Desenzano del Garda is the gateway to the lower lake and one of the most convenient bases for renting a boat on Lake Garda. From here, you can reach Sirmione and Isola del Garda in just a few minutes, and you can explore the widest and calmest part of the lake even without a boating licence: the boat tour in Sirmione is the most popular outing in this area.

This guide collects prices, navigation rules, destinations and practical tips to help you choose well in 2026.

Choose your case

Before booking, identify the situation that best matches yours:

• You don’t have a boating licence and want independence: a motorboat up to 40.8 HP is the right choice. See the licence section.
• You’re going with family and want calm waters: the lower lake between Desenzano, Sirmione and Padenghe is the most convenient area.
• You only want the prices: skip to the 2026 cost table.

Why Desenzano is a good base on Lake Garda

Desenzano is the largest town on Lake Garda and is located on the south-western shore, in Lombardy. Its position makes it a natural base for exploring the lower lake, the widest and most sheltered part, where the water is generally calmer and the distances between villages are short.

From the port of Desenzano, you can reach Sirmione in no time, sail along the shores of Valtenesi and head towards Isola del Garda. This is the ideal area for first-time renters who want a peaceful first experience on the lake, leaving the upper Garda—narrower and windier—to those seeking alpine landscapes and sailing.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Desenzano

The price depends on duration, boat size and season. A motorboat without a licence costs on average around €278 per day, with a range of roughly €150 to €450 depending on the period and model. Here are the useful references.

Indicative average prices for 2026, motorboats up to 40 HP. Prices vary by operator, size and season. Peak season on Lake Garda generally runs from mid-June to late August. Boats requiring a licence, which are more powerful, have higher rates.

Short trips cost less than a full day and are a good choice for a first try. Always check what’s included: fuel, insurance, deposit and actual duration can change the comparison between two offers.

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Do you need a boating licence in Desenzano

No, for the most common option. A motorboat with power not exceeding 40.8 HP (30 kW), within the limits set by Article 39 of the Nautical Code (Legislative Decree 171/2005), can be operated without a boating licence. Operators typically require renters to be at least 18 years old.

As on all lakes, on Lake Garda the 6-mile limit from the coast—a marine concept—does not apply.

Instead, speed limits near the shore and the navigation rules established for the lake apply, which the operator will explain upon delivery. With the 40.8 HP limit, you can cover most of the lower lake, from Sirmione to Valtenesi. Beyond this threshold, or for larger boats, a licence is required.

Which boat to choose in Desenzano

On the lower Garda, three main types of boats are rented, each suited to different uses.

• Motorboat without a licence: hulls around 5-6 metres and 40 HP, seating 6-7 people, the most popular option for an independent trip between Desenzano, Sirmione and Valtenesi. Easy to handle, suitable even for beginners.
• Motorboat with skipper: a boat driven by a professional, ideal for a scenic trip to Sirmione and Isola del Garda without worrying about navigation. Higher rates, usually charged by the hour.
• Sailboat: Lake Garda is one of the most popular lakes for sailing, but it performs best on the upper lake, which is windier. Requires experience or a skipper on board.

The choice depends on what you’re looking for: independence and affordability with an unlicensed motorboat, relaxation with a skippered motorboat, or sport and wind with sailing on the upper lake.

What to see from the lake starting from Desenzano

The lower Garda offers some of the lake’s most beloved destinations, all within a short distance from the Desenzano port.

• Sirmione: the peninsula with the Scaliger Castle, the Grotte di Catullo and thermal waters, one of the lake’s iconic images.
• Isola del Garda: the largest island on the lake, with its villa and gardens overlooking the water, best admired from a boat.
• Valtenesi and San Felice del Benaco: the Lombard shore of hills and olive groves, with small coves and the Rocca di Manerba.
• Punta San Vigilio: an elegant promontory on the Veronese shore, reachable when the lake is calm.

Many of these destinations are best appreciated from the water, which is why a boat is the best way to experience the lower lake.

Winds and when to go

Lake Garda has regular winds that shape its daily rhythm: a northerly breeze in the morning and a southerly one in the afternoon, which can strengthen and make the lake choppy in the middle hours, especially when heading towards the centre of the lake. On the lower Garda, which is wider and more sheltered, conditions are generally calmer than on the upper lake.

The best season runs from May to September, with June and September being quieter than the peak summer months. It’s always wise to check forecasts and ask the operator about the day’s conditions before setting off.

When not to rent

There are days when it’s better to postpone. With strong winds or storms forecast, the trip should be postponed: even the lower lake can become choppy quickly. If it’s your first time at the helm, choose a stable day, stay in the lower lake and don’t stray too far from base. The midday hours of a windy day are often less comfortable than the morning.

Families with young children or those seeking pure relaxation might consider renting with a skipper, who handles navigation, wind and rules.

Hidden costs and what to know before booking

In addition to the rental fee, it’s worth clarifying a few points before booking:

• Deposit: almost always required at handover and refunded upon return if the boat is returned undamaged.
• Fuel: included in some rentals, excluded in others—especially for longer trips—so always check.
• Insurance and excess: optional coverage reduces risk in case of damage; otherwise, an excess remains payable by the renter.
• Documents: a valid ID is required, and a boating licence if you exceed the unlicensed limits.
• Actual duration: check whether the hours include refuelling and the initial briefing.

Clarifying these points in advance is the best way to compare two offers on a like-for-like basis.

How to book on The Boat Platform

On The Boat Platform, you’ll find rental boats in Desenzano del Garda, with and without a licence, and you can contact the operators directly—no intermediary commissions. You can compare prices, check what’s included and agree on times and departure points with the provider. It’s the same quality of offer as other marketplaces, but without the 18-23 per cent commission that elsewhere is added to the rental price.

For an overview of the lake, check the guide to renting boats on Lake Garda, while those looking to compare with another major lake can read about renting boats on Lake Como.

In summary

Renting a boat in Desenzano del Garda is the easiest way to experience the lower lake, between Sirmione and Isola del Garda, even without a licence.

With a motorboat up to 40.8 HP, you can set off without a licence, at an average cost of around €278 per day, with a range between €150 and €450. More than the calendar, the wind matters: set off in the morning, stay in the lower lake if it’s your first time, and book directly—without commissions.