Last updated: 17 July 2023
If you’re looking for a unique experience that’s both incredibly fun and relaxing then you can’t go past hiring a Skuna Hot Tub Boat in London! Become the captain of your very own floating hot tub and take in sights whilst relaxing in wonderfully warm 38 degree water. Bliss.
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Skuna Boats, formerly Hot Tug, is an experience like no other. It’s billed as “the world’s first wood-fired floating hot tub”, and it’s a bespoke experience which lasts 75 mins with each boat able to take up to seven adults although six is more comfortable.
The hot tub boats are self driving, with the nominated captain of your group responsible for controlling the speed and direction from the back of the boat. The water on board is kept at ~38°C (100°F) and continually warmed by the wood burner at the front which makes it ideal no matter the weather on the day of your visit.
To ensure that hygiene standards are adhered to, Skuna Boats advises the water in the hot tub is changed after every hot tub boat experience which means that all visitors can rest assured that they have new clean water for their 75 min soaking experience.
Book your Skuna Boat Hot Tub Boat Experience
What to Expect on a Hot Tub Boat in London?
Upon arrival you’ll receive a safety briefing and operational instructions so you have a good understanding of how to navigate the hot tub boat and make the most of your relaxing time in the water.
Following the briefing you will be able to get changed in the heated changing cabins, which ensure privacy and comfort, and are fitted with lockers, power sockets, and mirrors too. There will be one large locker provided for each group so you won’t need to worry about sorting individual lockers. For an additional cost, you can also rent a towel and robe.
Once you’re ready to go then you’ll head outside and climb aboard your hot tub boat for your London adventure. One tip when boarding, make sure your group is seated evenly around the hot tub boat otherwise you could risk tipping into the water!
Also on board will be a floating waterproof tub which you can use for your phone/valuables. This is a good option just in case there’s anything you don’t want to leave in the locker and prefer to carry with you, just make sure to collect it when you finish your hot tub experience.
Also on board will be a floating waterproof tub which you can use for your phone/valuables. This is a good option just in case there’s anything you don’t want to leave in the locker and prefer to carry with you, just make sure to collect it when you finish your hot tub experience.
Once you’ve launched your hot tub boat and on your nautical way then be prepared to have your photo taken by smiling crowds because the sight of a group of friends enjoying themselves in a wood-burning heated hot tub boat is still a novelty in London! During our hot tub boat experience, swans and other wildlife seemed completely unfazed by our surprisingly quiet motorised hot tub.
Towards the end of your hot tub experience, you’ll arrive at Skuna Boats HQ, and then it’s a quick dash from the warm waters of the hot tub boat to the changing cabin. If you opted to rent a robe for your experience then this is when it will be most appreciated!
Do Hot Tub Boats Still Operate in the Rain?
The good news is that the hot tub boats run in all types of weather so you don’t have to worry about your experience being cancelled in the event of rain or snow. And speaking of hot tubs and snow, one of our favourite memories was the time we were relaxing in a hot tub at the Szechenyi Thermal Baths in Hungary when it started snowing which made the whole experience magical. So if it’s snowing on the day of your hot tub boat experience then we think you’ll have an even more amazing day!
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Can You Drink Onboard?
Yes, you sure can. Whilst your Captain must refrain from consuming alcoholic drinks, the rest of your crew are more than welcome to partake in some beverages. Unlike Go Boat, the Skuna Hot Tub Boats aren’t really the place for snacks but drinks are definitely welcome.
And let’s face it, is there anything better than the thought of soaking in a hot tub boat and enjoying the views with a drink in hand?
One thing to keep in mind, you won’t be able to bring your own drinks to your hot tub boat experience, however drinks can be purchased from the Skuna Boats bar directly. They offer beer, cider, wine, spirits, prosecco, champagne, and soft drinks.
There will be a drinks limit per passenger – max of TWO beers, or half a bottle of wine, or TWO pre-mixed spirits only.
What to pack for a Hot Tub Boat?
