Boating on Lac Leman

During the Summer months, life in Geneva revolves around Lac Leman. Last year, that meant many evening swims after work or picnics with friends. This week, we had the opportunity to enjoy it in a new way, via boat.

A few months ago, Geneva’s version of Groupon, BuyClub, featured a deal which I couldn’t let pass: 2 hours of boating on the lake. The package included 2 hours on a boat large enough for 8 people, the option to tube and a bottle of champagne. Renting a boat is typically quite an expensive proposition, especially in Geneva, so securing this deal at 60% off the regular price was perfect!

As it was a popular deal, we had to wait two months before we could use the voucher. The wait paid off as Wednesday night could not have been more perfect. After a full week of rain and cool weather, we were blessed with sunshine and 85 degree temperatures as we each left our offices Wednesday night. At 6:30, ready for some relaxation, we met our boat on a dock near the Jet d’eau. Our group took their offer to bring our own snacks and beverages seriously, bringing multiple bags of food for the boat trip and our BBQ afterwards.

Within minutes of leaving the dock we cracked open the beers and wine. We were all ready for a mid-week break. 104

We couldn’t get over how lucky we were not only with the weather but also how clear the views were. We were able to see the snow topped peak of Mt Blanc from the boat.

This was one of those discount vouchers that certainly didn’t disappoint! The boat was large enough that everyone could comfortably lounge on either the stern’s padded seats or towards the captain up front.

While some of the group spent most of the adventure chatting and catching up, the rest of us quickly dove into the water for swimming and tubing on the banana.

Tubing is so much fun, but wow I forgot how sore it leaves you the next day! The guys and girls took turns on the banana tube which was far harder to stay balanced on than a large circular tubes.

All too quickly our boat headed back to the dock just as the sun was starting to set. Luckily the evening didn’t end when we stepped on the dock as our next destination was a lakeside barbecue to celebrate Ed’s birthday. The rocks along the lake were packed with other people grilling but after a short walk we found an open area perfect for our small grill and our spread of food including veggies & dips, crackers & cheese, olives, fruit, chicken & sausage for the grill, Greek salad, and imported Oreo cookies! Bo and I definitely want to buy a small BBQ so we can do this more often!