A day on Lake Maggiore beats a fixed schedule. This hop-on hop-off boat tour from Baveno lets you visit all three Borromean Islands at your own pace, with boat service designed to keep things moving. I especially like the easy rhythm: you get free time on each island, and the boat runs with the kind of efficiency that makes it realistic to see the highlights without a frantic sprint.

What really sells the trip is the mix of island styles. You’ll see the famed botanical gardens and Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Madre, then switch to Isola Bella’s dramatic baroque palace and terraced gardens before ending in the quieter alleys of Pescatori. One key consideration: the landing fee and entry tickets to the palace/gardens areas are not included, so your final cost is a bit more than the headline price.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Hop between three islands with free time on Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori
• Isola Madre’s botanical gardens tied to Palazzo Borromeo scenery
• Isola Bella’s baroque palace and terraced layout with 10 terraces sloping toward the lake
• Pescatori’s walking-friendly fishing-village feel with narrow lanes and multi-story buildings
• Timed departure window from Baveno that makes planning your day simpler

How the Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Works from Baveno

The setup is refreshingly straightforward. You start at the Summer Boats Consorzio Motoscafisti meeting point in Piazza IV Novembre in Baveno, and your day is built around short, efficient boat hops between islands. You’re not locked into one long guided script; instead, you get time on each island and can pace yourself.

Expect a day that runs like a well-edited playlist. Boats depart in a window from 9:40 AM to 11:40 AM, and returns run until 5/6 PM depending on the season. The practical win here is avoiding the “one island only” trap—this route is designed to make all three stops feel possible.

There’s also a small logistics point that matters: you’ll need a printed coupon, which the staff will swap for your Sailing ticket. And the staff are recognizable in Summer Boats t-shirts, with a clearly signed ticket office.

Isola Madre: English Botanical Gardens and Palazzo Borromeo Views

Isola Madre is the “slow down and look around” stop. You arrive and can enjoy free time to explore at your own speed, then hop onward when you’re ready. If you like gardens that feel made for wandering—paths, viewpoints, and landscaped structure—this island is a strong start.

The big draw is the combination of English botanical gardens and the grandeur of Palazzo Borromeo. The gardens are part of what makes Isola Madre feel different from the more palace-and-terrace energy of Isola Bella. It’s also a good island for photos that don’t feel posed; the setting gives you natural framing as you move.

One thing to plan for: entry to the palace and gardens isn’t included in the tour price. So you’ll want to decide on-site whether you want to pay for interior access, since the tour itself mainly gives you the island time and the boat ride between stops.

A quick reality check for timing

Because you’re sharing your day with two other islands, I’d treat Isola Madre like a targeted stroll rather than trying to do everything in one go. Prioritize the sights that matter to you most, then use the rest of the time for viewpoints and a relaxed pace.

Isola Bella: Baroque Palace, Italian Gardens, and Ten Terraces

Isola Bella is where the scenery leans dramatic. After Isola Madre, you hop to Isola Bella for another free time stop, and this is the island people often remember for its sheer visual setup: a baroque palace backed by Italian gardens and the famous 10 terraces that slope toward the lake.

If you’re the type who likes symmetry, sightlines, and architectural theater, you’ll feel at home here. Those terraces do more than look good from the boat; they create a sense of moving through layers, with the lake as your constant reference point. Even if you don’t purchase every ticket area, the overall layout is impressive enough to justify your time.

Just know the trade-off. Like Isola Madre, access to the palace and gardens requires entry tickets not included. That means the tour is a great way to get you there and give you time to explore, but you should budget a little extra for any ticketed sections you want to enter.

If you’re thinking about dogs: dogs can ride on board, but they’re not allowed in the palaces and gardens on Isola Bella (and Isola Madre). Plan around that if you’re traveling with a pet.

Isola dei Pescatori: The Fishing Village Walk You’ll Actually Enjoy

Then you reach the stop that often feels like a palate cleanser: Isola dei Pescatori. This is the island where the mood shifts from grand terraces to everyday life—think a quaint fishing village with meandering alleys and buildings stacked multiple stories high.

This is also a nice place to slow down because it’s less about a single showpiece viewpoint and more about wandering. You can take your time browsing, walking the lanes, and just enjoying the atmosphere without feeling like you must hit a specific order of rooms.

