So interesting to learn about managing water in the Venetian lagoon on site and with an expert.
Venice Lagoon Ecology Tour by Private Boat
Examine the lagoon’s ecosystem and the efforts to protect it
The Finer Details
While the Venice Lagoon remains a popular attraction for visitors, there's much more to this waterway than beautiful scenery. This three-hour excursion through the Venetian lagoon, led by a marine scientist, follows the evolution of the lagoon through its history and its effect on the environment. It also takes us to visit salt marshes teeming with wildlife and stunning seagrass meadows, which are difficult to access except by small private boats. This Venice Lagoon Tour is a wonderful way to get out of central Venice and experience this unique ecosystem in the company of a scientist whose knowledge and research on the Lagoon environment have been critical to shaping nature conservation policies in the region. You'll never look at Venice the same way again.
Climate Change and the Disappearing City
Our adventure begins by boarding your private boat and departing from the Arsenal. We'll take a quick cruise through this zone to discuss the vast changes that have been taking place in Venice of late, as it deals with the effects of climate change and changing water levels. This will set the stage for a dynamic conversation about human settlement around the lagoon over the last millennia and the modern pressures that are resulting from that, which will carry us through the day.
Venice Lagoon Tour
Heading northeast, we will navigate alongside the agricultural island of Sant'Erasmo, which will give us a chance to explore the major changes that affected the Venetian coastline in the last century and to understand the importance of coastal aquifers and their vulnerability under increasing sea levels. On our way, we’ll border newly reconstructed marshes and the ecosystems associated with them while discussing future actions for the protection of coastal communities. We may make a stop on land if anyone needs a refreshment or to use the bathroom before we continue on for the second half of our tour.
Looking to see the city proper on the water? Try our Venice Boat Tour. Those preferring to explore on dry land should see our Introduction to Venice Walking Tour.
Looking to see the city proper on the water? Try our Venice Boat Tour. Those preferring to explore on dry land should see our Introduction to Venice Walking Tour.
Looking to the Future
We then head towards the Lido Inlet, where we can visit the site where MOSE, a system of barriers that close off the Lagoon during high water, was built. Our expert has served as a consultant to this project and will discuss/illustrate both the technical and controversial political issues that are connected with it. We will then steam towards the area of the lagoon known as Bacan to explore the vital function of seagrass meadows on the lagoon ecosystem. Finally, we will make our way back to the city alongside the fortress of S. Andrea, where the effects of local subsidence and sea-level rise in the last few centuries will draw our attention to the global issue of resilience.
Take Aways
Throughout our time together, our guide will lead a discussion of how rising waters and modifications associated with this process impact the Lagoon and other coastal cities alike. At the end of our excursion, we will have an understanding of the physical processes in the lagoon, the modifications that are underway, and the impact these modifications will have on the lagoon environment, which will all, in turn, affect the lives and future of Venice and its social, historic, and cultural heritage.
FAQ
What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you the ability to dive into any special interests in your group and enjoy more personalized time with your guide.
Is the time for this tour flexible?
The start times for this tour depend on the boat service availability, so we may reach out to you regarding a new start time slightly different than the original. However, it's difficult for us to request specific times from the boat provider on your behalf, so we don't take custom start time requests from clients for this tour.
Is the time for this tour flexible?
The start times for this tour depend on the boat service availability, so we may reach out to you regarding a new start time slightly different than the original. However, it's difficult for us to request specific times from the boat provider on your behalf, so we don't take custom start time requests from clients for this tour.
Does this tour make any stops on land?
While the entire tour will be led on a private boat, there will be an opportunity to stop on land to use the bathroom at a midway point in the tour.
While the entire tour will be led on a private boat, there will be an opportunity to stop on land to use the bathroom at a midway point in the tour.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Saint Erasmus Island
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MOSE site
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Forte Sant’Andrea
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Artificial and Natural Salt Marshes
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Booking Gianmarco for the Ecology of Venice tour was one of the best decisions of our trip and one of its highlights. Gianmarco is a PhD in oceanography, and it shows. He walked us through the physics of how water actually moves through the lagoon, and how that delicate balance keeps Venice alive. What could have been abstract became genuinely fascinating — including how satellites are calibrated and used to track the lagoon's ongoing evolution. I'd never thought about Venice that way before. He took us to places a normal tour would never surface. That alone made the day feel special. And his command of the history matched his science: he explained not just how Venice was built, but why it developed the way it did, weaving the two together into one story. What impressed me most was that it worked for everyone. Our teenagers were as absorbed as the adults — he pitched it perfectly without ever talking down. If you want to understand Venice rather than see it, book Gianmarco.
Our tour of the Venice lagoon with Luca was a highlight of our trip. Luca explained clearly the many forces of waves, wind and water exerting pressure on Venice, and how the sea gates are meant to function. Our tour was exceptionally well designed to illustrate somewhat abstract (or underwater!) ideas, taking us from Arsenale to San Erasmo past an installed sea gate back to the piazza of San Marco. Luca is a personable presenter, and he threw in many small observations about Venice that I’d never heard anywhere else—such as why Venice can have a sulfurous smell. My only suggestion for something else was that I wish I had known in advance of Luca’s appearance on a TV show—it would have been helpful background.
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.
