Grill on the Thames in a floating igloo? Yes, to that Skuna BBQ has outlandish ratings
June 11, 2025
Imagine cruising the Thames in a boat with a hot tub, grilling delicacies in the middle of the deck or enjoying fondue in a cozy floating igloo. This is not fantasy, but reality offered by Skuna Boats - one of London's most original attractions. This unique company has created a whole new category of entertainment on the water, combining relaxation, a culinary experience and beautiful views of the British capital's skyline. Regardless of the weather or the season, Skuna Boats provides an unforgettable experience that attracts locals and tourists alike looking for something more than the standard sightseeing in the city.
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Three unique experiences on the water
Skuna Boats offers three completely different but equally fascinating concepts for spending time on the water, each one a separate adventure and providing a different experience. All attractions are located in West India Quay, close to bustling Canary Wharf, making them easily accessible to those in central London.
The first and most recognizable option are the Hot Tub Boats - boats equipped with hot tubs where the water is kept at a constant temperature of 38°C. This is ideal for any weather, whether on cool autumn evenings or during the summer heat. Imagine relaxing in the warm water while the boat slowly moves along the Thames, offering views of London's iconic buildings. Each Jacuzzi boat can accommodate up to 8 people, making it an ideal option for social gatherings, hen or stag parties, or just a special date.
The second option is BBQ Boats - unique doughnut-shaped boats with a grill centrally located on the deck. This option allows you to prepare your own meal during the cruise, a perfect combination of culinary adventure and exploration of the city from an unusual perspective. BBQ boats can accommodate up to 9 people, and the central placement of the grill means that all participants can take an active part in preparing the meal. This is an excellent alternative to traditional barbecue gatherings in the park or garden - here there is an element of adventure and unique views.
The third, and most seasonal, option is Igloo Boats - boats with a waterproof dome that protects passengers from the weather while providing a panoramic view of the surroundings. After the cruise, participants can enjoy an alpine-inspired feast, with fondue as the main attraction. This option is available until May 11, 2025, after which it will return on September 13, 2025, making it a limited attraction worth planning ahead for.
Each of these experiences has its own unique character and offers something more than a typical boat tour. Hot Tub Boats are about relaxation and indulgence, BBQ Boats are about culinary adventure and staying active, and Igloo Boats combine a cozy atmosphere with a gourmet meal. What's more, all of these options are available most of the year, with Skuna Boats currently operating five days a week (Thursday through Monday), with plans to expand to seven days a week as of April 1, 2025.
It is worth noting that each experience begins with a short training and safety briefing. One person in the group must be designated as the captain, who must not consume alcohol during the cruise. However, no special skills or boat driving experience is required - all the necessary information is provided before departure, and the boats are designed to be easy to operate even for people who have never sailed before.
The duration of each experience varies slightly: the Hot Tub Boat cruise lasts 75 minutes, the BBQ Boat offers a 100-minute adventure, and the Igloo Boat provides a 90-minute experience. In each case, the time includes both instruction and the cruise itself, allowing you to get the most out of each option.
Interestingly, Skuna Boats is not just about individual cruises for small groups of friends or families. The company also offers options for larger events, able to accommodate groups of up to 140 people, making it an ideal choice for corporate team-building events, birthdays or other occasions requiring a customized approach. At any one time, Hot Tub Boats can accommodate up to 40 people, and using a fleet of BBQ Boats, up to 100 participants can be accommodated.
Organization and conduct of the an extraordinary cruise
Organizing a cruise with Skuna Boats is a simple and transparent process, although it does require some advance planning, especially for larger groups or on popular dates. The company has a flexible booking policy, requiring 50% payment in advance to secure the date. This down payment is fully refundable if the reservation is canceled at least 10 days before the scheduled cruise. For reservations made less than 10 days or for shared boats, full payment in advance is required.
Before booking, consider which of the three experiences best suits your group's expectations. Hot Tub Boats are ideal for those looking to relax and unwind, BBQ Boats will work well for groups who want to be active while preparing a meal, and Igloo Boats are for those who appreciate a cozy atmosphere and a culinary experience. Each of these options offers a different experience, but they all have in common the unique perspective of viewing London from the water.
Upon booking and arrival, participants are greeted with a welcome drink and an alpine-inspired snack. This is followed by a brief training session, during which the boat's captain is appointed and all the necessary information regarding safety and operation of the vessel is provided. The first 30 minutes of the experience is a private cruise with a guide, who introduces participants to the secrets of navigation and shows the most interesting places visible from the water. The remaining 60 minutes are spent enjoying the hot tub on your own, barbecuing or enjoying fondue, depending on the option chosen.
