FAQ

General 

What is the story behind My Swiss Lake Tour? 

At My Swiss Lake Tour, we believe that Swiss lakes are underrated and deserve more attention from locals and visitors alike. 

We find that options to go on the water are limited, mainly:

a) big cruise liners with no trip customisation, no swimming stop, no water sports, no privacy, no transfers, no pick-ups

b) boat rental agencies with high cost, strict licence requirements, no guide, no transfers, no pick-ups

My Swiss Lake Tour was created to fill the gap and address the abovementioned downfalls. 

Why is one of your tours more expensive than the total of 4 tickets with a large lake cruise operator for a 1 hour tour? 

What you get is not comparable. On a My Swiss Lake Tour you will have ALL of the below:

-your own boat  (that you can even steer yourself!)
-your own skipper & guide 

-your own flexible itinerary & your own music

-your own watersports experience with supplied gear (available as an add-on)

-a unique, personalised, unforgettable experience away from the crowds

-access to locations only we can reach 

-your own car with driver (transfers available as an add-on) 

Do you run tours all year round?

-The main season starts in June and runs to mid September. However My Swiss Lake Tour offers tours ALL YEAR except in December, January, February and March when temperatures are usually too low to have fun on and in the water. Our availabilities are always up to date and allow for instant online booking. Should you require assistance regarding special arrangements, please get in touch. 

What is a RIB? 

Our boat, a RIB, is a form of powerboat that is lightweight, high capacity, fast, stable & seaworthy. It has a solid hull designed for planning and airtubes on each side giving it plenty of bouyancy. These caracteristics make it well suited for lakes and for transportation on the road. 
 

What is the difference between a boat trip on a Swiss lake and a boat trip on the open sea? 

No tides, no currents, only small waves. Usually little wind. The shore is always close. The water does not contain salt. 

This makes our boat tours particularly enjoyable! 

Why is this website in English only? 

At My Swiss Lake Tour, we prefer to invest in our equipment and in our tour quality. We have decided not to generate translation and development costs knowing that almost everybody understands English. 

Before the trip

Can I participate on my own? 

Of course, you can participate on your own, however we work as a charter so we don't sell individual spots on the boat. Hence, it is worthwhile getting a small group together so the cost can be shared. 

Do you accept more than 4 participants? 

The group size of 4 stems from our physical capacity to transfer guests to the 4 lakes we visit in Switzerland (scenic tours) and from the size of our boat to enjoy a comfortable half-day or full-day tour. Our shorter Mini and Night tours on lake Zurich can accommodate 6 participants. 

We can always split groups larger than 4 into two sub-groups. Contact us and we'll be happy to find a solution. 

How do I change the date of my tour? 

You can change the date or even cancel the tour for free (full refund) up to 7 days before the original tour date. For a date change we will look for a date in the future that suits both parties.  If the tour date is less than 7 days away, we cannot accept requests for refunds but we can try to find a new date subject to availability. 

What happens if the weather forecast is unfavorable for tour day? 

Our team constantly monitors the weather forecast and would be in touch with you the day before the tour or before. First we will try and rebook your tour to a different date. If we cannot find a date that works for both sides, we will issue a refund. 

Can I book to go on a boat tour the same day? 

Yes and no! The cut-off is 10 hours prior to tour start time. At My Swiss Lake Tour, we are as flexible as possible, but we do need some preparation time to offer the best possible tour experience.

Example 1: Tour starts at 9.30pm. You can book this night tour until 11.30am the same day! 

Example 2: Tour starts at 9am. You can book this tour until 11pm on the night before. 

What happens after I pay online?  

Once you have successfully paid for a booking, your boat tour is confirmed and a member of our team will get in touch with you shortly afterwards. We work with instant booking & confirmation meaning there is no wait on your side to get your confirmation. Provided the weather is compatible, the tour is on! 

During the trip

Can I customise the tour? 

By default, our tours have a set itinerary. Of course, you can ask for customisations as long as the overall duration of the tour is not impacted. Examples for this would be: extra swimming stop, longer/short stop ashore, stop at petrol station, extra bathroom stop. 

What speed is the boat going? 

We use the full spectrum from 5 - 50 km/h according to criteria like: passenger comfort, speed regulations, water sport activities. 
-within 300 meters from the shore and in harbors, the maximum speed is 10 km/h in Switzerland. 

-for tow surfing the ideal speed is 20-30 km/h, for wakeboarding it is 25-30 km/h, for tubing 10-30 km/h, for knee boarding 20-30 km/h. 

Will I need a wetsuit to go swimming in the lake? 

This is a personal consideration. Some of us are comfortable wakeboarding or swimming without a wetsuit with a water temperature of 19 degrees or less. Others require the temperature to be 23/24 degrees to feel comfortable. According to public data lake Zurich water is above 20 degrees in June, July and August. The other lakes we visit like lake Brienz and lake Lucerne are typically a little colder. If in doubt bring your own wetsuit (we unfortunately cannot provide all the sizes needed). Our skipper will make sure all activities - including swimming- are performed in the safest possible way.

How do I get into and out of the water?

Getting in is easy. Slide in slowly or jump in from anywhere you want, the choice is yours. Getting out works well using handles on the side of the boat and a little physical effort. If needed our skipper or members of the group can help with this.

What are the lunch arrangements? 

Two main options here for our scenic tours: Either bring your own or eat at a restaurant which our skipper will gladly book for you. 

Do you provide refreshments and snack during the cruise? 

For logistical reasons we do not provide food or drinks. However, we are never too far away from a small grocery store or a restaurant if there is a need to buy supplies. Eating and drinking (soft drinks) is of course allowed on the boat. 

Is there a WC on the boat? 

There is no WC on the boat, but we are never more than 5 minutes boat ride away from the shore or 15 minutes away from a restaurant. 

Will I get motion sickness during the transfers or on the boat tour? 

We can't exclude this situation completely, but so far, no participant has ever been feeling sick in the car or on the boat.