For your hot tub experience, you want to make sure that you pack your swimwear, a towel (although you can rent a towel and robe). It’s also a good idea to pack some flip flops (thongs, for you fellow Aussies) to wear from during the seafaring voyage.
There is a heated changing cabin and a shared bathroom but no shower facilities are available.
If your phone and/or cameras is water resistant then you shouldn’t have any issues but if it isn’t then you may want to think about the best way to utilise the waterproof tub inside the hot tub itself. Perhaps using a zip-lock bag for your phone and camera when it’s inside the tub might be a good option, just in case.
Whilst alcoholic drinks can be consumed onboard your hot tub boat (not for the Captain though), there is no BYOB so if you want to take a couple of drinks for your experience then you will need to purchase them from the Skuna Boats bar.
Hot Tub Boat Locations
Skuna Boats offer hot tub boat experiences from two locations – Canary Wharf and Lakeside Essex.
Canary Wharf
Located in the heart of the financial district of London, Canary Wharf is an ideal location for a hot tub boat adventure. Climb aboard in West India Quay and set off on your adventure surrounded by awe-inspiring skyscrapers.
Located right outside the Museum of Docklands and a 2 min walk from The Ledger Building Wetherspoons pub. Skuna Boats operate 7 days a week and offer visitors a selection of hot tub boat experiences.
Hot Tub Sunset Docklands Cruise (Shared Boat)
Experience the fun and relaxation of a hot tub boat whilst enjoying the magnificent sunset views along with a complimentary cocktail. This tour runs every Monday, Friday, and Sunday at sunset.
Hot Tub Boat Canary Wharf (Private Boat)
Why share a hot tub when you can organise your very own private hot tub boat for you and friends? Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, and or just because…
Hot Tub Boat Guided Tour (Shared Boat)
For a really unique experience where you can learn about the historic Canary Wharf Docklands, then the guided tour hot tub boat is exactly what you’re after. This tour is only available every Wednesday at 4pm.
Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex
Lakeside shopping centre, located right next to the beautiful Alexandra Lake, makes it an ideal location for a hot tub boat experience because after a day of shopping you can now unwind in relaxing 38 degree waters with your friends whilst taking in the sights of Alexandra Lake.
Located right by the boardwalk on the main lake near the outdoor restaurants, Skuna Boats operate on Saturday and Sunday.
Canary Wharf Hot Tub Boat Route
If you’re planning your next unique London experience, you might find yourself wondering where the Skuna hot tub boat actually goes in Canary Wharf? Here’s a map of the hot tub route which is available for download on the Skuna Boats website.
How Much Does a Hot Tub Boat Cost?
The cost of a hot tub boat experience depends on the location and the type of experience selected.
Canary Wharf
- Private Hot Tub Boat hire will cost £225 from Sunday to Friday and £250 on Saturday
- Sunset Docklands Cruise (shared hot tub) will cost £39 per person
- Guide tour tour (shared boat) will cost £39 per person
Lakeside Essex
- Private Hot Tub Boat hire will cost and £150 on Thursday, Friday, & Sunday and £175 on Saturday
Have You Heard About BBQ Boats?
If you’ve already experienced a hot tub boat and are looking for your next unique experience in London then you might be interested to know that Skuna Boats also offer BBQ Boats!
A BBQ Boat is similar to a hot tub boat but instead of soaking in relaxing 38 degree water, you and your friends sit around a BBQ grill and cook up a feast whilst navigating your own hot tub around the sights of Canary Wharf Docklands or Lakeside Essex
You can either bring your own food or choose from a selection of food packages available for purchase. Food packages will be prepared by Barge East Restaurant.
Final Thoughts
We absolutely loved our experience on a hot tub boat experience (back when it was called Hot Tug) and happily recommend it because it was a unique combination of relaxing in a hot tub combined with the fun of sightseeing with friends.
