Hot Tub Boat Tour in London – London’s most unique tour

A hot tub boat on the Thames is interesting because it turns sightseeing into a literal soak. I like the way you get Docklands views from low water level, with Canary Wharf right there as you float by.

I also love the tight group size, with a maximum of just 6 travelers, so the guide can actually talk to you and help with photo spots. The main drawback is weather, since the tour requires good conditions and can be rescheduled if conditions are poor.

Key things you will notice right away

• A true hot tub, not a gimmick, with a 75 minute soak time built into the cruise
• Docklands from the water, including West India Docks and Canary Wharf views
• Small group feel, with only a handful of people on board for a more relaxed pace
• On-site bar for limited drinks, with alcohol available for purchase on arrival
• Practical water-smart gear, including a water-safe way to protect your phone (per feedback)

Why a hot tub on the Thames makes sense (and feels special)

London is full of great views, but this one is different because you are not just looking. You are actually in the experience. A hot tub boat tour in the Docklands area gives you a calm, close-up perspective that you cannot get from a bridge or a regular river cruise.

What makes it work is the combination of three things that usually do not go together: warm soaking time, a guided route, and a location that is photogenic even on an overcast day. When you cruise past Canary Wharf and the working-dock vibe near West India Docks, the city looks modern and industrial at the same time. It is a fun contrast to the more classic London skyline most people plan around.

And because it is a small group, the energy stays easy. You are not squeezed into a big crowd or fighting for a view. Even if you are not a “boat person,” this format is friendly.

Meeting at Skuna Boats near West India Quay, and what to plan for

The meeting point is Skuna – Sauna, BBQ, Hot Tub & Igloo Boats at West India Quay, off Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not dealing with a long, confusing end transfer.

Two practical tips so your start feels smooth:

• Arrive with time to change and settle in. Even when the staff is organized, you will want a few minutes to get ready without rushing.
• Bring the basics for a wet environment. The tour info says towels, swimwear, and robes are not included, but you can rent or bring them.

Also, plan on moving through a busy riverside area. The location is described as near public transportation, which helps, but it is still a London dock setting, not a quiet countryside pier.

Two hours on the clock: how the route flows

This tour runs about 2 hours total. The schedule is built around two main cruising segments plus time to get on board and settled.

Here is how the timing generally works:

• Stop 1: West India Docks (about 1 hour)
• Stop 2: Canary Wharf (about 30 minutes)

Then you finish back at the starting dock.

The key detail for planning is that the hot tub portion is the main event and is listed as a 75 minute tour in the hot tub boat. That is long enough to actually feel like you had a proper soak, not just a quick “look at the tub” moment.

West India Docks stop: industrial London you can see up close

West India Docks is the first stop, and it is where the experience turns more than scenic. You get a view of historic dock space from the water, which makes Docklands feel real instead of just “a financial district on a map.”

This is also the part of the trip that tends to feel most like a guided cruise. The tour runs with a guide onboard who can help you notice buildings and features as you pass them. One of the most common types of praise is exactly this: staff sharing what you are looking at and where to aim your phone or camera for pictures.

A small caution: if you came for nonstop city sightseeing every minute, this segment is also about slow, relaxed cruising. You are there to soak and watch. That is the point.

Canary Wharf from a hot tub: photos, skyline, and Docklands energy

The second stop is Canary Wharf, described as Europe’s financial capital. From the water, Canary Wharf hits differently. Instead of standing under tall towers and looking up, you get a flatter, more graphic view, with the skyline aligning along the river.

This part of the route is shorter at about 30 minutes, so it works well if you want a payoff without feeling stuck. It is also the segment where you can expect a lot of people to notice the boat as it moves through the area, which means it is not just for you. You will often see spectators along the waterfront.

If you care about photos, think about what makes this stop special: the skyline is clean and modern, and the perspective is low. That is a recipe for images that look different from the usual London shots.

The hot tub experience: warmth, comfort, and phone safety

The hot tub is the headline, and it is also where a lot of the small practical details matter most. The feedback you get on this kind of tour usually falls into two buckets: is the water truly comfortable, and is the setup easy.

From the tour info and experience notes you should know:

• You get a 75 minute hot tub portion as part of the tour
• Swimwear and robes are not included by default (rentals may be available)
• You should plan for a wet environment and bring something to manage it

One detail that comes up again and again is phone handling. People report using a water-safe container for phones so you can take pictures without constantly worrying about splashes. That is a big deal in a hot tub, because you get distracted when you are trying to keep everything dry.

