Known for its blend of heritage charm and forward-thinking urban development surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada has long been a top destination for travellers across the globe. In this stunning city, there is no end to the museums, galleries, heritage buildings and gardens to explore–but if you’re looking for a really unique activity during your visit, you may want to consider booking one of the city’s newest attractions: a hot tub boat!
Lauded as Canada’s first hot tub boat rental company, it made waves in 2019 with the introduction of these unique vessels, right here in the heart of Victoria! So if you love the idea of exploring downtown Victoria’s stunning waterways while relaxing in a soothing hot tub, you’re in the right place! We’ll dive into the world of hot tub boat rentals so you can find out what you need to know before you go and all you’ll have to do is book your boat, grab your swimsuit and get ready for a truly unique adventure in the Garden City!
All About Hot Tub Boats in Victoria BC
What are Hot Tub Boats?
Made in the Netherlands, these specialty boats are vessels that allow guests to float along the serene waters of Victoria’s Upper Harbour and Gorge Waterway while soaking in a soothing hot tub. Each boat is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and prepped before each booking so you can just focus on having fun! The water temperature in the floating hot tubs is maintained by the onboard stove and heated by briquettes so you can enjoy this activity year-round and not worry about the water getting chilly on your journey! These boats are so buoyant that guests can even get out of them during their journey to swim in the cold waters of the Gorge and jump back into the hot water to warm up again!
The Route
To ensure a smooth and easy journey, the hot tub boat route is from the company’s dock on Swift Street at the end of Chinatown in Victoria’s Upper Harbour, north through the Gorge Waterway to the Selkirk Trestle where most guests can hang out for a bit before turning around and heading back to the dock on Swift Street. During the relaxing 1.5 hour journey in your private rental, you’ll probably see some of the harbour ferries that shuttle people along Victoria’s Inner Harbour, pass local boaters out for a cruise, see people walking and cycling along the waterfront pathways and the pedestrian Selkirk Trestle.
What’s Included
When you book a hot tub boat, you’ll be outfitted with dry bags for personal belongings, a waterproof bluetooth speaker, one bottle of water per person, a compressed wood log and kindling, lifejackets and safety equipment. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks or purchase some on the dock and for special occasions, you can pre-order a charcuterie board for an additional cost! However, there is no alcohol permitted on the vessels at any time. The price also includes your private hot tub boat ready to cruise, 1.5 hours on the water, a 30 min orientation, environmental fee, dockside storage for your belongings, and use of both the change rooms and outdoor shower! Don’t worry, you don’t need a boating licence to rent one of the boats, you just have to be over 19!
Booking Your Boat
When you’re ready to book your hot tub boat, you can simply go online to their booking system, select the date, time and number of guests and you’ll be well on your way! Be sure to check out the add-ons that they offer: you can choose to add soothing epsom salts or a fragrant bath bomb by Lush to enhance your soak! The guest limit per boat is 6 people so if you’re looking to book a larger group, you can book an additional boat (subject to availability) and guests over the age of 12 are welcome to enjoy the boat ride when accompanied by an adult so you can include the whole family!
Day Trips to Victoria
If you’re not staying in Victoria, these hot tub boats are a great excuse for a day trip and explore the shores of downtown Victoria! Whether you’re heading to Victoria from Seattle, Nanaimo, Sooke, the Cowichan Valley or Langford, renting a hot tub boat in Victoria is a unique experience worth trying!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that combines relaxation, adventure, and the natural beauty of Victoria, you’ve found it! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for an activity on a romantic getaway, or simply seeking a unique experience during your trip to Victoria, hot tub boats promise an experience that will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated, and with a newfound appreciation for this stunning capital city.
Book with EMR and explore more of what Victoria has to offer!
