Our Story
Romantic Gondola Rides is a unique water attraction based in Sarasota, Florida and is available at your location or ours! Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or planning a wedding proposal, you can’t find another local attraction, which will provide such a unique and romantic setting! The attraction is operating during the day and evening hours. It includes a ride up to 6 people on a genuine gondola boat with an experienced gondolier dressed in the traditional attire, who will sing the most popular and romantic Italian songs. The Gondolier will assure a safe and memorable ride with superior rowing skills and cheerful personality. For the duration of the ride, the passengers will become a part of the gondolier performance, while being informed in an entertaining manner about the Italian customs and history of gondola boats through traditional Italian songs and amusing facts. Make your experience complete by bringing a bottle of fine wine and light o'dourves. Gondola rides are great for engagements, birthdays, wedding ceremonies, lunches, corporate events, sunset cruises, special occasions, bachelorette parties, and much more!
Gondola is hand-crafted in Sarasota, Florida and especially designed for a stable and smooth ride on the water. The gondola is made of fiberglass, wood and metal; it is outlined in hundreds of tiny white lights. The luxurious interior of the gondola sets a romantic mood and provides relaxing comfort.
Gondolier and business owner/operator, began a successful Gondola operation in 2000 in Sarasota, Florida. He brought a unique and romantic addition to the Sarasota social life. Sarasota Downtown and Beyond Magazine writes: “…One of our hidden treasures in this department [romance] is Boris Tsatskin…Most evenings you will find Boris standing in his gondola--one that he built by hand-providing romantics-at-heart a ride, a song and a view of Sarasota that is perhaps more foreign than most are accustomed.” Boris is a former Soviet navy officer and a rower with thirty five years of experience; he is a former member of the Soviet Olympic rowing team (1982-1984), twice champion of the USSR (1982, 1983), and a world champion in junior rowing competition in Palermo, Italy (1979). Currently, Boris is a coach in the Osprey Oars junior rowing club. In addition, Boris is a professional saxophone player, singer, and entertainer, who have performed for cultural, community, and private events all over Florida for the past ten years.