Riva motorboats on Lake Garda: experience a unique adventure
Remember the boats James Bond uses to escape or chase down villains in the famous '007' films? Some of these have surely caught your eye on the waters of Lake Garda, far from the movie sets. Riva motorboats on Lake Garda are a must for anyone looking to explore the area aboard a luxury vessel.
But what exactly are Riva motorboats, how do they differ from others, and why is a ride on one of these boats a once-in-a-lifetime experience? We’ll explain it all in this article, along with some activities you absolutely must try.
Riva motorboats: a story of Italian craftsmanship and luxury
The story of Riva motorboats begins in 1842, when the founder, Pietro Riva, opened one of the first boatyards on Lake Iseo in Sarnico. At the time, he was a young repair expert who quickly gained the trust of locals by restoring numerous fishing boats that had been damaged during a sudden storm.
In his workshop, he created various classy boats, but the brand wasn't as famous as it is today. It was his successors who made the name known worldwide. With the introduction of combustion engines on boats by his son, Ernesto, the market shifted towards transporting goods and people, with a tourist focus that allowed for long tours around the lake. Then, under his heir, Serafino, the aesthetics were revolutionised, improving the quality of materials and attention to detail. Riva motorboats became extraordinary vessels, and since the 1950s, many celebrities have been photographed aboard this magnificent craft, turning Riva into a sought-after brand, symbolising Italian quality and tradition.
Among the most exceptional models are the Aquarama, also known as the 'Ferrari of the Sea' or the 'Stradivarius of boats', alongside others like the St. Tropez, Ariston, Tritone, Aquarama Special, and the Monte Carlo Offshorer 30. What sets them apart are their design, materials, engine quality, cutting-edge technologies, and meticulous attention to detail.
Cinema, James Bond, and the love for Riva motorboats
Many stars have fallen in love with the beauty of the Riva, as have directors who wanted these boats in their films. Anita Ekberg, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Clooney, and Elle Macpherson have owned – or still own – one. Several models have also appeared in films such as 'Nikita', 'Men in Black', 'Il sorpasso', and 'La grande bellezza'. Of course, we can't forget the James Bond series, where the secret agent – played by Pierce Brosnan – was immortalised at the helm of an elegant Riva Aquarama in 'Goldeneye' (the 17th film, released in 1995).
The best experiences for sailing a Riva motorboat on Lake Garda
Sailing around Lake Garda on a Riva is a unique experience you should try at least once in your life. It’s perfect for those who want to indulge in the pleasures of luxury, explore the area by gliding across the lake’s waters, and admire the villages and shores of Lake Garda from an unexpected perspective.
You can depart from several ports (Bardolino, Gardone Riviera, Salò, San Felice del Benaco, Sirmione, Lazise, and Garda) by renting a motorboat with a professional private skipper. This is the perfect way to relax, with a gentle breeze in your hair, fully enjoying the experience without any worries. On board the Riva, you can imagine living like a superstar or playing the role of a movie protagonist. The trip can be topped off with an aperitif, perhaps sipping a bottle of sparkling wine from a renowned local winery and enjoying snacks (or fresh fruit), all accompanied by soft background music.
This is a magnificent activity to give the bride-to-be (and her friends) an unforgettable hen party – or a memorable stag do. It's also a great idea for a romantic couple who want to take advantage of the scenic setting to propose, for a group of friends looking for an original lake excursion, or for anyone who wants to relive the emotions of the Dolce Vita years.
How does renting a Riva motorboat on Lake Garda work?
There are various rules to follow when navigating Lake Garda safely. The navigation regulations are essential as they determine, for example, speed and noise limits in different areas, near the shores or ports, as well as zones where engines are not allowed.
Even without a boating licence, you can still rent a vessel, such as a Riva, with the assistance of a skipper, ensuring complete safety and peace of mind. At NowMyPlace, we offer a variety of options to suit all needs, providing private skipper services. You can book a rental through our online site. Simply choose the port of departure, the number of participants (which can vary depending on the type of experience), the date, and time. Payment is made online, selecting from the available methods, and you will receive a confirmation email. It’s a quick and easy process, allowing you to book the activity at any time without waiting for an operator.
Why choose NowMyPlace for Riva motorboat rental on Lake Garda?
Renting a Riva motorboat with NowMyPlace allows you to relax and focus on the emotions and beauty of the experience. All our experiences are carefully selected so that every moment on the Riva is unique and unforgettable. We work only with the best partners and offer only private skipper-led tours to ensure maximum safety for all participants.
These Italian-brand motorboats embody elegance and luxury, a common theme that extends to the attention to detail both in exploring the area and in complementary activities, such as the onboard aperitif and the choice of background music.
By choosing NowMyPlace’s Riva motorboat rental, you can count on:
- reliable skippers with boating licences and extensive navigation experience;
- attentive and discreet service that caters to your every need;
- an itinerary designed to surprise and delight you, aboard one of the world’s most beautiful vessels.
This activity, in particular, will help you create wonderful memories and enjoy magical moments with your loved ones, discovering the area from a privileged position.
Are you ready to be moved by this experience? Discover all our Riva boat trips and other activities offered by NowMyPlace in our catalogue!
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