Geneva, Switzerland Boating Guide - Getmyboat

Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman, is a pristine gem nestled between the border of Switzerland and France at the foot of the Swiss Alps. With crystal clear waters and beautiful views, the shores of this lake outline the major city of Geneva and many other important cities in both countries. It’s the perfect place to rent a boat during your travels.

If you’re lucky enough to go on a trip to Switzerland and France - here are eight reasons why you should plan a boat day on Lake Geneva!

Take in views of the Swiss Alps from a boat deck

Many people struggle to choose between the water and the mountains. On Lake Geneva, you don’t have to. Cruise in the calm waters on your boat rental or charter, breathing in crisp views of the stunning mountains of the Swiss Alps. Boat tours are a popular choice for visitors to Geneva. On a clear day, you can even get a glimpse of the famous Mont Blanc. It’s the perfect compromise for travel groups made up of nature lovers and urbanites - enjoy nature while still being close to the city!

Cross two countries off your bucket list

If you plan on cruising around Lac Léman for a few days on a sleep aboard, multi-day charter, you can cruise to various villages in both Switzerland and France, an excellent way to see some of the highlights of two European countries! Who doesn’t want to cross another country off their travel bucket list?

Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Lake Geneva

Fitness-focused travelers will have an incredible time during their stay in Lake Geneva. Not only are paddleboard and kayak rentals the perfect way to get exercise during your Switzerland trip, but they are also the perfect budget alternative to more expensive rentals and activities in the country. It’s no secret that Switzerland is not a cheap place to visit, but by opting for affordable, budget activities, you won’t miss out on all the beauty of the city while saving money. 

Scenic Watersports

Waterskiing and wakesurfing are fun anywhere in the world, but there’s something extra special about partaking in these fun activities in a new place! Lake Geneva is a gorgeous place to rent water sports equipment to bring on your boat rental or charter. Cruise behind a boat, looking up to admire the views of the villages and mountains all around Lake Geneva. If you’ve never tried water sports before - you can book a lesson to learn during your trip!

Ultimate Luxury Cruises

For luxury travelers visiting Geneva, an elegant cruise for several days around the Lake is an excellent way to enjoy a visit. Relax and drift along at a leisurely pace, with a captain and crew to cater to your every need onboard. Luxury motor yacht rentals are one of the best ways to enjoy this beautiful region of Europe. Sip champagne with views of the mountains, sleep in style in your own private suite on these captained cruises on yachts available on Lake Geneva.

See Landmarks from the Water

Walking around a new city is always fun, but touring by boat is better! The great thing about Lake Geneva is that many villages and cities are built right on its shores - you don’t have to drive to the backcountry to gain access to the lake. You can see lots of idyllic landmarks and sights on a boat cruise around Lake Geneva. Some of the highlights you can’t miss on a boat charter on Lake Geneva include: 

Jet d’Eau Fountain

One of the most recognizable landmarks of Geneva is the Jet d’Eau fountain. Right in the lake, this steady stream of water shoots 140 meters (460 feet) into the air. It sits at an important point in the lake - right where it flows into the Rhone River. Cruise past the fountain on your private boat rental, but don’t get too close - unless you want to get soaked!  

Chillon Castle

On the eastern side of the lake near Montreux is this stunning castle, sitting right on the shores of Lake Geneva. Dating from the 12th century, this classic castle is one of the most visited spots in all of Switzerland. Park on local docks at a marina and walk on the shore to tour the castle, or admire the beauty of the architecture as you cruise past on your boat charter.

Nearby Wildlife Parks

If you want to get off the boat for a while and explore the land around Lake Geneva, hop-off and explore the parks and nature preserves around Lake Geneva. Places like Haut-Jura Natural Regional Park, Regional Park Gruyère Pays-den Haut, or Parc Jura Vaudois all have excellent hiking and walking trails, with cows roaming in the green mountainside pastures like something off a postcard.

Pull into the docks for some lakeside fondue

Right on the shores of Lake Geneva in Geneva, La Buvette des Bains is an outdoor cafe serving up some of the best fondues in all of the city. You can’t beat the views and the public baths. Park your boat and walk over to the docks to order a hot pot of melted cheese with bread and other food to dip in. There’s no better way to indulge in Switzerland than with fondue! End a long day of boating with a warm pot of fondue and a local beer or glass of wine, soaking in all the views of the Alps with your meal.

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