Transportation: Water Taxis

Going to or returning from a dinner on Isola Bella or Isola dei Pescatori, after ferry hours.

Traveling with a group large enough to make a water taxi more cost-effective.

Wanting to visit locations not on normal ferry routes.

Personalized, romantic sunset journeys.
At either of the Stresa imbarcaderi, boat docks, you will always notice the water taxi owners waiting for fares. At the Stresa end you will often be approached by these captains, you'll recognize them because they are usually wearing a boat captain type of hat, as you are walking to the ticket office. If you think you would prefer to take a water taxi instead of the ferry, discuss the price with them. You may also be able to reserve a taxi for later in the evening in this way. At the other end of town, at the Carciano imbarcadero, also called the Lido boat stop, there is a small hut-like structure where the boat owners wait.


If you are having dinner on one of the islands, which is a popular, special, and romantic thing that visitors to Stresa often like to do, first of all you should always make a reservation with your restaurant of choice. And then, always ask them to arrange a water taxi for you. Likewise, a water taxi may be a good idea if you want to have a special dinner in one of the other towns nearby on the lake, such as Baveno, Verbania, or Ferriolo. Save this for special occasions of course, but it will make any evening more memorable for sure.

We have also arranged private water taxis for wedding parties. This definitely is more cost-effective than taking the ferry, and certainly more special for guests and wedding couple alike. For example, a boat which can hold 35 people can be chartered for a half-day private tour, stopping where and when you desire, for about 300 euro. Per person less than the ferry, and a private experience that all will long remember.



The water taxis can usually be found last minute, but if you do want to plan this beforehand, or, if you are arranging an outing for a wedding, corporate event, or other special occasion, here are a few companies to contact in advance:

Maggiore Discoveries: Fabri at Maggiore Discoveries can plan any type of water event for you, and I promise you he will make it super special, a highlight of your vacation. He will custom design your trip, but he also has some wonderful planned outings that are different from the usual ferry offerings.

http://www.maggiorediscovery.com/default.html

Motoscafisti delle Isole Borromee: On the Carciano dock, the boat owners have organized themselves into a group, which can be reached through the following site. They will supply you with prices and the right sized boat for your needs. Look for the VS symbol on the boats to indicate they are a part of this group.

http://www.isoleborromee.com/eng/

Consorzio Motoscafisti Associati: On the other side of Stresa, at the Stresa imbarcadero, you'll find this groups' boats ready for hire. Their website, in English, explains all of their services and offerings.

www.stresatours.com/en-en/home


photos courtesy of the motoscafisti and maggiore discovery websites.