London’s famous hot tub boats transform into floating swimming pools as temperatures soar
Skuna Boats battles the London heatwave with a dramatic ice bath stunt and the launch of their new lido boat experience.
As London bakes in a scorching summer heatwave, the city’s iconic Hot Tub Boat experience is officially turning the temperature down. Skuna Boats, located in the heart of Canary Wharf, has come up with a clever way to help people cool off.
Instead of heating the boats, they’re now lowering the water temperature to around 28–30°C, transforming them into private floating lidos for groups looking to escape the crowds. Swapping its signature cosy wood-fired heat for a refreshing, crisp swimming-pool vibe.
A Cooler Way to Experience Canary Wharf
Rather than squeezing into a busy public lido or searching for space in one of London’s parks, you and your friends can hire your own floating pool and spend an hour or two cruising the docks.
To celebrate the launch, the Skuna team filled one of their boats with two tonnes of ice (supplied by their friends at Ice Box), creating an icy plunge pool to showcase just how versatile the boats can be. Thankfully, that’s just for fun—the new summer experience offers a much more comfortable swimming pool temperature.
What to Expect – A Private Mini Lido Without the Crowds
The new lido boats include:
Adjustable Water Temperature
For the summer months, the boats are being filled with cooler water, making them ideal for sunny afternoons while still warm enough to enjoy as the evening cools.
A Private Experience
Each boat is booked exclusively for your group, so there’s no sharing with strangers or battling for space during London’s busiest summer weekends. Groups can now hire London’s only private, floating ‘swimming pools’.
Drinks on Board
You can also purchase chilled drinks and Skuna’s signature captain’s hats before setting sail, making it an easy option for birthdays, celebrations or simply making the most of the sunshine.
Is It Worth Trying?
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in London this summer, this is definitely one of the city’s more unique experiences.
The adjusted 30-degree setting offers a perfect, refreshing dip for a hot afternoon, whilst still allowing for a perfectly warm soak during a breezier sunset.
Whether you’re planning a catch-up with friends, celebrating a special occasion or simply want a different way to enjoy Canary Wharf, swapping a crowded lido for your own floating pool sounds like a pretty good idea.
“When London hits a heatwave, you have to improvise,” says the team at Skuna Boats.
“Think of our boats this summer as a private mini lido for you and your crew. Hot sun, cool water, but with the same epic views of the Canary Wharf.”
Where to Book
The floating lido experience is available throughout the peak summer weeks from Skuna Boats in Canary Wharf. As places are limited and dates fill up fast, it’s worth booking in advance if you’re planning to visit during the summer. Londoners are encouraged to grab their crew and claim their boat before the sun goes down.
Have you ever been on one of London’s hot tub boats? Let me know if this is something you’d try!
For more information, to view the chaotic ice stunt video, or to book a summer cruise, visit skunaboats.com.
