Skuna Boats: Redefining London’s Waterway Experiences

Skuna Boats is a pioneering company in London that has transformed traditional boating into a unique leisure experience. Founded in 2013, it offers innovative floating activities such as hot tub boats, BBQ cruises, sauna boats, and igloo boats, allowing both locals and tourists to enjoy London’s waterways in extraordinary ways. With year-round attractions that combine relaxation, entertainment, and adventure, Skuna Boats has redefined what it means to spend time on the water.

Introduction to Skuna Boats

When most people think of boating, they imagine traditional vessels—perhaps sightseeing tours or private yachts. Skuna Boats broke away from this conventional idea by introducing something entirely different. By combining wellness, social gatherings, and adventure, the company reimagined London’s waterways as a playground for relaxation and fun. What began as an innovative concept has grown into one of the city’s most unique attractions, drawing attention from media, influencers, and everyday adventurers.

The Origins of Skuna Boats

Skuna Boats was established in the 2010s with a vision to provide people with a new way of experiencing London. While some sources cite 2013 as the founding year and others mention 2017, what remains clear is that the founders wanted to design experiences that combined leisure with originality. Their mission was simple: to take the beauty of London’s canals and docks and pair it with experiences that couldn’t be found anywhere else.

The founders, Tommo (Stuart Thomson) and Blandy, designed Skuna Boats to create memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences that appeal to locals celebrating special occasions and tourists looking for something beyond the typical London attractions.

Skuna Boats Experiences

Skuna Boats is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead, it offers a variety of unique floating adventures tailored to different moods, seasons, and groups. Each experience has its own charm, ensuring that every visit is fresh and exciting.

The Hot Tub Boat

Perhaps the most iconic of Skuna’s offerings is the hot tub boat. Imagine cruising through Canary Wharf while sitting in a warm, wood-fired hot tub heated to around 38°C. These self-drive boats allow guests to relax in soothing waters while enjoying the stunning city skyline.

• Capacity: Up to seven people per boat.

• Duration: Approximately 75 minutes.

• Unique Feature: Fresh water is used for every trip, ensuring safety and cleanliness.

The hot tub boats are especially popular during winter when the contrast between the chilly air and the steaming hot tub creates a magical experience.

The BBQ Boat

Food lovers are drawn to Skuna’s BBQ boats, which combine dining and boating in a way that feels both social and adventurous. These circular boats come equipped with a central grill, utensils, and seating for up to 10 people.

Guests can bring their own ingredients or choose from curated food packages inspired by American, Mediterranean, or fusion themes. The joy of cooking fresh food while floating along the water makes this experience one-of-a-kind.

• Capacity: Up to 10 guests.

• Highlight: Social, fun, and perfect for group celebrations.

The Sauna Boat

For wellness enthusiasts, Skuna Boats introduced the UK’s first floating sauna. Inspired by Scandinavian traditions, this boat is a wood-fired sauna that allows guests to sweat, detox, and relax while gliding through the Docklands.

The sauna boat is ideal for individuals or groups seeking health and relaxation. Paired with cold-water plunges, it offers a holistic wellness experience that feels both exotic and accessible.

The Igloo Boat

For colder months, Skuna introduced the igloo boat—another world-first innovation. These boats feature enclosed igloo-style domes that are heated and cozy. Guests can enjoy Alpine-style fondue, warm blankets, and even hot water bottles as they cruise through the water.

The igloo boat blends romance, fun, and comfort, making it a favorite for winter getaways and festive outings.

Why Skuna Boats Stands Out

Skuna Boats has captured attention because it offers more than just a boat ride. Here’s why it stands apart:

Innovation: From hot tubs to igloos, the creativity behind these boats is unmatched.

Year-Round Appeal: With heated options, Skuna is not limited to summer seasons.

Social Connection: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, stag/hen parties, or corporate events.

Accessibility: Located in Canary Wharf, Skuna Boats is easy to reach by public transport.

Unforgettable Experiences: Guests don’t just ride a boat—they make memories that last.

The Skuna Boats Atmosphere

One of the reasons Skuna Boats has become such a success is the atmosphere it creates. Whether it’s friends laughing while grilling burgers on a BBQ boat, couples soaking in the hot tub with a view of the London skyline, or wellness enthusiasts sweating it out in the sauna boat, the vibe is always lively, inclusive, and joyful.

This atmosphere has made Skuna Boats a top choice for celebrations and group outings. Many visitors describe their trips as “bucket-list experiences” that showcase London in a completely new way.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Customer feedback highlights Skuna Boats as an unforgettable adventure. Many visitors rave about the uniqueness, cleanliness, and friendly staff. On platforms like TripAdvisor, it consistently ranks as one of the most unusual and enjoyable things to do in London.

Guests often share that the combination of novelty, fun, and relaxation is unlike anything they have ever tried before. The boats are frequently praised for being well-maintained and thoughtfully designed, while the staff ensures that every group feels safe and comfortable.

Skuna Boats and London Tourism

London is one of the world’s most visited cities, with millions of tourists arriving each year. Traditional attractions such as the London Eye, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace draw large crowds. However, Skuna Boats taps into a growing trend in tourism: the desire for unique, Instagrammable, and experience-driven activities.

By offering boat trips that are interactive and original, Skuna Boats has positioned itself as both a tourist hotspot and a local favorite.

Events and Group Bookings

One of Skuna Boats’ strengths lies in its flexibility for group events. Whether it’s a birthday, corporate gathering, or even a marriage proposal, Skuna creates an intimate yet adventurous environment.

For businesses, it provides a refreshing alternative to traditional team-building activities. For couples, it adds romance and novelty. For friends, it guarantees laughter and bonding.

The Future of Skuna Boats

Given its success, Skuna Boats is expected to expand its offerings and possibly bring its concept to other cities. The company has already proven that there is demand for unusual and entertaining water-based activities, and its model could work in other urban settings with waterways.

Future innovations may include new themed boats, partnerships with food and beverage brands, or even global expansion.

Tips for Experiencing Skuna Boats

If you’re planning a Skuna adventure, here are some helpful tips:

Book Early: Popular times, especially weekends, sell out fast.

Dress Smart: For hot tub or sauna boats, bring swimsuits. For igloo or BBQ boats, dress warmly and comfortably.

Plan Food: If choosing the BBQ boat, decide whether to bring your own food or order a package in advance.

Consider the Weather: While Skuna is great year-round, each boat has its own seasonal charm.

Bring Friends: The experiences are designed to be social and fun.

Conclusion

Skuna Boats has transformed London’s waterways into a hub of creativity, leisure, and adventure. From hot tubs to saunas, BBQs to igloos, its innovative experiences go far beyond traditional boating. Whether you’re a tourist seeking something extraordinary or a local looking to celebrate in style, Skuna Boats offers an unforgettable way to connect with the city.

By blending fun, wellness, and luxury into every trip, Skuna Boats has carved out a niche as one of London’s most unique attractions. It’s not just a boat ride—it’s a story, an experience, and a memory that lasts long after you step back on land.