Gondolas are quite large boats tbh. Me, my brother, my sister, and my mother all sat in the same gondola together and there were no issues. You need to be physically able to get into and out of a boat but there’s plenty of strong Italian men helping you out with this so!!! We saw people of all ages and abilities getting into the gondola with no problem. Gondola has a mandated set price of 80/90€ or 120€ at night (Italian law) so it’s pricey but split between 4 it wasn’t bad. All licensed gondoliers must wear striped shorts / sweaters (it’s their uniform) so don’t accept a ride if they’re not in their uniform. Many gondoliers own their own boats, are generationally employed this way, and you have to be Venetian to be a gondolier (no other people are allowed this job, just locals). You don’t have to take the first gondola you encounter, it’s your ride so don’t get stuck with a dude who isn’t about his job. Our guide was super friendly, informed us all about his job, his boat, and his city, and was fine with me filming him in the background. Would I do this again? No, it’s expensive and a tourist trap. But it was worth it because my family wanted to do it and tbh the main waterway was beautiful. Let me know any questions you have about riding in a gondola if you’re plus size below ⬇️