Initial Impressions & Experience
In the following sections, I’ll guide you on how to reach Canary Wharf, but rest assured, navigating the area and locating Skuna Boats is straightforward.
Skuna Boats is situated at West India Quay, with the nearest station being the West India Quay DLR Station.
Here are some nearby stations:
- Canary Wharf DLR Station (approximately a 5-minute walk)
- Canary Wharf Underground Station (Jubilee Line, around a 10-minute walk)
If you’re starting from central London, taking the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf and then either walking or transferring to the DLR for West India Quay is the most convenient route.
Arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before your booked slot, as punctuality is crucial. This experience is highly sought after, and late arrivals risk missing their reservations.
Upon your arrival, you’ll check in with the staff, who will offer you a choice of either hot or cold drinks along with a warm pretzel.
For us, we were offered hot chocolate or fruit punch, accompanied by an enormous cinnamon pretzel!
We chose the hot chocolate topped with cream, and I must say, it’s one of the best hot chocolates I’ve ever tasted.
With a lovely start to our adventure, we were introduced to our “captain” for the boat ride before heading to our igloo boat.
Once we got settled, we waited a short while for our cheese fondue to arrive.
You can choose between chocolate or cheese fondue, and being a cheese lover, I naturally opted for cheese.
I did sneak a look at the chocolate option, and I must admit, it looked tempting!
We indulged in a vegetarian cheese fondue, which came with an assortment of potatoes, salad, vegetables, and bread pieces—an ideal match for dipping into the gooey cheese!
For non-vegetarians, the fondue also includes items like salami or chorizo.
The igloo boat is beautifully adorned, and the decor changes with the seasons.
During our visit, which was shortly after Valentine’s Day, the decor featured hearts and a generally romantic atmosphere—definitely a nice touch.
We were fortunate with perfect weather: the sun beamed down on our igloo, creating a warm and cozy environment!
The sunlight created a lovely greenhouse effect, making it a comfortable atmosphere inside.
If you’re concerned about getting chilly, the Skuna team provides blankets and hot water bottles for extra warmth.
After settling in, we embarked on a brief boat tour.
You don’t travel far, but the experience is delightful and offers a fantastic chance to engage with the friendly staff.
Once you return, you’ll dock for about an hour, allowing you to relax, savor your fondue, soak in the ambiance, chat with friends, enjoy the music provided by a speaker, and simply appreciate the moment.
Since it was sunny during our visit, Brad soaked up the warmth, fully embracing the joyful atmosphere!
A 10-minute warning will be given before your time concludes, and then it’s time to gather your belongings and exit your igloo boat.
So…
Are the Skuna Igloo Boats Worth It?
Absolutely!
It’s a truly unique experience to partake in while in London, and it promises a memorable outing.
The outstanding reviews speak for themselves—it’s genuinely enjoyable!
This activity is perfect for everyone, whether families (we spotted many), couples seeking a special date night, groups celebrating a special occasion, or friends simply aiming to have a good time!
Oh, and here’s a fun fact: dogs are welcome on the igloo boats!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t bring Phoebe on this trip due to scheduling conflicts with another activity, but I would undoubtedly take her along if I were spending the day in Canary Wharf!
How to Get to Canary Wharf?
Brad and I are lucky enough to live just a 30-minute drive from Canary Wharf, making it easy for us to drive and park (we have an electric vehicle).
However, most visitors arrive from central London, and several transportation options are available.
1. London Underground (Tube)
- Jubilee Line (Quickest option from Central London)
- Canary Wharf Station is the primary Underground stop.
- Direct connections from Bond Street, Green Park, London Bridge, and Stratford.
- Takes around 15 minutes from Central London.
2. Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
- Stations that serve Canary Wharf:
- Canary Wharf DLR Station
- West India Quay DLR Station (Closest to Skuna Boats)
- Heron Quays DLR Station
- Best connections from Bank, Stratford, or Tower Gateway.
- Trains depart every 2-3 minutes.
3. Elizabeth Line (Crossrail)
- Canary Wharf Station (Elizabeth Line)
- Fastest routes from West & Central London:
- Paddington → Canary Wharf: 17 minutes
- Tottenham Court Road → Canary Wharf: 12 minutes
- Liverpool Street → Canary Wharf: 6 minutes
- Great for quick access to airports (Heathrow to Canary Wharf in about 45 minutes).
4. Thames Clippers (Uber Boat)
- A picturesque way to travel along the River Thames.
- Stops at Canary Wharf Pier.
- Excellent connections from:
- London Eye (45 minutes)
- Tower Pier (10 minutes)
- Greenwich (5 minutes)
- Ideal for avoiding crowds while enjoying scenic views.
5. Bus Services
- Multiple bus routes serve Canary Wharf:
- D3, D7, D8 (local routes)
- 135, 277, 330 (connections to North & East London)
- N550, N551 (Night buses)
- Though slower than other options, they are convenient for shorter trips.
6. Cycling
- Santander Cycles (Boris Bikes) have docking stations within Canary Wharf.
- Cycle Superhighway CS3 connects Tower Hill to Canary Wharf.
- Best for enjoying a scenic and economical ride.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skuna Igloo Boats
What is the capacity of a Skuna Igloo boat?
The igloo boats accommodate up to 9 guests, making them perfect for a fun outing with friends or a family day.
Although Brad and I visited as a couple, the pricing still makes it a worthwhile option for special occasions, like anniversaries, as it creates a wonderfully romantic setting, especially in the evening with all the lights of Canary Wharf.
It’s important to note that each igloo boat is completely private for your group’s experience, ensuring no mingling with other guests.
What is the cost of the experience?
The cost is £45 per person, based on a minimum of 4 individuals, which covers your welcome drink, a snack, the fondue experience, and a 30-minute boat tour.
I find this a reasonable price, particularly for London!
For 3 guests, the cost is £60 per person, and for 2 guests, it totals £180. In short, the larger your group, the better the value.
Can you bring your own beverages?
Bringing your own drinks onto the boat is not permitted; however, you can purchase beverages at the Skuna bar on-site.
Prices vary by item, with soft drinks starting at £3.50 and wines or beers around £6. You can also find bottles of wine, prosecco, and cocktails for sale.
While it may not be “cheap,” I’d say the pricing aligns well with many places in London and might even be slightly less expensive than other venues in Canary Wharf itself.
Do the igloo boats operate throughout the year?
No, the igloo boats are only running until May 11, 2025. They will not be available during the summer season (from May 12 to September 12, 2025) but will return on September 13, 2025.
In the meantime, you can consider renting a BBQ boat from Skuna or trying out their hot tub experience.
Where are the restrooms located?
This query pops up frequently, so it’s worth mentioning…
Yes, they have restrooms (although they are not on the igloo boat itself).
You can use the facilities before departing on your tour and can visit them as often as necessary upon your return since you’ll be moored in place.
There you have it—my review of the Skuna Igloo boats!
A relatively new offering on the water, and undoubtedly one of the top experiences in London, making it one of the best attractions Canary Wharf has to offer.
You can book your experience here.
