Navigation rules on Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a unique destination, world-renowned for its natural beauty. Find out the rules to follow to experience it safely.

navigation Lake Garda

Allowed speeds

20 knots

daytime

5 knots

overnight

3 knots

in the ports

The main rules

  • during daylight hours the speed limit is 20 knots, which is reduced to 5 knots at night
  • in ports, the maximum speed is 3 knots
  • within the Gulf of Salò, in the stretch between the mouth of the Barbarano stream and Punta del Corno, the maximum speed allowed is 15 knots during daylight hours (the night limit of 5 knots remains)
  • motor boating is allowed beyond a distance of 300 meters from the coast (the protection zone is reduced to 150 meters in the coastal stretches of the Gulfs of Salò and Romantica included between the mouth of the Barbarano stream and the Rocca di Manerba, around Isola del Garda, and at the end of the Sirmione-Punta Grotte promontory)
  • driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited
  • in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Province of Trento, the navigation of motor units is prohibited
  • water skiing is allowed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at a maximum speed of 25 knots in light, in good weather conditions and calm lake, maintaining a distance of 500 meters from the shoreline
  • sailboats and public transport ferries always have priority

For more details regarding prohibitions and rules of way, please consult the official guide of the Province of Brescia.