Pleasure Boats Cruise on Lake Geneva Switzerland
Cruise on Lake Geneva Switzerland is one of the unmissable things to do in Geneva.
After the quick tour of Berns we decided to take time to relax and enjoy the tranquil of this elegant city Geneva. That was possible only on a ferry boat of Geneva Lake. One hour is a short time but definitely the most picturesque way to see Lake Geneva. All along the shore we saw lovely colorful facades of French style villas.
Boat Rides in Geneva Lake
Lake Geneva has the shape of a crescent, with the horns pointing south. There are different boat ride combinations covering the different parts of this lake. We chose the one hour round trip from and to Geneva.
We enjoyed our trip from the deck chair on a boat cruise. The views we got to see were of old castles, mansions that belonged to rich, new tall buildings and even a good view of the United Nations building; all of them in a visual capsule of one hour. This, probably is the best way to see the highlights of Geneva.
Many companies along the lake shore line offer various combinations for excursions in the lake. Check the time that you can spare and fit in a cruise in the lake.
It was windy that day and we saw catamarans topple over like little toy boats. Guess that is the kind of thrill the sailors look out for in their little yachts.
Paid Activities in Geneva Lake
Recreational activities are very popular on Lake Geneva. If you have time enough you can rent powerboats, yachts, kayaks, windsurfers, and pedalo pedal boats in many large towns around the lake including Lausanne-Ouchy and Nyon.
Do check: Things to do in Yercaud Tamil Nadu: Boat Ride in Yercaud Lake
Geneva Lake Tour
Other ways to circumnavigate this huge lake is by walk and by biking. A stroll through the 26 mile shoreline park can take at least 8 to 9 hours, provided you are physically fit and agile.
There are biking options too along the shoreline.
What? You want to swim in Geneva Lake? Well that is possible… there are 116 public beaches along the lake. Most of them are safe for swimming.
Geneva Lake Color: Turquoise or Emerald?
Believe me the color of water in Geneva Lake is mesmerizing, at the same time hard to decide whether the shade of blue-green is turquoise or emerald. (adding here that I had the same confusion in Sapi Island of Malyasia.)
Lake Geneva was formed by a withdrawing glacier. The average depth is 154.4 m while its deepest point between Lausanne and Évian is 310 m, making it the second deepest lake of Switzerland.
Water of Geneva Lake has shades of beautiful turquoise and emerald hues. It’s beautiful colors result from glacial particles known as rock flour that reflect the blue-green sector of the light spectrum.
Fine silt is formed when rocks underneath the surface of the ice are grinding from the movement of the glacier. This silt is rock flour. It is very light and stays suspended in the lake water for a long time. The sunlight that reflects off these particles is what gives the lakes their spectacular turquoise blue or green color.
Free things to do in Lake Geneva
One obvious most loved free activity is to dip your legs in the shores of the lake and watch sunsets and sunrise.
There are yellow shuttle boats, which form part of Geneva’s public transport system, called yellow submarines or Les mouettes. Rides in these yellow boats are included free in the Geneva transport card provided by all hotels and hostels in Geneva. Boats run every 10 minutes. Take free trips back and forth across Lake Geneva.
Also Read: Canal Cruise in Amsterdam, Mandovi River Cruise in Goa
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A cruise on the Geneva Lake sounds really an enchanting experience. We missed Geneva on our last trip there. Hope to make up next time.
This must be thrilling rides right? I remember the Seina river cruise in Paris to be the most thrilling experience.
Sorry fate of the poor yacht!
This looks like a lot of fun…Boat Ride, water sports n all. Lovely pix.
Beautiful post. I would like to repeat the question Anu has asked.
A boat ride sounds like a perfect thing to do on a sweltering summer day.
WATER ON WEDNESDAY
Water on Wednesday
And other days too,
Water for me, friend,
And water for you;
Water as ocean
And water as sea,
Water for you, friend,
And water for me;
Every day water
In puddle or ice
Or snowflakes or mist—
Oh, water is nice!
© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher
The Pacific at San Diego
how did you do it, I was looking at the photo before I read you commentary. I had to move up and down, until I read.
I agree you. This way the business grows more so people could see Geneva from the water point of view and this is awesome!
Watery Wednesday
Spectacular….I especially like the 2nd photo down.
LYDIA ANN LIGHTHOUSE
Hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday!
Truly wonderful experience.
Nice shots!
Sounds like a lovely cruise around the harbour. 🙂
a beautiful day for sailing. my neighbor left for Switzerland last Saturday…i hope she gets to experience this, too.
Lovely sailing! I'm not so good with motion , so the water has to be calm!!!
A beautiful place and lovely pictures!
Wind-surfing is great fun, try it sometime in boiling surf! Were the black swans still there?
Geneve looks like a very nice place, never been there, but I hope some day. My husband also uses such a board.
Thank you for your concern about my country.
Happy week to you!
Danke für Dein Besuch bei uns in der Schweiz. Sehr schöne Bilder…
Liebe Grüsse
Hans-Peter
looks wonderful!! how did u manage to do that with the mouse?
nice photos….
Water and boat is always irresistable
Pheno
Looks like a wonderful way to spend some time!
Looks like a wonderful way to spend some time!
You must have enjoyed a lot at Geneva. The lake looks wonderful and you have taken lovely shots.
beautiful! Boat rides are the BEST!
Love how the boat toppled over! I just learned how to do mouseovers yesterday so I'm thrilled to see tour creative use. 🙂
What beautiful shots along the lake.
You brought back memories!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
We take cruises whenever possible. I can't think of a better way to see the sights in a gorgeous setting.
I love Lake Geneva! What lovely memories you photos evoke! Thank you!
Sylvia
Lovely city.
Must be a good rule of thumb on every coastal town we visit to take a cruise.
I haven't taken a cruise by SF yet and I've lived around the area for the longest time.
Have a lovely week.