Top 6 water sports at Lake Garda
Charming waterside towns, stunning mountain views and lush forests make Lake Garda the perfect destination for a memorable trip filled with thrilling water adventures. Try kayaking, canyoning or wing foiling and explore the lake from the most amazing viewpoint!
Lake Garda is located in northern Italy, nestled at the foot of the Alps. With a surface of 367 km2 and a maximum depth of 343 m, Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, and is a popular travel destination due its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate. With its good winds, pristine waters and breathtaking views of the Alps, Lake Garda is an ideal spot for water sports. Whether you’re an adventurous traveller looking for thrilling activities or a nature lover seeking an inspiring excursion, Lake Garda will not disappoint. From canyoning to flyboarding and kayaking to wing foiling, this article will help you find the best water activities to explore Lake Garda!
1 - Canyoning
One of the best water activities at Lake Garda is undoubtedly canyoning. Tignale is a small town located on the western side of the lake, and it’s one of the many canyoning destinations at Lake Garda. for those who have always wanted to try canyoning this is the perfect place to start. The Gumpenfeven Gorge in Tignale stands out for its cold waters and lush vegetation, offering a magical environment to its explorers. Gear up and descend the Gumpenfeven Gorge for 2 hours with a professional mountain guide; jump, slide and pass through 14 gorges, the real highlight of this experience. You’ll face 7-meter-high jumps and abseils before reaching the finish line. This canyoning adventure in Tignale is designed for beginners, but it can be fun for experienced enthusiasts too!
2 - Kitesurfing
Second on the top water sports list at Lake Garda is kitesurfing. You can practice kitesurfing from many spots along the lake, such as Brenzone. Located on the eastern end of Lake Garda, this kitesurfing course in Brenzone offers sessions for beginners and experienced kitesurfers. Beginners will learn how to ride every wave with a small group and a certified instructor. Seasoned kitesurfers will boost their skills and gain confidence with complex tricks. Whether beginner or experienced, you can extend your course to multiple days and cotinue your learning journey with your professional instructor on. Lake Garda’s warm waters and strong winds blowing from north to south make it the perfect place to practice kitesurfing. With the Alps in the background, kitesurfing has never felt so dreamy!
3 - Rafting
Rafting is one of the most fun-filled activities at Lake Garda. The Adige River is one of Italy’s longest rivers and flows right next to the lake for several kilometres. With a local guide, you'll face exciting rapids and paddle through the mountains and a lush forest. Wearing your life vest, you'll jump on the raft with the rest of the group and learn how to paddle! Designed for beginners, this rafting ride on the Adige River is perfect for an exciting family day fully immersed in nature. With your family and friends, you'll paddle on the transparent waters of the river and bond over this thrilling challenge. At the end of this adventure, you can relax on the grass by the Adige River and make the most of this magical place.
4 - Kayaking
Designed for sporty explorers looking for an exciting adventure, this kayaking tour in Punta San Vigilio is one of the most inspiring activities at Lake Garda. Paddle around the beautiful southeast end of the lake and admire its stunning landscapes, from charming towns with unmistakable architecture to unspoiled nature. With your professional guide, you'll learn how to paddle on the shore, then get into the kayaks and explore the area. This activity offers double kayaks, allowing you to share this exciting adventure with a friend. If you would like to pair a kayaking adventure with the typical Spritz cocktail, check out this sunset kayak tour and aperitif in Peschiera del Garda, where you'll discover Lake Garda from its southern end!
5 - Wing foiling
Thanks to its favourable winds, Lake Garda is the perfect place for wing foiling. Whether you've never tried this activity before or you have some experience, you'll find the wing foiling course in Malcesine, Lake Garda that fits you the most. Malcesine is located on the northeastern end of the lake and is known as the most popular spot for some water sports at Lake Garda. An instructor will provide you with top-notch equipment and accompany you from start to finish. Under their guidance, you’ll gain confidence on the board and boost your wing control. As you surf through Lake Garda’s crystal clear waters, you’ll get stunning views of the Alps and the lush forest surrounding the shores of the lake.
6 - Flyboarding
For adventurers looking for a good adrenaline dose, the flyboarding on Lake Garda from Tignale will be unforgettable. Powered by the water, you'll fly above Lake Garda and enjoy a unique view of the landscape. During this session designed for beginners, a professional guide will show you how to move your body and control the flyboarding gear while on the shore. Once you feel confident, you'll take a short boat ride to the designated point in the heart of the lake and reach up to 12 m high! Jump, dive and try some tricks to boost your technique for 30 minutes.
Lake Garda is the perfect location for a diverse range of watersports adventures. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling experience, a sporty adventure with your friends or a relaxing family activity, Lake Garda will not disappoint you. From kayaking tours, rafting explorations and kitesurfing courses to hydroboarding flights, every traveller can find the perfect water activity around Lake Garda.
Thanks to its lovely weather, you can travel to Lake Garda all year round, but if you want to make the most of its green areas and pristine waters, summer is the best time to go. You can enjoy long walks through the forests, picnics by the shore and exciting water adventures, making Lake Garda the place for nature lovers. Which of these top water sports at Lake Garda will you try? Grab your backpack, gather your friends and get ready for an unforgettable trip!
If you are travelling to Lake Garda this year and you're looking for some outdoor inspiration, check out the top 7 via ferrata at Lake Garda and discover where to go canyoning at Lake Garda!