Explore Venice’s squeri on a two-hour walk that visits traditional boatyards, studies the forcola and voga alla veneta, and ends with a local gondola ferry across the Grand Canal. Learn centuries-old craft and see lagoon boats still used by residents.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light fractures across narrow canals as you step off the beaten path and into the world of the squeri — Venice’s working boatyards. Wooden hulls lean against damp timbers, craftsmen sand with practiced rhythm, and the smell of tar and fresh-cut wood hangs in the air. This two-hour walk threads between small courtyards that slope to the water, bringing you close to the last makers who build and repair the boats Venetians have used for centuries.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Appropriate for most fitness levels; requires ability to walk on uneven stone surfaces and climb short stairways.
Wildlife
History
Squeri have served Venice since the early modern period; many yards still use techniques passed down through generations to build and maintain lagoon craft.
Conservation
The Venice lagoon is ecologically sensitive—avoid littering, keep noise low around working yards and follow guidance to protect both cultural heritage and fragile waterways.
Reserve your spot on the Walk Around Venetian Shipyards and Traditional Lagoon Boats today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear grippy shoes
Cobblestones, wooden gangways and low bridges make stable footwear essential for safe walking and boarding small boats.
Carry a compact umbrella or rain jacket
Weather in the lagoon can shift quickly and occasional acqua alta (high water) can make paths wet; a lightweight shell keeps you comfortable.
Bring a bottle of water
Two hours of urban walking with stops for demonstration means hydration matters — refill in cafes or public fountains where available.
Respect workshop boundaries
These are functioning boatyards — watch demonstrations from permitted areas and avoid touching tools or unfinished boats unless invited.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides traction on wet stone, wooden steps and canal-side paths.
Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
Protects against sudden showers and occasional acqua alta in shoulder seasons.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the walk and reduces single-use plastic.
summer
Small daypack or crossbody bag
Keeps camera, map and personal items secure while moving through narrow streets.