The Essentials – Skuna Boats
- Where: Canary Wharf and Lakeside Shopping Centre
- When: Hot tub boats run 7 days in Canary Wharf and the weekends in Lakeside
- Cleanliness: Hot tub boats utilise fresh water for each boat hire
- Canary Wharf Transport
- Tube – Canary Wharf tube station
- DLR – West India Quays
- Driving – Parking is available at West India Quays car park
- Cycling – Bike racks are available in the area
- Lakeside Shopping Centre Transport
- C2C rail – Chafford Hundred station
- Bus – Ensign bus
- Driving – Shopping centre parking
- Cycling – Cycle parking can be located outside M&S
- Cost: From £39 per person on a shared boat and up to £250 for a private boat (for up to 7 people) prices do vary
- Age: Children aged 12 and over are allowed to join their parents or guardians in a hot tub boat journey. There must be a minimum of 2 adults in the boat at all times.
More information: Skuna Boats
Disclaimer: Our hot tub boat experience was kindly provided by Hot Tug in conjunction with Love Popups London in return for an honest review. We were not financially compensated for this post.
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[…] Cruise London’s canals in a Hot Tub Tug Boat! […]
We did a Hot Tug experience in Surrey and absolutely loved it! Great to see that there’s something similar in London now too
There’s one in Surrey??!
This looks like so much fun! I would have never thought to do something like this! Thanks for sharing!
Really fun thanks Lesli.
That’s insane. Good to see there’s plenty of space for wine in there.
LOL that’s very true Gary.
Now this looks incredible! I can only imagine the kind of parties we could have in the Hot tug in London! Love your pictures!
Thanks Lisa, it’s a long way from Durban but if you make it to London it’s certainly something you can add to your itinerary.
This is so cool! Thanks for sharing!
Omg how fun! That looks like something I want to do! Boats can be limited sometimes and make your head dizzy. That tug sounds like an adventure!
Make your head dizzy? Hot tub was really good fun.
OMG!!! This looks so amazing and SO much fun!
C x
It really was Catherine, really good fun
This something so amazing. Love to try this once. All the pictures are so nice.
Thanks tried to get some good photos, too good an opportunity not to share.
This is such a fun concept. I was wondering what if you don\\\’t want to be soaked in the water all the time?
Tamanna, well it’s a hot tub so you are sitting in the tub for the hour or so that you’re boating around. It’s not that long in the grand scheme of things.
What a fun activity. This would be terrific during a bachelorette weekend. I’m not surprised people wanted pictures since it’s so unique.
It’s an ideal activity for a hen-do 🙂
This looks amazing!!
Thanks Andrea
What a fantastic idea! This would be amazing for a small hen do or a girlie day out in the sunshine! Tbh even in the winter it would be good as its warm and who cares if it rains!
Exactly Anna, it doesn’t matter if it rains, you’re already 95% of your body is wet anyway! I’d really like to try it in winter I think it would be good fun.
This looks so much fun! I have been longing to go to London and see all the beautiful scenery. This hot tub looks like a great tourist attraction. Definitely going to have to check it out.
Add it to your London list Aleah. It runs all year round so it should be running when you get to London.
Such a fun concept, I’d love this on a bright sunny day! 38 degrees sounds ideal!
38 degrees is ideal, it’s just like a bath!
I would love to do this!!!! such a cool concept
Thanks Binny, you should give it a go.
I especially loved the esky definition – this does sound like wicked fun though!
Thanks Emma, yes I realised ‘esky’ was an Aussie-ism when I said it on board the Hot Tug. I thought Hmm perhaps other people won’t know what an esky is, definition required! Hot Tug is really good fun, I was a bit nervous about revealing swimwear but in reality it was all in my head. Plenty of fun for all!
Haha this looks so funny! It must have been a site seeing you all floating down the river in it! What a weirdly cool invention.
Believe it or not Victoria, it’s come out of The Netherlands! The concept appeared in Rotterdam and the owners of Hot Tug UK thought it was perfect for London, and it is! Tempted to give it a go?