If you were down at Bristol Harbour Festival in July, you might have spotted something a little odd on the water. No, we’re not talking about cardboard boat races or jetpack stunts – we’re pretty used to those these days. But what appeared to be people chilling in a hot tub boat.
The iconic family festival, full of water-based activities, saw the trialling of Skuna Boats’ hot tub boats this year. Which is exactly what it sounds like. Essentially a luxurious hot tub experience combined with sailing your own boat. The Skuna Hot Tub Boat is a “completely bespoke electric, easy to self-drive, wood-fired hot tub”. Meaning you can live a life of luxury by the harbour.
Currently, Skuna Boats is only available in London’s Canary Wharf and Lakeside Essex but has plans to launch in Bristol permanently in 2024. Set to a toasty 38° C, they can be sailed in (almost) any weather condition. Perfect for the rainy English weather then. With the experience lasting 75 minutes on the water, there’s plenty of time to enjoy a glass of bubbly or two as you sail.
But Skuna Boats doesn’t just offer hot tub boat rides, as it also offers something it calls a BBQ Boat. A self-driving electric boat, it is fully equipped with its own grill and equipment. All you have to do is bring the company and some food to cook (or choose from one of Skuna Boats’ food packages). While the three-in-one vessel can also operate as a Picnic City Explorer.
“The state-of-the-art vessels seamlessly blend modern comforts with a touch of nostalgia,” said a Skuna Boats spokesperson. “This eco-friendly boat utilises silent, electronic propulsion systems, ensuring minimal impact on the environment while providing a quiet and serene experience for boaters and neighbours.”
Skuna Boats is currently in discussions with Bristol City Council to bring its hot tub boat to the city in 2024. But we can definitely imagine ourselves floating around the harbour in one of these next year. Skuna Boats was rated London’s second-best experience in the London Tourism Awards 2022. To learn more head here.