannot kite everywhere: from the beginning of March to the beginning of October it is forbidden to kite in the strip between Pier, Rova del Garda, Torbole and Tempesta. In the rest of the Trentino part of the lake, kitesurfing is only allowed at this time of the year 200 meters from the shore before 9 am and after 18 pm.
On Lake Garda you are not allowed to kite from the beach. Exceptions to this are Navene, Campione and special kite zones between Navene and Brenzone. Kite schools therefore provide a lift service with boats to the place on the lake where you can start. Depending on the kite school, you take out a lift subscription or become a member to use all facilities.
The best places for experienced kiters
- In the morning with Pelèr: Campagnola (Navene) Campione and Capo Reamol, near Limone sul Garda.
- 'Afternoon with Ora: Campione di Tremosine and Navene.
The best places for novice kiters
If you have little or no experience with kitesurfing, it is best to follow a course at one of the kite schools. An instructor will teach you the basics, keep an eye on you, and pick you up if you drift too far. An additional advantage is that you often receive an (internationally) recognized IKO certificate at the end of the course. You can ask about this if you want to rent kitesurfing equipment afterwards.
Tips for carefree kitesurfing on Lake Garda
- The use of a life jacket is mandatory on Lake Garda, so bring your own life jacket or rent one from a kite school. A helmet is not mandatory, but is recommended in some places.
- Only use authorized lift services.
- Keep at least 200 m away from the banks.
- It is forbidden to kite during sailing competitions.
- It is only allowed to kite in good weather and with wind that does not blow faster than 16m/s (wind force 7). Therefore, before you start, always inquire about the weather forecast, the wind and the current via apps or weather sites or from locals.
- Keep at least 200 m away from ferries and other public transport boats.
- Bring insurance papers, your ID card and a health certificate to use the facilities of a kite school. If you want to rent kitesurfing equipment, you can be asked for (a copy of) your IKO certificate.
Paddle and float on the water
Lake Garda is not only a paradise for sailors and surfers, but also for anyone who wants to explore the shores while floating. It offers you a completely different perspective on the surroundings with the mountains and the towns and villages on the shore. And experiencing a sunset while paddling along beautiful villas, bays and beaches is a special experience!
4. Canoeing and kayaking
In July and August the wind decreases in intensity and gives way to calmer days on the lake. Even if you are not familiar with canoeing, a good time to get in a canoe and try it. As a beginner, paddling in a tandem canoe with a partner is easier and more fun than alone in a canoe. A kayak requires a little more coordination and experience with rowing, but is also a good option to take a closer look at coves and cliffs.
If you get the hang of it, joining one of the many organized canoe and kayak trips is a great way to enjoy Lake Garda even more. After an introductory lesson on paddling techniques, take to the water in a group.
Especially the excursions in the surroundings of Lazise, Riva del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, Bardolino, Toscolano, Manerba, Brenzone, Lido di Cisano or Malcesine are really worth it.
Tips for canoeing and kayaking
- You can canoe and kayak in any part of Lake Garda, but it is wise to do it where the water is not too deep.
- In the middle and southern part of the lake the water is calmer with less wave action.
- Stay close to shore so you don't drift too far out into the lake.
5.SUP (Stand Up Paddling)
It is one of the most popular activities for holidaymakers on Lake Garda: the SUP or Stand Up Paddleboard. A water sport that is suitable for everyone and that you will encounter everywhere.
You can make beautiful tours with your sup-board along Punta San Virgilio and Baia del Corno near Garda, at Peschiera del Garda, at Malcesine, paddle to the Rocca di Manerba at Porto di San Felice, visit Riviera Salò from Gardone and visit the Vittoriale degli Admire Italians from the water or paddle around Limone sul Garda.
You can not only rent everything you need, but also go on a sup excursion. Highly recommended are the sunset tours. The water is very calm at the end of the day and the last rays of the sun make the sights you paddle past even more beautiful.
Nice extra? You stimulate all muscles in your body in a relaxed way and improve your posture and balance.
6. By motorboat
Of course you can also sail on Lake Garda without using wind or muscle power. With a motorboat you can make beautiful trips along the banks and see a lot in a reasonably short time. A comfortable way to visit the historic and picturesque villages of Lake Garda and the small island of Garda! The only downside is perhaps that you are not allowed to enter the northern part of Lake Garda: sailing with your motorboat is prohibited there.
On Lake Garda you almost stumble across the companies and companies where you can rent a motorboat. For boats with a capacity of less than 40 hp you have no license required. If you bring your own boat to Lake Garda, you do need a license for more than 5 hp.
If you don't feel like sitting behind the wheel yourself, you can of course also join one of the many boat trips. You can sail without too much fuss along the Costa Romantica between Salò, Gardone Riviera and Toscolano Maderno or enjoy the view of Castello Scaligero with an aperitif in your hand. You can make real cruises on the lake yourself if it tastes like more!
Tips for renting a motorboat
- The northern part of Lake Garda is a forbidden area for motor boats.
- Without a boat license you can rent motor boats with a capacity of max. 40 hp or electric boats.
- Rent the boat for at least 3 hours to fully enjoy it. Better: half a day or even a whole day!
- Familiarize yourself with the sailing rules to prevent accidents.
- Keep an eye on the weather: it can change in a short time and you don't want to be in the middle of the lake with thunderstorms, strong winds and hard rain.
7. Dive into underwater adventures
Lake Garda has a lot to offer not only above water, but also under water. You can dive with experienced guides to, for example, the shipwreck at Salò, the warship from 1500 at Lazise, or the 3-meter high Christ statue at Riva del Garda.
There is even the marked underwater route Secca di Trimelone near Malcesine, which you can follow into the depths. The beaches at Torri del Benaco, Brenzone and Navene are also good starting points for an excursion.
There are more and more diving schools and centers along Lake Garda where you can rent everything you need and take lessons to get your PADI Open Water Diver certification.
Tips for when you go diving
- It is mandatory to use a buoy while diving.
- You must have a flashlight and a compass with you.
- You are not allowed to dive on the routes of public vessels, at the entrance to and in ports, in areas where swimming is practiced, in reed zones and at places where water skiers start.
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