Yacht in Venice 2026: new rules and how to see the Lagoon in a different way

You already know that Venice is definitely worth seeing from the water. But reality makes serious adjustments to this idea. The city, tired of mass tourism, is introducing new restrictions that directly affect private vessels. Now renting a yacht in Venice is not just a matter of budget, but rather a task of fine navigation between rules, prohibitions and finding those routes that are still available.

We have studied the latest regulations and talked with local captains to compile an up-to-date guide for those planning a cruise in 2026.

New rules for charter flights in Venice: what you need to know before booking

The navigation situation in the Venetian Lagoon has become much stricter. Here are the main points you should know about before signing the charter agreement:

1. Access system and entrance fee (Contributo di Accesso Lagunare).

For all private vessels with a length of more than 14 meters wishing to enter the central area of the Lagoon (including the approach to San Marco and the Grand Canal), advance online booking and payment of an environmental fee are required. The amount of the fee depends on the size and type of the vessel, its engine (electric or internal combustion engine) and can range from 200 to 1,500+ euros per visit. Without booking confirmation, you may be deployed at a checkpoint.

2. No-go zones.

In 2026, the list of canals in the historical center was expanded, where private motor vessels are completely prohibited from entering. This applies to many small canals in the Dorsoduro and Cannaregio areas. Captains are required to use strictly defined main permitted channels.

3. Strict restrictions on overnight parking.

Free overnight mooring in the historical center is practically prohibited. There are only a few legal places left in designated areas that need to be booked in advance. Increasingly, yachts are forced to spend the night outside the center — on the island of Lido, in Cellesia or even in Chioggia (Chioggia).

Where and how can I sail on a yacht in Venice 2026

Taking into account the new rules, the classic route “Grand Canal Islands” has undergone changes. Most captains now offer the following model:

Part 1: Venice from the sea.

Instead of entering the narrow channels, the yacht makes a circular detour around the historical center from the outside. You will see the panorama of San Marco, the Doge’s Palace and the bell tower from a unique perspective — from the open Lagoon. Then the vessel anchors in one of the permitted water areas, from where you can use the provided tuzin (motorboat) or water taxi to get to the desired berth in the city. Although it adds time, it is completely legal and eliminates problems.

Part 2: Exploring the Eastern Lagoon.

The main time of the cruise is now shifting to lesser-known, but no less beautiful corners.:

Chioggia: “Little Venice” in the south of the Lagoon. A colorful fishing port, fewer tourists, excellent seafood restaurants and the possibility of mooring in the modern marina Porto di Chioggia.

Isola di Eraclea and Lido di Jesolo. Head north to the sandy beaches and pine groves. The waters here are shallower and calmer, there are fewer restrictions, and the nature is completely different.

Torcello and Burano remain in the program, but they are often approached in the same way — from the outside, followed by a transfer to a boat to enter the narrow channels of the islands themselves.

Yacht rental prices in Venice in 2026

New rules and fees have affected the cost. The price now consists of several mandatory parts:

The basic cost of a charter (yacht + captain): from 800 euros/day for a small motor yacht (10-12 m).

Ecological fee for the entrance to the Lagoon (Contributo di Accesso): 200 – 1000+ euros (one-time, depends on the ship).

The cost of mooring: In the marina on the Lido — 80-150 euros / night, in Chioggia — 50-100 euros / night. An overnight stay in the historical center, if it can be arranged, will cost from 300 euros.

Additional services: Tuzin/water taxi rental for transfers to the center, guide services.

Bottom line: The minimum budget for a 3-day charter for a company of 4-6 people starts from 4,000 – 6,000 euros, including all fees and basic meals.

Top tip: Look for the right captain

In the new conditions, your captain is the key to a successful cruise. He should not just steer the ship, but:

Have current licenses for swimming in the Venetian Lagoon.

Clearly know the procedure for obtaining passes and parking reservations for 2026.

To offer a realistic and legal route adapted to the new rules.

Have contacts of local services for organizing transfers to shore.

At Anyships, we cooperate only with those captains and yacht owners in Venice who work in full compliance with the updated regulations of 2026. Our experts will take over the entire bureaucratic part: they will book the necessary passes, coordinate the route, arrange mooring and land transfers. We offer not just yacht rentals, but legal and comfortable access to the Venetian Lagoon in the new realities.