If there’s one thing everyone knows about Venice it’s that most of the streets are made up of canals and all the movie stars can be seen riding in classic wooden water taxis. Now, what many people don’t know is how these Venice water taxis are organized and how to use them correctly. If you are a first-time visitor to Venice this can be a rather stressful and confusing at first, but have no worries, we are here to ensure you don’t take an unwelcome swim in a canal! Just follow our 11 top tips about Venice water taxis and you’ll be a pro at navigating the watery streets!

#1 Share a Water Taxi
First off, water taxis can be a bit on the pricey side. For example, a ride from the Venice Marco Polo Airport can cost up to a whopping 100 euros! On the bright side, however, water taxis can hold a larger number of people (up to 10 people) so sharing the cost with a small group is greatly suggested!

#2 Feel Like a Hollywood Star
If you are in the mood for some luxury, taking a water taxi is perfect for you! With their plush leather, open-air seating and private drivers, these sleek wooden boats provide you with unique views of the city that will make you feel like a star from all the Hollywood movies!

#3 They Are a Lot Faster and Easier
Water taxis are also the best choice if you are in a hurry or if you are carrying luggage. They allow you to avoid the hassle of the shuttle bus or ferry and you won’t be stuck awkwardly trying to keep hold of your bulky luggage while riding over moving water. Convenient? I think yes!

#4 They Are Located in Handy Locations
There are taxi stations at all major sites and transportation areas. At Marco Polo Airport, the water taxi ticket booths are located facing the exit right by the baggage claim, while the taxi’s themselves are just a walk down the moving sidewalk at the boat piers.

#5 Beware of Unlicensed Water Taxis
Beware of unlicensed water taxis! It is not unheard of to have rogues swindle unsuspecting tourists. To avoid this unfortunate circumstance book a water taxi with a yellow stripe for all licensed water taxis are required to have a yellow strip with a license number

#6 Beware of the Gap!
When getting off or on the water taxi be aware that there could be a large gap between the boat and the pier. This may make it difficult to enter or exit, but your driver will be there to give you a helping hand.

#7 Learn to Balance
Along with there being a possible large gap from the boat to the pier, low and high tides can also cause difficulty navigating from boats to the pier or vice versa. So, don’t be shocked if you may need to bring out your best balancing act while using a water taxi!

#8 You Have to Carry Your Own Bags
If you’re like many of us, you tend to over pack and have rather heavy luggage. It may be hard, but you may want to leave a few outfits at home for when taking a water taxis heavy luggage can be a no no. This is because water taxi pilots aren’t allowed to leave their boats so you will basically be alone to carry your heavy luggage to your hotel.

#9 Many Canals Are Blocked Off
Because many hotels don’t have private boat landings and many canals aren’t navigable by water taxis, it is likely you will have to take a little stroll from your drop off to your hotel.

#10 Get Around the Small Quiet Canals
However, water taxis can navigate many places other forms of transportation can’t like smaller canals and quieter districts of the city. So while you may have to take a little stroll to your hotel, at least you won’t have to take a serious hike which could be the case if you took other transportation. I don’t know about you, but I prefer to save my hiking for the mountains and not the city streets!

#11 Tipping Isn’t Expected
A good top tip to remember from this list is that tipping your driver isn’t required or expected. This may sound odd and unbelievable, but you really are not expected to tip your driver, instead a nice show of appreciation and kindness is very welcomed!