Published on Sep, 2024

After a couple days in tourist-clogged Venice, it was an absolute treat to board an early morning vaporetto for Burano where I met my guide Filippo at the vaporetto stop. Together we strolled through the quiet and colorful streets of Burano to the local rowing club. After a briefing on Burano, the local fishing community and the award-winning Buranese gondoliers, we launched our kayaks and set off on our tour of Burano, Mazzorbo, and Torchello, traveling through tranquil canals only reachable by kayak and with a local guide. While we did not see flamingos on this trip, we did see a number of bird species and wild goats as we glided through marshes and down the Torchello canal that Hemingway dubbed "Paradise."

Published on Sep, 2024

After a couple days in tourist-clogged Venice, it was an absolute treat to board an early morning vaporetto for Burano where I met my guide Filippo at the vaporetto stop. Together we strolled through the quiet and colorful streets of Burano to the local rowing club. After a briefing on Burano, the local fishing community and the award-winning Buranese gondoliers, we launched our kayaks and set off on our tour of Burano, Mazzorbo, and Torchello, traveling through tranquil canals only reachable by kayak and with a local guide. While we did not see flamingos on this trip, we did see a number of bird species and wild goats as we glided through marshes and down the Torchello canal that Hemingway dubbed "Paradise."

Published on Jun, 2024

This tour was unlike anything you can find in Venice and led by a very capable, kind and considerate guide. He was born, raised in a waterman household and has returned to work in Burano after many years as a water guide, so has a very deep connection to the ecology and made us feel safe. We took the early morning ferry to Burano leaving from the Venice Nove station near the hospital. It left at 8:10 and got us to the dock before 9. We didn't realize at the time how special it was to see Burano empty before the crowds descend. Each house is painted a vibrant color and surrounded by long grass and wildflowers, it feels Caribbean and fun. Filippo met us at the ferry and toured us through town to the charming Burano boathouse. We learned that the tail of every gondola in Venice represents the Rialto river plus its six major boathouses. The Burano boathouse rowing teams are very famous for consistently winning major races throughout history. We were able to catch a four-person team stand-up rowing in unison. It is amazing to see their wooden boats up close and realize the connection back to the more touristy gondolas you see in Venice. Kayaks are stored in the same boathouse and an attendant helped carry them to the ramp launch. You do about two hours of rowing through the wetlands and farmland, and see how the fisherman operate. Our favorite section was Hemingway’s backyard and called the paradise canal. There were baby swans at the entrance and gorgeous wildflower fields surrounding. Mid tour you will really feel yourself relax in the quiet and the beauty. Filippo surprised us at the end with a short, animated video of each stop on a map interspersed with photos he took of us. This was a special gift to be able to share the experience with the rest of our family back at home. The boathouse has a locker room with very clean showers, bring a towel and change of at least bottoms. Post tour we ate at an exception restaurant owned by Filippo’s family called “Primo” (middle of town, left side as you face the biggest church). We wanted to support him further no matter the quality, but the food was absolutely exceptional and worth every penny. You can tell it’s where the local families like to go for special meals and was not all tourists. We stopped at Murano on the way back to Venice, but Burano was our favorite.

Published on May, 2024

Awesome experience! Filippo is a very personable guide who can authentically speak about the local history, environment and culture. Length of tour (2.5 hrs) is just the right length, felt like we got some time in nature, learned a lot, and had a great time! And you *can* get to Burano by 9 a.m. from Venice on the 8:10 #12 from Fondamente Nove! Highly recommend this.

Published on Nov, 2023

it is a very special experience to experience the beautiful nature of the lagoon in all peace and quiet, with an excellently organised nature guide!