Sirmione boat tour

The starting point of our tours

The lakeside retreat where the “Divine” found inspiration and serenity

As you cruise along the peninsula, Maria Callas’ villa emerges between the lush greenery of its park and the shimmering blue of the lake. This elegant residence was the summer retreat of the legendary soprano during the 1950s, a place where the “Divine” found peace, inspiration, and moments away from the spotlight. Seen from the water, the villa reveals its quiet, refined charm, still echoing the presence of one of the most iconic voices of the twentieth century.

The thermal waters that made Sirmione renowned worldwide

As you cruise along the peninsula, you pass by the renowned Sirmione Thermal Baths, celebrated since ancient times for their sulfur-rich, therapeutic waters. From the lake, the elegant spa complex appears in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape, offering a unique blend of wellness and natural beauty. The warm springs rising from the depths of Lake Garda tell a centuries-old story of healing and relaxation, making Sirmione one of the most charming thermal destinations in Europe.

White rocks, crystal‑clear water, and a view that feels almost tropical

Approaching the tip of Sirmione, Jamaica Beach reveals itself as an almost surreal place. Large slabs of pale rock emerge from the water, creating a unique landscape where the lake turns crystal‑clear and turquoise, reminiscent of tropical scenes. From the boat, you can admire the irregular shapes of the rocks, smoothed by time and arranged like a natural terrace gently descending into the water. The light here is distinctive: it reflects off the white stones and brightens the water with shimmering highlights, making this stretch of coastline one of the most photographed in Sirmione. In the background, the ruins of the Grottoes of Catullus rise above the point, adding a historical presence to an already extraordinary panorama. Seen from the lake, Jamaica Beach feels like a small natural paradise, a place where Lake Garda reveals a brighter, more exotic side of its beauty. Sailing past this spot is always a special moment: calm water, vivid colors, and the pale rock formations create an atmosphere that stays with anyone who passes by.

The timeless charm of the Grotte di Catullo: an archaeological jewel revealed from the lake.

As we cruise along the shoreline, the Grotte di Catullo rise majestically at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula. This ancient Roman villa, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Garda, is one of the area’s most captivating archaeological sites. Viewing it from the lake offers a truly unique perspective: the ruins stretch across the headland, revealing the grandeur of the site and its long history. A striking moment where nature, archaeology, and breathtaking scenery come together.

A 10,000‑year underground journey before rising from the lakebed

During the boat tour, you reach a stretch of the lake where something truly unique happens: warm, mineral‑rich water rises continuously from the lakebed. This is the same water that feeds the Sirmione Thermal Baths, the result of a long underground journey that began thousands of years ago on the slopes of Mount Baldo. After seeping into the ground, the water slowly descends deep into the Earth, where natural geothermal heat warms it and enriches it with sulfur, bromine, and iodine. As it rises back toward the surface, it emerges from the bottom of Lake Garda at temperatures reaching 69°C, creating a phenomenon that can be observed directly from the boat. The surface of the lake gently ripples, and small bubbles appear as they rise from below — a subtle but captivating sign of the thermal spring “breathing” beneath the water. It’s a simple yet fascinating moment that reveals the origin of the water that has made Sirmione one of Europe’s most renowned thermal destinations.

A unique medieval fortress, surrounded by the lake like an island

Approaching Sirmione from the lake, the Scaligero Castle rises like a vision frozen in time. Its crenellated walls emerge directly from the water, giving the impression of a fortress floating on the surface. Built in the 13th century by the Della Scala family, it once guarded the entrance to the peninsula and protected the inner harbor, which is still remarkably well preserved. From the boat, one of its most striking features becomes clear: the moat entirely filled by the lake itself, a rare characteristic that makes this castle unique in Italy. The towers, mirrored in the water, tell stories of medieval trade, strategic control, and centuries of life along Lake Garda. Sailing alongside the walls reveals the true scale of the fortress, its defensive position, and the deep connection between Sirmione and its waters. It’s one of the most scenic moments of the tour — a close encounter with the history that watches over the entrance to the old town.

A unique experience you can only live from the water

One of the most thrilling moments of the tour is approaching the bridges of the Scaligero Castle. When the lake is calm and conditions allow it, the boat can glide gently beneath the arches of the fortress, offering a perspective impossible to experience from land. The medieval walls rise above the bow, ancient stones hover just above the water, and the echo of the lake beneath the vaults creates an almost theatrical atmosphere. It’s a short but unforgettable passage, allowing you to slip into the very heart of Sirmione’s history and see the castle as the lake’s sailors once did. A moment that always surprises, even those who know Sirmione well — from this close, the castle seems to tell a different story.