Skuna Boats
Off Hertsmere Rd, Canary Wharf, London E14 4AL
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm Opening hours may vary with the seasons — check the website before you fire up the grill.
Canary Wharf tube, DLR, Elizabeth Line or Thames Clippers
2 hours
We went on the Skuna boats in October — just as they been transformed into fun wintery igloos. There’s so much to do in the area, from free self-guided art trails to playing in Jubilee Park and the London Museum (full of interactive activities for kids) located next to the Skuna Boat check-in. We had so much fun having lunch on the boat, tucking into a delicious cheese and a chocolate fondu, blasting our favourite songs and exploring the quay. The team were so friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. With so many free activities to do in and around the area, and for the amount of food and fun we had — it feels like one of the value days out in London we’ve had in a long time. Great for a special day out, occassion or a kids party. The kids gave it a 9 (they were talking about the fondue for days afterwards) and the adults a 10 out of 10
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About Skuna Boats
“The food’s great – really cosy and you can do it in an igloo in the winter – 9/10” – Nell (10) and Tiggy (9)
Skuna Boats offers one of London’s most unforgettable family experiences, turning the Docklands into your own floating playground. In summer, the BBQ Boats let you grill and cruise at the same time – a floating picnic kids won’t forget. No licence or experience needed, just bring your food and sense of fun.
For families with older children, the Hot Tub Boats are pure bucket-list magic. Heated to 38°C and sailing through Canary Wharf, they’re strictly 12+, making them perfect for teens and tweens who love something totally different.
When the weather cools, Skuna switches to Igloo Dining Boats, where families can snuggle inside warm glass pods for cosy winter treats, birthdays or festive outings on the water.
Staff provide full safety briefings, and parents can relax knowing everything’s super safe. Whether it’s a celebration or just a day with a twist, Skuna delivers London sightseeing with serious wow-factor.
Top tip from the KidRated team:
Book well in advance, especially for weekends or school holidays – slots fill up fast! And dress for splashes – kids will love steering but everyone might get a little wet.
Quick Inspiration
Nope. You’ll get a full safety briefing before you set sail.
Yes. Bring your own BBQ treats to make sure everyone gets what they want. Or you can pre-order a pack from Skuna. Fondue is included with an Igloo boat.
Absolutely. All sizes are available and must be worn by children.
No toilets on a Skuna Boat, but there are loos at the dock. Just swing back mid-trip if someone’s caught short.
Each BBQ boat has a big umbrella for drizzle. Or steer under a bridge. Just dress sensibly, this is still the UK. If it’s serious rain, then you get the option to reschedule. Obviously you’ll be toasty and warm in an Igloo boat.
Yes, boats are slow and steady. Kids must be supervised and wear life jackets at all times.
Definitely. Skuna can handle up to 100 people across ten boats. Perfect for birthdays, big groups or just showing off.
You won’t be setting sail for the high seas, but you will enjoy a scenic circular route around London’s Docklands, right in the heart of Canary Wharf. You can’t venture onto the Thames (no tidal waves with your sausages, sorry).
Not really, but don’t wear suede. The Skuna Boats are stable, slow-moving, and designed for comfort, not thrills. You’re not splashing through rapids, you’re gliding through calm docklands at a gentle pace.
Dress for the weather. Layers, trainers, and something you don’t mind smelling a bit like BBQ smoke in the summer, and maybe a waterproof jacket if the forecast looks dodgy.
Nope. Anyone under 18 needs a grown-up on board. BBQs + boats = rules.
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This was just SO much fun, the perfect birthday treat for my husband and his brother. The food was delicious and so much of it and the kids loved bobbing about on the boat.