Information for Boaters on Lake Maggiore

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 home country.

You must apply for the license plate with the local authorities. We recommend using a service provider for this—without one, you’ll most likely spend the first two days of your vacation at government offices instead of enjoying Lake Maggiore. Ideally, apply for the license plate several weeks before your stay with us and have a service provider store it here for you. We recommend Nautica Pellegrini in 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 euros. 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.

You must always carry the following on the boat:

– A valid boat license.
– A valid boating license (ideally an international boating license) 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 VAT payment

Absolutely not! Please do not try to drive the boat to us on the trailer; it is simply not possible given the layout of our driveway.
Please contact us by email ([email protected]) one week before your stay with us (provided you have also booked a buoy with us), and we will send you your buoy number.
Ideally, launch your boat before check-in and tie it up to your buoy here.

You should bring the following items on board:

– One anti-drowning life jacket per person
– A Class B fire extinguisher appropriate for the engine size
– Red pyrotechnic distress signals, such as hand flares. Ideally stored in a waterproof container.
– 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

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 approximately 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 over 2.5 meters in length with a motor must be registered and require a Lake Maggiore license plate!

Mooring at our dock is prohibited. However, as long as the water level permits, you may pick up passengers there without mooring.
Please note that the water sports school always takes priority.

Unfortunately, there are no boat fueling stations in Cannobio. The two nearest ones are located in Locarno (https://www.didomenico.ch/de/) and at the Porta Valtravaglia harbor. In our opinion, the refueling station in Locarno is a bit more convenient: You can dock right at the pier to refuel; the fuel pumps are located on the pier, and there’s also a multilingual self-service payment/operating terminal.
The gas station in Porto Valtravaglia is 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.
Please note: Don’t be surprised—gasoline for your boat is significantly more expensive at boat gas stations than it is on land.

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 registration apply, up to a maximum of 40PS.

Water sports and towing people in general are permitted only in open areas; the distance from the lakeshore must always be at least 100 meters.

In addition, the following rules apply:

– The distance between the towing vessel and the towed object must be at least 12 meters.
– There must be at least two people on board: the driver and one other person.
– The person being towed must wear an appropriate life jacket.
– The distance between the towing vessel/towed vessel and other boats must be at least 100 meters.
– An idling safety device, a nautical first-aid kit, and a lifebuoy are required.
– It is strictly prohibited to tow people without a valid boat license or on rented boats.

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.