On comfort, people also highlight that the water temperature felt right and that the ride can be calm. If you are sensitive to motion, you still might want to bring your usual motion sickness remedy, but the general impression from the vibe of the cruise is that it is not a chaotic, jarring ride.

Changing rooms, toilets, and lockers: plan like it is a real outing

Here is the tricky part. The standard tour details say private changing rooms, toilets, and storage lockers are not included. That means you should not assume you will have everything you would get in a full spa day.

At the same time, feedback from people who have done the tour describes on-site changing areas and lockers, plus clean facilities. So what should you do with that?

My advice: treat this as a water activity where you will get help, but you should still be self-sufficient.

• Bring your own dry layer for after the soak.
• If you need a toilet nearby, confirm what is available at your departure time.
• Use the water-safe phone setup and keep extra items in a bag you do not mind getting damp.

This is not the kind of tour where you want to arrive with only a flimsy plan and zero spare clothing.

Alcohol, towels, and what your money is really buying

The hot tub tour price is $62.39 per person, and it is for a very specific thing: a small hot tub cruise experience with guided sightseeing time. In other words, you are paying for access to a hot tub setup on the Thames plus a route that includes West India Docks and Canary Wharf.

Alcohol is not included. You can purchase drinks from an on-site bar on arrival, with a limit of 2 per person. People also talk about ordering margaritas and wine, so you can turn the cruise into a “treat yourself” moment, just keep that 2-drink limit in mind.

Towels, swimwear, and robes are also not included in the base info, though you can rent or bring your own. That means your real cost depends on what you pack. If you already own swimwear and a towel, you are basically paying for the tour. If you need rentals, budget a little extra.

Value check: If your idea of a good London afternoon is quiet, warm, and scenic, this can be a standout use of money. If your idea of value is a big list of famous landmarks packed back-to-back, you might find the Docklands focus too narrow.

Who should book this hot tub boat tour in London?

This tour is best if you want:

• A relax-first activity after a busy day
• A fun group format where the crowd stays small
• A unique “London story” that feels different from museums and classic sightseeing buses

It also works for people who like a guided element. Even when you are focused on soaking, a good guide helps you read what you are seeing: which buildings matter, where the best photo angles usually are, and what to notice from the river.

This is less ideal if:

• You hate water activities or are uncomfortable in swimwear
• You expect indoor warmth and a fully controlled environment no matter the weather
• You want a long, stop-heavy route. The whole thing is built around soaking time and Docklands highlights, not a multi-zone marathon.

The weather reality: a small consideration that can change your day

The tour requires good weather. That means if London is having a rough stretch, your plans may shift. The good news is that this kind of operator typically offers an alternate date or a refund if they have to cancel because of weather.

So when you book, choose a day where you can flex. I like the idea of placing this earlier in your schedule with time to adjust, rather than using your very last afternoon in London.

Should you book this Hot Tub Boat Tour from Canary Wharf?

Book it if you want a warm, small-group, off-the-beaten-path way to see London’s Docklands that you simply cannot replicate on land. The pairing of a hot tub soak with guided sightseeing is the core reason it works, and the tiny group size makes it feel more personal than most cruises.

Skip or reconsider if you are sensitive to wet conditions, you are on a tight schedule with no wiggle room, or you prefer standard landmark routes. This is a focused experience: West India Docks, then Canary Wharf, then you are done.

If you do book, pack smart. Bring swimwear and a towel plan, protect your phone with the water-safe setup, and arrive early enough to change without stress. Then sit back, watch the Docklands slide by, and enjoy the rare London activity that feels like both travel and downtime.

FAQ

How long is the Hot Tub Boat Tour in London?

The tour lasts about 2 hours. The hot tub portion is listed as a 75 minute tour on the hot tub boat.

What is included in the price?

The included highlight is the 75 minute hot tub boat experience. The sightseeing route includes time at West India Docks and Canary Wharf.

Where does the tour start at Canary Wharf?

You meet at Skuna – Sauna, BBQ, Hot Tub & Igloo Boats at West India Quay, off Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

How many people are on the tour?

This activity is described as having a maximum of 6 travelers, and it is also described as a small group with just a handful of guests.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. You may purchase drinks from the on-site bar on arrival, with a limit of 2 per person.

Do I need to bring swimwear, robes, or towels?

Towels, swimwear, and robes are not included. You can rent them or bring your own.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What stops are included on the route?

You visit West India Docks and Canary Wharf. West India Docks is listed as about 1 hour, and Canary Wharf is listed as about 30 minutes.

What happens if the weather is bad or the tour is canceled?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes within 24 hours of the start time are not accepted.