When you join one of the many Venice boat tours, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re stepping into a world rich with history, tradition, and a unique nautical vocabulary. Venice is a city built on water, and over the centuries, it has developed an entire lexicon to describe its wide array of boats, each with its own purpose, form, and story.
Here’s a playful guide to help you recognize and understand the different types of boats you’ll encounter on your next tour through the lagoon.
Gondola: The Symbol of Venice
Perhaps the most iconic of all Venetian boats, the gondola is the traditional flat-bottomed vessel used for centuries to navigate the narrow canals. Built entirely by hand using eight types of wood, a gondola is asymmetrical to allow efficient rowing with a single oar.
Did you know? The ferro, the iron prow at the front, isn’t just decorative—it’s weighted to balance the gondolier and symbolizes Venice’s six sestieri (districts).
Gondolas are now mostly used for romantic rides and special occasions, but they remain central to the visual identity of any Venice boat tour.
Motoscafo: The Modern Workhorse
If you’ve booked a structured Venice boat tour, chances are you’ll ride a motoscafo. This is a motorboat designed for passenger transport, offering comfort and speed while weaving through the city’s intricate waterways.
Motoscafi are the backbone of Venice’s waterborne logistics, serving as everything from taxis to delivery vans to guided tour vessels.
Vaporetto: The Public Ferry
The vaporetto is Venice’s public transportation boat. Larger and more crowded than motoscafi, these ferries follow fixed routes and are a staple for local commuters and budget travelers.
Sandolo: The Gondola’s Humble Cousin
Smaller and lighter than the gondola, the sandolo is used for personal transport or recreation. Unlike gondolas, sandoli often lack the iconic iron prow and are easier to maneuver.
Topa: The Lagoon Utility Boat
The topa is a flat, versatile boat traditionally used for fishing and transport in the shallow waters of the lagoon. You might glimpse these practical boats being used by fishermen or farmers.
Bragozzo: The Adriatic’s Classic
The bragozzo is a traditional sailing boat with a wide hull and colorful sails, once the workhorse of Adriatic fishermen. Some Venice boat tours include these for heritage experiences.
Taxi Acqueo: The Private Water Taxi
The taxi acqueo is Venice’s luxury option. Polished wood, leather interiors, and fast speeds make these private water taxis the choice for VIPs and film crews.
Caorlina and Batèla: Tradition on the Water
These rowing boats, once used for cargo or daily transport, now appear in regattas or are preserved by local rowing associations. They embody the slower, hands-on pace of historic Venice.
Discover the Real Venice with Serenissima Tour
Now that you’ve got the vocabulary, it’s time to experience these boats in action. Join Serenissima Tour on the Murano, Burano & Torcello Boat Tour with Glassblowing—a full-day journey through the Venetian lagoon.
Sail aboard a comfortable motonave with live narration in multiple languages. Visit a real glass furnace in Murano, stroll among Burano’s colorful houses, and explore the historic charm of Torcello—all in one relaxing and unforgettable excursion.
Book your tour today at serenissimatour.it and cruise through Venetian history—boat by boat.