I like this stop because it’s the best match for unscheduled moments. Want a snack break? Want to linger in the shade for a minute? Pescatori is the kind of place where you can do that without messing up the structure of your day.

And yes, there are plenty of chances to pick up small food breaks and souvenirs. One rider even mentioned wanting to buy queen perfume, which hints at the kind of shop stop you might run into during your wander.

Price and Logistics: What You Pay, What You Don’t

The headline price is $16 per person, and for a boat hop between three islands, that’s a solid entry point. But the real value depends on what you want to enter once you’re on the islands.

Here’s what you should expect not to be included:

• Landing fee: €0.50 per person per island, paid locally
• Entry tickets: palace and gardens on Isola Madre and Isola Bella

Because you’re visiting three islands, landing fees can add up faster than you think. It’s usually manageable, but it’s smart to have a few euros ready so you’re not scrambling at the last second.

Also, the tour won’t operate in bad weather, so build flexibility into your Lake Maggiore day. You’re not guaranteed a different day option by default—so if you’re visiting during a season where skies can be moody, choose your timing wisely.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Day on Lake Maggiore

A few small habits make a big difference with this kind of island-hopping plan.

First, treat the meeting point like your anchor. The tour starts at Piazza IV Novembre in Baveno, at the Summer Boats office. The staff wear Summer Boats logo t-shirts, and you’ll find the ticket office sign clearly marked—if you arrive a little early, you’ll get your bearings fast.

Second, plan your footwear and your limits. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and there are restrictions on what you can bring: no bikes and no walking frames. That’s less about the boat and more about island walking, stairs, and terrace areas.

Third, think about your pacing. Because it’s hop-on hop-off, you can tailor your island time. I’d start with a calm walk on the first island, then decide how much ticketed area time you want on the second.

Finally, if you care about hitting everything, arrive with a mindset that you’ll move between stops efficiently. The boat service is set up to run on time, and past riders have highlighted how smooth and timely it feels—so you’ll get the benefit of planning rather than chaos.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a strong fit if you want variety without doubling your travel time. You get three island personalities in one day: botanical calm on Isola Madre, architectural drama on Isola Bella, and village charm on Isola dei Pescatori.

It’s also a good match for couples, small groups, and solo travelers who like freedom. The hop-on hop-off format means you can spend more time where you’re most interested instead of forcing a single pace for everyone.

If you’re traveling with kids, note that children under 4 don’t pay the landing fee. The tour’s structure still works well for families who can manage island walking, just keep an eye on comfort levels since Isola Bella’s terraces can involve uneven steps.

Should You Book This Baveno Islands Boat Tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a well-paced, high-value Borromean Islands day. For $16, the boat gets you to all three islands with free time on each stop, and the setup is designed to keep the day moving smoothly. If you’re okay paying separate landing fees and choosing whether to buy palace/garden entry tickets, the math usually works out nicely.

I would hold off if you hate ticket add-ons or you’re hoping for a fully guided, all-in-one package. Since entry tickets aren’t included and the tour won’t run in bad weather, you’ll want flexibility and a willingness to pay a bit more on-site for the areas you care about most.

If you want one day to cover the major highlights—without turning your schedule into a checklist—this is a practical choice.

FAQ

Which Borromean Islands are included in the boat route?

You’ll visit Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori.

What is the order of the stops?

The order is Isola Madre, then Isola Bella, and finally Isola dei Pescatori.

Is there free time on each island?

Yes. The tour includes free time on each island.

Is the landing fee included in the price?

No. There is a €0.50 per person per island landing fee paid locally.

Are tickets for the palaces and gardens included?

No. Entry tickets to the palace and gardens on Isola Madre and Isola Bella are not included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Piazza IV Novembre in Baveno, at the Summer Boats Consorzio Motoscafisti office.

What should I have to board the boat?

A printed coupon is required. It will be replaced with your Summer Boats sailing ticket at the ticket office.

What times do boats depart and return?

Departure runs from 9:40 AM until 11:40 AM, and returns are until 5/6 PM.

Is the tour available year-round every day?

It runs daily in May, June, July, August, and September. In March, April, and October, it’s offered only on weekends and holidays.

Can I bring a bike, walking frame, or dog?

Bikes and walking frames are not allowed. Dogs are allowed on board, but not in the palaces and gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre.