Simon's Day: Sightseeing Meets Adventure on Lake Como
When my family, friends, and I arrived on Lake Como, we expected elegant villas and beautiful scenery. What we didn't expect was to discover a lake built for adventure, thanks to the Water Experience Center.
"I thought I was getting on a boat to see the lake," says Simon, an American sports enthusiast. "Instead, I got on a boat to live it."
Our journey took us from Como past iconic landmarks like Villa d'Este, Villa Pliniana, and the Nesso gorge, all the way to Isola Comacina, Villa del Balbianello, and the Golden Triangle of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.
But this wasn't just a sightseeing cruise. Led by expert instructors, the day combined professional coaching with wakesurfing and wakeboarding. After a clear safety and technique briefing, the team tailored the experience to everyone onboard—adjusting the boat's speed and wake shape for absolute beginners and seasoned riders alike.
The highlight was finding our rhythm on the water. For wakesurfing, it was the thrilling moment the rope went slack and we were surfing the wave entirely on our own. For wakeboarding, it was all about timing, control, and learning to carve across the wake. Between sessions, we enjoyed swims by Isola Comacina and took in the views of historic villas rising directly from the water.
By the afternoon, the boat was filled with laughter, encouragement, and a shared "go again" attitude. Heading back to Como, I realized the best part of the day was discovering that you don't have to choose between adventure and sightseeing on Lake Como. You can have both.
"You can look at an incredible view," Simon adds. "Or you can jump right in, carve the water, and take home a real story."
Explore the experience: waterexperiencecenter.it