Victoria Hot Tub Boats — A Sightseeing Float

Victoria Hot Tub Boats in the Inner Harbour

Despite Victoria’s sunny weather, you might think twice about donning your swimsuit for a dip in the B.C. capital’s Inner Harbour. Even during August, the average water temperature is around 52.7°F (11.5°C). But those who want to take a dip (while skipping the cold plunge) can take heart. You can rent a Hot Tub Boat to enjoy a warm, scenic float.

Getting to the Victoria Hot Tub Boat dock is simple. It’s just a 12 minute walk from Victoria’s Inner Harbour Airport! With a 45-minute scenic flight from Kenmore or Lake Union, you could be floating away in less than an hour.

What’s a Victoria Hot Tub Boat Like?

These rentable vessels are exactly what they sound like — a small boat that functions as a hot tub. They can hold up to six people and are heated using a wood stove. Steering is done with a tiller outboard motor, which looks a lot like a joystick. With a top speed of 5 MPH, steering is very forgiving. (That’s a nice fact for the uninitiated who are likely to get a chuckle out of their zig-zagged course…I speak from experience).

Who Captain’s the Victoria Hot Tub Boat?

You do! A “captain” of at least 18 years of age is required on each boat and all passengers must be at least 12 years old. Each captain must have a boating license, which can be completed on the dock following the safety briefing.

Lunch a Float?

Worried about getting hungry during your two-hour adventure? Don’t be. Food and drinks (excluding alcohol) are permitted aboard. One thing to keep in mind though, your hot tub boat travels quite low.

While there are two cubbies on either side of the boat to hold gear, they can get water in them. Food in a container is often easier. Enter Craft Beer Market. Located just above the Victoria Hot Tub Boats’ dock, this neighborhood gastropub is an incredible location to grab a pint.

Like the name suggests, they have an extensive beer selection and on sunny days the waterfront patio is hard to beat. But save exploring those fabulous pours for post-ride. Instead focus on the uber approachable menu that offers something for everyone. (To-go containers are hot-tub friendly.)

Victoria Hot Tub Boat Bath Bombs

To give your ride a little something extra, Victoria Hot Tub Boats offers epsom salts and bath bombs. These simple additions are incredibly fun and offer a restorative touch. Word to the wise, like in a bathtub, the bath bombs will cloud the water for a bit. The clarity clears up fairly quickly while the beautiful scent of lavender lingers.

Where Can You Take the Hot Tub Boats?

The boat’s operating area is between the Johnson Street Bridge and Victoria’s upper waterway. Generally, guests reach the Selkirk Trestle for a bit of hangout time before meandering back to the dock. There’s a small floating dock near the Selkirk Trestle where you can tie-off the hot tub boat and take a group swim!

What Happens When You Get Too Hot?

As you’d expect of a two-hour hot tub soak, you’re likely to get too hot from time to time. And Mother-Nature has the perfect solution — fresh air. If you get too hot, stand up. Take a seat on the edge of the boat. Or…for the brave souls…turn off the motor and go for a dip!

The water’s salty. And cold. And exceptionally refreshing. The Hot Tub Boats have a small ladder for pulling yourself back in, which you might want to do quickly (as I did).

Fair warning — the boat will likely rock substantially when you jump in. This is the time you’re most likely to get water in those little cubbies where you’ve stored your gear, food, and drinks.

More Victoria Hot Tub Boat FAQs

Are the Tubs Clean?

DEFINITELY! The tubs are disinfected and filled with fresh water for each new rental. There are no chemical additives in the water. When you arrive, the water is crystal clear and steaming.