Boating on Lake Maggiore: Information for Boaters
Are you coming to see us by boat? You'll find all the information you need here!
Information for Boaters on Lake Maggiore
Traveling to Cannobio in your own boat makes a vacation on Lake Maggiore feel even more carefree. Instead of just arriving, the vacation experience begins right on the water—with views of the mountains, small coves along the shore, and that special feeling of traveling independently. Those traveling by boat experience Cannobio from a completely different perspective and can flexibly plan spontaneous excursions, relaxing swimming breaks, or an aperitivo at sunset.
Lakeview Cannobio is the ideal starting point for this: located right on Lake Maggiore, with its own buoys and private beach. Perfect for anyone who wants to combine a camping vacation with the freedom of the water. Whether for a day trip across the lake or as a companion for your entire stay—having your own boat turns your vacation in Cannobio into a true Lake Maggiore experience.
While your boat is at the buoy, you can stay with us on a pitch for your motorhome, caravan, or tent, in a premium mobile home by the lake, or in a holiday apartment with a lake view.
Here you will find everything you need to know about boating on Lake Maggiore – from the Lake Maggiore registration plate to insurance and mandatory equipment to the question of when you may operate a boat without a license. However, there are a few rules and special considerations to keep in mind. Please read the following FAQs very carefully—then nothing will stand in the way of a great boating vacation on Lake Maggiore!
Don't have your own boat? Then simply rent one at our boat and SUP rental. For more tips on vacationing with your own boat, check out our magazine article Freedom on the Water.
You need a valid driver's license from your country that authorizes you to operate a boat on inland waters. In addition, you need to register your motorboat for Lake Maggiore. On Lake Maggiore, all motorboats 2.50 meters or longer must have a Lake Maggiore license plate. This applies even if the boat is already registered in its country of origin.
The registration plate must be applied for at the local authorities. We recommend using a service provider for this – without one, you will most likely spend the first 2 days of your vacation at government offices instead of enjoying Lake Maggiore. Ideally, apply for the registration plate several weeks before your stay with us and have a service provider deposit it with us. We recommend Nautica Pellegrini from Cannobio (https://www.nauticapellegrini.it/ Ivan: +39 335 7543071 Raffaella: +39 328 0928920) or Sven Spieß (https://bootsanmeldung-lago-maggiore.de/)
You must provide proof of insurance that currently covers approximately €6.5 million for bodily injury and approximately €1.3 million for property damage. It is generally recommended to choose a policy with a flat coverage limit of €10 million. These amounts may increase, so you're on the safe side with €10 million in coverage. You must carry the international insurance certificate in Italian on board the boat. Ask your insurance provider about this—in our experience, this is standard practice for all major insurance companies.
Always carry on board:
- A valid boat license.
- Valid boat registration certificate (ideally an international one) or proof of registration.
- For rented boats: Power of attorney from the owner.
- International proof of insurance that covers the Italian coverage limits.
Also useful for crossing borders by land or water:
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of paid VAT
No. In Italy, operating boats with engines up to 40PS without a license is permitted only for boats flying the Italian flag. For boats registered outside of Italy, the rules of the country of origin apply, up to a maximum of 40PS.
You should carry the following items on board:
- One anti-drowning life jacket per person
- One Class B fire extinguisher, appropriate for the engine size
- Red pyrotechnic distress signals, such as hand flares. Ideally stored in a waterproof box.
- Flashlight with extra batteries as spares
- First-aid kit. If you use the boat as a tow vehicle for water sports, a nautical first-aid kit is required
Absolutely not! Please do not try to drive to us with the boat on the trailer; it is simply not possible given the layout of our driveway.
One week before your stay (provided you have also booked a buoy with us), contact us by email ([email protected]) and you will receive your buoy number.
Ideally, launch your boat before check-in and moor it at your buoy.
There is no parking available on our grounds, nor is it possible to drive onto the property—not even for a short time. We recommend renting a trailer parking space at Nautica Pellegrini, where your trailer will be safe and secure. Nautica Pellegrini in Cannobio (https://www.nauticapellegrini.it/ Ivan: +39 335 7543071 Raffaella: +39 328 0928920)
Our buoys are located about 20–50 meters from our private beach, depending on the water level. The distance can easily be swum, but most of our guests use a SUP or a small inflatable boat. Please note: Even inflatable boats longer than 2.5 meters with a motor must be registered and require a Lake Maggiore license plate!
Mooring at our dock is prohibited. However, as long as water levels permit, you may pick up passengers there without mooring.
Please note that the water sports school always has priority.
Unfortunately, there are no boat gas stations in Cannobio. You can find the nearest two in Locarno (https://www.didomenico.ch/de/) and in the harbor of Porto Valtravaglia. In our view, the gas station in Locarno is a bit more straightforward: you can moor directly at the jetty and refuel, you'll find the pumps on the jetty, and there is also a multilingual self-service payment terminal.
The gas station in Porto Valtravaglia is also easy to use during normal water levels. However, it’s a bit more complicated during low water and when the water level is slightly higher.
Note: don't be surprised – fuel for your boat is significantly more expensive at boat fuel stations than on land.
Water sports and towing people in general are only permitted in open areas; the distance from the shore must always be at least 300 m. A boat license is mandatory.
In addition, the following rules apply:
– The distance between the towing boat and the person being towed must be at least 12 m.
– There must be at least two people on board: the driver plus one other person.
- The person being towed must wear an appropriate life jacket.
– Distance between the towing boat/person being towed and other boats: at least 100 m.
– A neutral gear device, a nautical first-aid kit and a lifebuoy are mandatory.
– Towing people without a valid boat license or with rented boats is strictly prohibited.
No. As the responsible boat operator, you are obligated to familiarize yourself with current regulations, changes in the law, weather conditions, and the general situation at all times before setting out. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability for this compilation.