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.

Geneva Lake Boat ride

Cruise on Lake Geneva Switzerland

Light House in Lake Geneva

Light House in Lake Geneva

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

ParaSailing in Lake Geneva

ParaSailing in Lake Geneva

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.

116 public beaches along Geneva Lake Switzerland

116 public beaches along Geneva Lake Switzerland

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.

View of shores of Geneva Lake Switzerland

Emerald colored water of Geneva Lake

Emerald colored water of Geneva Lake

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.

Botanical Gardens of Geneva

Botanical Gardens of Geneva sighted from Lake

Also Read: Canal Cruise in Amsterdam, Mandovi River Cruise in Goa

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