The Venice lagoon is one of the most important moist earths in Europe. Travelling by boat is the best way to observe the inimitable landscape of the amphibious environment. With your own boat you can venture into the most unusual, hidden places, sailing through its many islands and fishing valleys, to discover its wonderful Naturalistic Areas.
Even tourists are allowed to occasionally navigate the Venetian lagoon with their own boat, provided they comply with the provisions of the Navigation Code. However, only recreational boats that meet specific conditions are permitted to access the inner canals: the boat must be owned by a resident of Venice's Historic Centre or Islands, or have a valid water space concession in the Historic Centre or Giudecca, and must have a gross tonnage under 5 tons. Visitors can fully enjoy the beauty of the lagoon, but entering the inner canals of the historic centre is not allowed.
Issuing procedure:
A useful resource before navigating the lagoon is Il Manuale del Lagunante — a practical guide for both professional operators and recreational boaters. The manual outlines key navigation rules, signage, speed limits, the morphology of the lagoon, issues related to wave motion, and many other essential pieces of information. It can be downloaded from the official website of the City of Venice.
1 - Concerned persons: Identification Mark for Boats (Contrassegno di Identificazione):
Since August 31, 2002, all motorboats without a registration plate (i.e., not officially registered) and with an engine power greater than 10 HP (7.36 kW) are required to display identification marks when entering the Venetian lagoon. These marks must allow authorities to identify the person responsible for the vessel.
How to Obtain a Temporary Identification Mark:
The temporary identification marks are issued by the Tourist Information Offices (APT - Aziende di Promozione Turistica) of the Province of Venice. You must complete a specific application form for a temporary permit. This form can be collected directly at any APT office. Upon submission of the form, the applicant will receive a pair of temporary stickers to be applied to the boat. At the time of application, you must pay: €10.00 as an administrative fee; €30.00 as a refundable deposit. The identification marks must be returned to the same Tourist Information Office within 30 days of issuance, otherwise the deposit will be forfeited. Only temporary marks can be issued by the APT offices. Permanent identification must be obtained through different official channels. The return and issuance must both take place at the same office.
Important Note:
All signage related to navigation — including instructions and rules — is also displayed on the briccole (the traditional wooden markers used throughout the lagoon).
Speed Limits in the Lagoon:
There are specific speed limits in the Venetian lagoon—both general limits for all boats and special limits for certain areas or vessel types. Speed limits, where indicated, are expressed in kilometres per hour (km/h) — not in knots or nautical miles — and must be respected by all boats, except possibly public transport vessels (battelli di linea), depending on local regulations. The general and absolute speed limit for all boats — including battelli di linea — throughout the lagoon is 20 km/h, even where not explicitly posted.
In some lagoon canals, the limit is 11 km/h, such as: The canal running along the north side of Venice, from the mouth of the Cannaregio Canal to the end of the Arsenale. The canal along the island of Sant’Erasmo, from Torre Massimiliana to Capannone and to the northern tip of the island. In most lagoon canals that pass through salt marshes (barene) or alongside smaller islands, the limit is 7 km/h. Within city canals, there is a general speed limit of 5 km/h. Violations of speed limits are subject to significant fines, although penalties may vary depending on which authority has jurisdiction over the waters where the offence occurs.
Signage:
Unlike road traffic signs, lagoon navigation signs do not replace the official ordinances and regulations issued by the various maritime or local authorities. Boaters are legally required to comply with all such regulations, even if they are not visibly posted through signage. Currently, signage used in the lagoon is similar in appearance and meaning to road traffic signs. In some areas, traffic lights (semafori) may also be used to control boat movement.
Navigable Canals:
“Navigable canals” are clearly marked waterways, identifiable by natural or artificial banks, or by the presence of briccole (wooden markers), poles, or other elements that signal the route. It is important to note that most minor canals are not considered navigable, especially for motorboats.
Tide Forecast and Warning Center:
This center provides real-time and forecast information on tide levels in the city and throughout the lagoon. It offers up-to-date tide data and high water (acqua alta) predictions up to 48 hours in advance. Phone service: Available from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM — Tel: +39 041 2748787 // Voicemail (24/7): // Pre-recorded messages — Tel: +39 041 2411996
Regulations:
In the Venetian lagoon, navigation is governed not only by the general Navigation Code, but also by a range of specific regulations issued by: The City of Venice, The Province of Venice, The Venice Harbour Master’s Office, The Chioggia and Caorle Harbour Master’s Offices, The Port Inspectorate of Venice, The Venice Water Authority (Magistrato alle Acque). A key regulation is the “Regulation for the Coordination of Local Navigation in the Venetian Lagoon”, issued by the Province of Venice, which outlines rules of conduct, speed limits, and signage standards. Additionally, Ordinance No. 25/2002, issued by the Government Commissioner for Water Traffic in the Venetian Lagoon, established Lagoon Traffic Restricted Zones (ZTLL) within the historic centre of Venice and some of its environmentally sensitive islands.
Blue Zones (Aree Blu):
Three specific “Blue Zones” have been designated within the Venetian lagoon where motorized boats wider than 2.30 meters are prohibited, with the exception of typical and traditional Venetian boats, which include: Bragozzo, Bragagna, Trabaccolo, Peata, Burchio, Burchiella, Sanpierota, Topo, Topa, Battello a Pizzo, Batela, Cofano, Sandolo, Pattanella, Carlina, Bateon. These zones are marked on official navigation charts and include: Northern Lagoon: From the Portegrandi locks to the mouth of the Dese River, and from the Silone Canal to the Rigao-Lio Piccolo Canal. Central Lagoon: The area west of the Passaora Canal near Sant’Erasmo. Southern Lagoon: Areas outside the Piovego, Sette Morti, and Novissimo canals.
Shallow Waters (Bassi Fondali):
In shallow water areas, motorized navigation is prohibited outside marked channels, unless using typical and traditional boats (as listed above). Specific restrictions apply: In Blue Zones (Bassi Fondali): Maximum engine power: 10 HP Maximum speed: 5 km/h Outside Blue Zones (Bassi Fondali): Maximum engine power: 15 HP Maximum speed: 7 km/h. All zones and restrictions are clearly indicated in official navigation charts, which are essential for safe and lawful boating in the lagoon.
Useful information:
Comune di Venezia
Ufficio Mobilità Acquea
Tel: (+39) 041 2748750
Email: spazi.acquei@comune.venezia.it
Provincia di Venezia
Settore Mobilità e Trasporti
Tel: (+39) 041 2501876
Email: trasporti@provincia.venezia.it
text and photo from APT- Venezia
