Based at West India Quay alongside Hot Tub Boats and Sauna Boats, the business is also hosting Santa On The Water with profits donated to charity
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Fondues and Father Christmas are on the menu as West India Quay gears up for the festive season.
Skuna’s Igloo Boats have returned to Canary Wharf’s waterways, offering cosy cruises for the colder months.
The company, which also operates Sauna and Hot Tub boats in West India Docks, has unveiled its seasonal offering – just as there’s a nip in the air and decorations start to appear.
warmth on the water
Central to Skuna’s winter selection are its Igloo Boat cruises.
Piloted by a Skuna Skipper, groups of up to nine enjoy a tour of the dock before indulging in cheese or chocolate fondue – or both, if desired. Prices start at £54 per person with premium options available.
Seasonal cocktails and warm tipples are also on offer to keep spirits high on the water, with boozy hot chocolates, warm spiced gingerbread gin and mulled wine all on the menu.
The covered boats come fully decorated with glittering ornaments, frosted pine garlands and fairy lights, with hot water bottles and blankets to keep everyone toasty in chilly weather.
Children are welcome on Igloo Boat cruises with under-5s going free.
Skuna will also be launching a Floating Festive Afternoon Tea package complete with baked goods, spiced treats and warming infusions.
coming to town
This year, on December 5 and 6, 2026, Skuna will be hosting a very special guest.
Santa will be swapping his sleigh for an Igloo Boat, with families invited to board his glowing grotto for a 25-minute festive experience.
Running from 11am-5pm, private slots at Santa On The Water cost £75 for up to three children and two adults.
The experience includes a present hunt sail and time with Santa as well as a Christmas elf on board to assist with photo-taking and maintaining the magic.
Profits from this experience will be donated to Starlight UK, a charity helping to bring joy and play to kids facing serious illness.
Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
hot stuff
Skuna’s other floating craft are also operating over the winter months, with its fleet of Hot Tub Boats ready and waiting to offer Wharfers an unforgettable journey among Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers as they take a dip.
Self driven and kept nice and warm via an on-board stove, these vessels can accommodate up to eight people.
Ideal for colder weather with fresh water heated to 38ºC, cruises last 75 minutes and include access to heated changing rooms, with robes and the all important crew hats available to purchase on site.
Experiences start at £45 per person, with guided tours also available from £39pp.
fire and ice
Also moored at West India Quay are Skuna’s Sauna Boats.
Featuring large glass windows with views over the dock, these facilities offer wood-fired heat and cold plunges for fans of contrast therapy.
The beautifully appointed main vessel includes changing spaces, an outdoor shower and chilling bucket as well as icy baths on its rooftop.
Drop-in sessions start at £15 per person, while monthly memberships (which include unlimited visits) cost £49.
The Sauna Boats are also the venue for special sessions including Aufguss rituals, music-led happenings, women-only gatherings and silent saunas – all on selected dates.
ideal for parties
Skuna’s entire fleet is available for hire for groups and corporate events with the company able to offer packages to suit any celebration – birthdays, weddings, Christmas parties and more.
Email info@skunaboats for details or visit this link
key details: Skuna Igloo Boats
Skuna is located on West India Quay within easy walking distance of the DLR station and Canary Wharf.
Booking details for all its boats are available on the company’s website.
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