Six people in one gondolas

I’m pretty sure we saw some groups of 6. Our RS guide suggested going through the back corner of Piazza San Marco, farthest from St. Mark’s and there are many gondolas there. I think it’s called Fondamente Orseolo. We had a great ride.

Or try Row Venice, in which a small group is given rowing lessons on the back canals. Pre-covid, it was 90 Euros for 90 minutes. They should have a web site, so google them. It's harder than it looks!

Apparently the limit has been reduced from 6 people to 5, due to the prevalence of overweight people who cause the gondola to ride too low in the water.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/21/venice-gondola-tours-reduce-capacity-due-to-overweight-tourists

Perhaps you may find a gondolier who is willing to overlook this if you party includes small children. When you walk around the site, You will encounter many gondolier stands, and you can ask.

Grazie

I thought six maybe was over the limit. We have teenagers and an 11 yr old with us.
I guess the best thing to do is not prebook anything in advance.
I will just go up to the gondolas and ask if they can take 6.

They had some bigger gondolas that would accommodate 6 when we were there. I think if you want one, you need to reserve it the day of, as in the afternoon for an evening cruise, not just show up.

I dont think there is a best - they congregate around certain areas, like taxi stands. Ask your hotel for the nearest one. When we did it there was one person standing on the "dock" who acted like a dispatcher, and thats who we had made arrangements with.