BBQ Boat by Skuna Boats in Canary Wharf

Last Updated on November 13, 2025

This floating barbecue on the docks is a fun twist on a summer classic

4.0 out of 5.0 stars

The summer heat calls for a barbecue, for spending time around bodies of water, and for relaxing with family and friends. With BBQ Boats by Skuna Boats – a circular, floating barbecue experience on the docks – you can combine all three activities in one convenient location.

The BBQ Boat experience is worthwhile for its novelty alone (it is the first and only provider of BBQ Boats in London), but it is also an enjoyable activity on a warm summer’s day, a fun twist on a classic summer event.

Skuna Boats is located in Canary Wharf, a five-minute walk from the DLR and Underground stations. On arrival, you are given a safety briefing and are escorted down to the water, where your BBQ Boat will be waiting.

The boat is a single, large circle, with a barbecue in the centre and seats arranged around the circumference, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of sitting around a campfire. Some boats are equipped with canopies to keep you in the shade, since much of the route is in direct sunlight. The boat is easy to steer, and staff are on hand in case anything goes wrong. During our trip, our engine switched off, and a member of the Skuna team rushed over to help us get it started again (it turned out that we hadn’t noticed the key had fallen out).

The boats, of which there were five or six on the water while we were there, go up and down a short stretch of Canary Wharf docks. In total, boats can go about five minutes up the docks, then can float on the water, or turn back the way they came. Being circular, the BBQ Boats can also transform into a merry-go-round if the driver wishes to test the chef’s balance while standing over the grill. Ample time is allowed for the trip, around 100 minutes, and it is pleasant to eat and relax in the sunshine. The enormous glass towers of Canary Wharf provide an imposing backdrop, and onlookers at dockside pubs look enviously at the unique dining experience.

There is the option to buy a food package, but we opted to bring our own grub. The barbecue heats up quickly, and we had time to enjoy several rounds of burgers, sausages, halloumi, and toasted marshmallows. You cannot bring your own alcoholic drinks on board, but there are a wide variety available to purchase on-site (non-alcoholic drinks are also available). Tongs and a metal spatula are provided. 

While there were six of us on the boat during our trip, each boat can comfortably hold up to ten people. One person is allocated the role of captain and must remain sober while steering the vessel.

Skuna Boats also offers wood-fired hot-tub boats, igloo boats (closed for summer) and a sauna boat. It operates all year round, offering daytime cruises and nighttime party trips. It is no surprise that Skuna is popular on social media, leveraging both the recognisable backdrop of London skyscrapers and the unique concept of floating dining and spa experiences.

For the BBQ Boat, prices start at £25 without food and £35 with food. Two sides and a main are provided: tortilla chips and dips, salad, and an Angus burger. Other options are available for an extra cost. Bookings vary depending on the day, but are generally available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The hot tub boat costs £35 per person, and the sauna boat costs £15 per person.

On the water, we saw both groups of friends and families enjoying the experience. Our trip started at around 6:00 p.m. and lasted until 7:40 p.m. Afterwards, we walked a few metres to the pub, where we continued our evening.

Skuna Boats was busy while we were there, and for good reason – the experience provided is unique, whimsical and a good excuse to get people together in the sunshine. All six of us had a blast, whiling the evening away by listening to the sound of friendly chatter, the flow of the water, and sizzling meat. The barbecue is an essential event in the summer calendar, and it does no harm at all to add a delightful twist.

Skuna Boats

West India Quay Off
Hertsmere Rd
Canary Wharf
London E14 4AL

info@skunaboats.com
+44 20 7205 2827