With Hot Tub Boats, the water in the Jacuzzi is heated to a constant temperature of 38°C, ensuring comfort regardless of weather conditions. The boats are equipped with towels and changing rooms, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of a hot tub. BBQ Boats, on the other hand, offer all the necessary barbecue paraphernalia, and participants need only bring their own products to prepare the meal. Igloo Boats provide not only a cozy shelter from the weather, but also a complete fondue set waiting for participants after the cruise.
It is worth noting that all boats are designed with safety and ease of use in mind. They require no specialized knowledge or skills, and Skuna Boats' instructors go to great lengths to ensure that every participant feels confident and comfortable on the water. The boats travel at slow speeds, allowing even those without experience to enjoy their surroundings and navigate safely.
In terms of availability, Skuna Boats currently operates five days a week, Thursday through Monday, with extended hours on weekends. As of April 1, 2025, there are plans to expand operations to all days of the week, increasing flexibility in scheduling. Igloo Boats, as a seasonal option, are available until May 11, 2025, after which they will return on September 13, 2025. So it's worth planning to book in advance, especially if you care about a specific date.
For larger groups, Skuna Boats offers special packages that can include several boats at once. This is ideal for corporate team-building events, birthdays or hen/bachelor parties. Hot Tub Boats can accommodate up to 40 people at a time, and using the BBQ Boats fleet, up to 100 participants can be accommodated. The company also offers the ability to personalize the experience, tailoring it to individual customer needs and expectations.
An interesting aspect of Skuna Boats' offering is the ability to combine different experiences. Some groups choose to start the evening by relaxing in Hot Tub Boats and then moving on to BBQ Boats for a shared meal. Others choose to take an Igloo Boat cruise and then continue the evening at one of the surrounding restaurants or bars in Canary Wharf. The flexibility on offer allows you to create the perfect plan for your special day or evening in London.
A unique experience in the heart of London
The location of Skuna Boats in West India Quay, right next to bustling Canary Wharf, is no accident. This area of London, once a center of maritime trade, has undergone an impressive transformation in recent decades, becoming one of the city's most modern and dynamic business districts. However, despite its modern architecture and business character, it has retained its connection to the water and maritime history, making it an ideal location for an attraction like Skuna Boats.
West India Quay is a historic dock that was a key part of London's harbor in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was mainly used to unload goods imported from the West Indies, hence its name. Today, the historic warehouses have been transformed into restaurants, bars and galleries, creating a unique blend of history and modernity. As you cruise the surrounding waters on a Skuna boat, you can admire both the historic buildings and the imposing skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, providing a fascinating contrast and perspective on the city's development over the centuries.
The very idea of a boat with a jacuzzi or barbecue may seem extravagant, but in fact it harkens back to a long tradition of spending time on the water that is deeply rooted in British culture. The Thames has always been the heart of London, and boats and barges of all kinds have been an integral part of the urban landscape. Skuna Boats reinterprets this tradition in a modern way, combining it with contemporary forms of relaxation and entertainment.
It is worth noting that Skuna Boats is not only a tourist attraction, but also a popular destination among Londoners. Locals often choose these boats for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or simply weekend get-togethers with friends. This speaks to the authenticity and quality of the experience, which goes beyond typical tourist entertainment and becomes part of local social life.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Skuna Boats is the opportunity to experience London from a completely different perspective. Seen from the water, the city presents itself differently than it does from land - iconic buildings, bridges and waterfronts create a skyline that changes with the time of day and year. Particularly magical are the sunset cruises, when the last rays are reflected in the glass facades of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, creating a spectacular view.
Skuna Boats also offers a unique seasonal experience. In winter, when the temperature drops, the contrast between the cool air and the warm water in the hot tub creates a unique experience. In summer, on the other hand, BBQ Boats allow you to combine your cruise with a traditional British barbecue, the perfect way to spend a long summer evening. Igloo Boats, available at certain times of the year, introduce an element of seasonality and exclusivity that attracts those seeking a unique, limited-edition experience.
Interestingly, Skuna Boats is also an example of an innovative approach to business in the travel industry. The company identified a niche in the market and created an entirely new category of entertainment that combines elements of traditional boat trips with modern forms of relaxation and socialization. This innovative business model has attracted media attention and won praise from both customers and the travel industry.
The environmental aspect is also worth mentioning - Skuna's boats are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment. They move at low speed, which reduces fuel consumption and noise emissions, and the company places great emphasis on responsible use of water resources and waste disposal. This is an important element at a time of growing environmental awareness and a push for sustainable tourism.
All in all, Skuna Boats offers much more than just a boat ride - it's a comprehensive experience that combines elements of relaxation, dining, socializing and city exploration. Whether you choose the Hot Tub Boat, BBQ Boat or Igloo Boat, you can be sure you're in for an unforgettable adventure that shows London from a whole new perspective. This is an excellent example of how traditional elements of the urban landscape can be reinterpreted in creative and innovative ways, creating unique experiences for locals and tourists.
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