Thousands of tourists visit Venice and its islands every day. We will go where mass tourism has not yet managed to arrive, if you are looking for a slow tourism this tour is the one for you. You can enjoy the silence where nothing or no one passes. A tour inside the heart of the lagoon to discover its origins.
Posted By : katesM3493CJ
This tour was unlike anything you can find in Venice and led by a very capable, kind and considerate guide. He was born, raised in a waterman household and has returned to work in Burano after many years as a water guide, so has a very deep connection to the ecology and made us feel safe. We took the early morning ferry to Burano leaving from the Venice Nove station near the hospital. It left at 8:10 and got us to the dock before 9. We didn't realize at the time how special it was to see Burano empty before the crowds descend. Each house is painted a vibrant color and surrounded by long grass and wildflowers, it feels Caribbean and fun. Filippo met us at the ferry and toured us through town to the charming Burano boathouse. We learned that the tail of every gondola in Venice represents the Rialto river plus its six major boathouses. The Burano boathouse rowing teams are very famous for consistently winning major races throughout history. We were able to catch a four-person team stand-up rowing in unison. It is amazing to see their wooden boats up close and realize the connection back to the more touristy gondolas you see in Venice. Kayaks are stored in the same boathouse and an attendant helped carry them to the ramp launch. You do about two hours of rowing through the wetlands and farmland, and see how the fisherman operate. Our favorite section was Hemingway’s backyard and called the paradise canal. There were baby swans at the entrance and gorgeous wildflower fields surrounding. Mid tour you will really feel yourself relax in the quiet and the beauty. Filippo surprised us at the end with a short, animated video of each stop on a map interspersed with photos he took of us. This was a special gift to be able to share the experience with the rest of our family back at home. The boathouse has a locker room with very clean showers, bring a towel and change of at least bottoms. Post tour we ate at an exception restaurant owned by Filippo’s family called “Primo” (middle of town, left side as you face the biggest church). We wanted to support him further no matter the quality, but the food was absolutely exceptional and worth every penny. You can tell it’s where the local families like to go for special meals and was not all tourists. We stopped at Murano on the way back to Venice, but Burano was our favorite.
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Posted On : 2024-06-29 04:36:35 
Posted By : Patricia_H
Awesome experience! Filippo is a very personable guide who can authentically speak about the local history, environment and culture. Length of tour (2.5 hrs) is just the right length, felt like we got some time in nature, learned a lot, and had a great time! And you *can* get to Burano by 9 a.m. from Venice on the 8:10 #12 from Fondamente Nove! Highly recommend this.
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Posted On : 2024-05-26 16:15:29 
Posted By : tibor_k
it is a very special experience to experience the beautiful nature of the lagoon in all peace and quiet, with an excellently organised nature guide!
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Posted On : 2023-11-07 10:19:57
Posted By : Curious454014
This is truly the best way to experience the islands of Venice! Felipo taught us so much about the history of the area and the environmental issues they are facing AND led us on a once of a lifetime kayaking trip around Burano, Mazzorba and Torcello! A fun and easy trip for beginners or experienced kayakers.
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Posted On : 2023-10-24 11:45:30
Posted By : paulsc0tta
I found this online and thought that it would be a safe and enjoyable experience with the backing of tripadvisor but how wrong was that?
I paid in full using my credit card while still in the UK. My booked appointment was cancelled the day before I was due to take part but a new time was offered so I continued with the new time. I met the provider of the activity but there was not a single kayak or any boat of any description in sight which made me start to feel suspicious and this was correct as I was asked for an additional €60 in cash before I could progress to see a kayak. After a long debate in which I explained that I had paid in full and didn’t wish to pay more money in cash I had to walk away and have now taken this up with my Credit card provided to retrieve my payment.
Tourists beware that these people work in the Venice area and will financially hurt you if you are not prepared. I got a better kayak experience that I found in person for one fifth of the money in the same area only days later.
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Posted On : 2023-09-17 15:40:04
Posted By : liveinwilliams
This was the highlight of our visit to Venice. To see pristine nature and get the history of Venice and Burano directly from a native of burano was amazing. Phillips was friendly, knowledgeable and laid back. Our group was a mix of no kayak experience and someone who owns a kayak and we all still had a wonderful time. Highly recommend this tour.
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Posted On : 2023-09-15 12:09:04
Posted By : Resort596881
Fantastic tour of natural parts of the lagoon away from mass tourism. Filippo was a great guide, knowledgable, friendly, and accomodating. Glad we did a kayak taster session before our holiday, so we could just jump in and go. Lifejackets included.
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Posted On : 2023-09-03 06:34:26
Posted By : Joyce_N
We were met at the dock of Burano by Filippo, our tour guide and he gave us an unexpected walking tour of Burano as we made our way to the kayak launch. Our mother-in-law who is in her late 70's was with us but did not sign up for the tour since she thought it would be too much for her - Filippo offered to escort her on a two person kayak so she can sit back and enjoy the tour and take pictures - which she did. This was so kind of him and she loved every minute.
I am not an experienced kayaker and I loved every minute of the tour. You will definitely get a peak of a side of the Venetian Islands you would not have access to without a kayak! Since you are kayaking through an area only non-motorized fishing boats are allowed - you will get a great view of the fish and even have a few jump into your kayak - as they did with us! Our kids had to throw back fish into the lagoon!
Thank you Filippo and team for a wonderfully memorial experience!
The Nicholson's
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Posted On : 2023-08-15 12:48:38
Posted By : noelb27
Filippo was very friendly and knowledgeable about the local islands and lagoons. We were taken to places that you just can't get to normally or where tourists can get access to. So it was very peaceful, and you see the real beauty of the lagoons of Venice. Compared to the damage, the motorboats cause the islands. Very worth while but you need some upper body strength 💪
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Posted On : 2023-07-05 10:11:49
Posted By : Tom_B
Despite booking and paying in advance, we had no kayaking. They had our number, no call or text. No one ever showed up at the meeting place and we paid 350 euros (round trip for 7 people) to get to the island of Burano. Wasted both money and half a day. We asked lots of locals. No one knew where kayaks were for rent or anything about the tour. Needless to say, this was VERY disappointing! I would not book this tour. I will be looking for a refund when I get home.
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Posted On : 2023-06-29 16:42:39
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