Venice in 1 Day for Friends - Guided kayak through Cannaregio & Castello canals
In Collaboration with Nicolò Caoduro . Updated on February 3, 2026.
Active, social afternoon paddle led by a local Venetian rower. Meet at Reale Società Canottieri Querini on Fondamenta Nove for a short club visit and paddling briefing, then launch for a guided kayak tour through Cannaregio and Castello canals (historic sights, bridges and a rowing-club visit). Finish with a classic Venetian spritz and a short neighborhood stroll.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Nicolò Caoduro , inspired by the tour Cultural Kayak Tour: Discovering the City’s Canals. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided kayak through Cannaregio & Castello canals
- Visit to Reale Società Canottieri Querini (historic rowing club)
- Post-tour spritz & cicchetti at a local bacaro
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet your guide at the historic Reale Società Canottieri Querini. Briefing, light club visit, then an 80-minute guided kayak session through Cannaregio and Castello canals. After paddling, enjoy a local spritz and a short stroll to the Venice Ghetto.
Meet & check-in — Reale Società Canottieri Querini (Fondamenta Nove)
Arrive at the club entrance. Check-in, show booking, sign waiver and stow any prohibited items. The guide will confirm skill level and pair doubles if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early to get locker access and chat with the guide — groups start on time.
- Wear your quick-dry sportswear and shoes you don’t mind getting wet; you’ll be fitting lifejackets and foot braces here.
- If you need directions, call/WhatsApp the guide at the number on your booking; Fondamenta Nove is a well-known vaporetto stop.
Club tour & paddling instructions (onshore)
Short inside tour of the rowing club and hands-on paddling instruction on shore: strokes, steering, safety procedures, and pairing for double kayaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask about the club’s history — guides love telling anecdotes and it makes a better conversation starter for the group.
- Practice foot-brace and paddle grip adjustments while onshore so you can be comfortable once launched.
- Tell the guide if you’ve paddled before — they may pair you differently or adapt the route for your level.
Guided kayak: Cannaregio & Castello canals — on the water
Launch from the club and paddle under Venetian bridges along quieter Cannaregio and Castello canals. The guide mixes technique drills with cultural commentary (ghetto history, the medieval Arsenal area, Venetian Gothic palaces). Group photo service included (guide will take pictures).
Tips from local experts:
- Keep paddling rhythm with your partner — it makes the boat faster and gives better photos (ask the guide for a group photo stop).
- Watch for local boat traffic and follow the guide’s positioning; waves of 30–40 cm can appear near passes — stay relaxed and lean into the stroke.
- If you want footage, use a helmet/hat-mounted GoPro or wrist-mounted camera — handheld phones are not allowed while paddling; the guide will send photos after the tour.
Return, rinse & debrief at the club (photos & wrap-up)
Secure kayaks, remove lifejackets, change if needed. The instructor will confirm send-out of photos and answer follow-up questions or future session bookings.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small towel or a light dry layer to change into quickly at the club.
- Ask the guide how they prefer tips or small donations — some guides accept cash or digital payments.
- Confirm how the photos will be delivered (WhatsApp/email) while you’re still at the club so you won’t lose the chat thread.
Post-tour spritz & cicchetti — Al Timon (bacaro)
Celebrate the paddle with an informal spritz and shared cicchetti at a lively, local bacaro in Cannaregio — perfect for a friends’ group to swap highlights and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a couple of cicchetti to share (sarde in saor, meatballs) — they’re great for groups and cheap to sample a variety.
- Al Timon is popular with locals; if your group is 4+, ask for a table or perch at the fondamenta early to secure space.
- Try the house spritz or a small carafe of wine — it’s a local vibe and a relaxed way to wind down after exercise.
Optional short stroll — Cannaregio to the Venice Ghetto (photo stops)
A 20–30 minute easy walk along the fondamenta to the historic Jewish Ghetto: narrow canals, local shops and final photo opportunities before evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes—the stroll is flat but surfaces are uneven; it’s a great cool-down after paddling.
- If you want a quieter photo, head up the small side bridges away from the main fondamenta for local scenes.
- Plan dinner nearby if you’re staying out — Cannaregio has many good group-friendly trattorie; ask the guide for a recommendation.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Experience, Sport, Break, Restaurant, Neighborhood |
