The boat transit system was very impressive. Each stop had a little pier that was well labeled with a system map, time table, and list of boat routes that came to that stop.
There were two operators on board, one driver and one to tie off the boat and help people embark and disembark. The drivers were all very good and gently steering into the dock and the other worker would tie off quickly and slide open a gate to let people on/off. Then he would flick the rope free and the driver would ease away and head to the next stop. Even with heavy traffic they maneovered without the slightest difficulty. Clearly naval navigation skills are essential here.
One of the larger 'bus' sizes.
This is for a smaller route. People ride fore and aft in the cabin areas, but the best spot is really in the middle, the only part that is fully open to the air.
Here is another transportation option- a water taxi - very expensive.
One of the students noticed the speed limit signs on the first day. The highest speed I saw was 20 between two of the islands.
The speeds are on these posts that mark the shipping channels around the lagoon.
We've been passed by a speeding ambulance boat twice.
There are a ton of different kinds of work boats. Mostly flat to load with various cargo.
The trash trucks on this large barge made me laugh.
This cruise ship is clearly too large to be here at all. It towers over the buildings along the shore and is nearly as tall as the carillon tower in St Marco square.
And of course you can't forget the gondolas too! Each one is beautiful inside and out, sleek black wood with velvet cushions inside and gold colored trim. I read that there used to be up to 10,000 but there are now only 350. The job of gondolier is so coveted that it is passed down from father to son. The gondolas are made from 7-8 different kinds of wood including lime tree, and they are constructed to be slightly off balance to the right when empty because the gondolier stands in the rear on the left.
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