Hot Tub Boat Rentals in Seattle: Seattle’s Most Unique Experience
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If you’re looking for the ultimate Seattle experience, look no further than the hot tub boats that cruise across Lake Union. Hot tub boat rentals in Seattle are a great option for groups of friends looking to celebrate a birthday, bachelorette, or to just unwind and catch up. This unique experience is even a fantastic option for a romantic date! I had never heard of a hot tub boat until moving to Seattle and it’s exactly what you would imagine; a floating hot tub. You can find a couple of different types of hot tub boats to rent on Lake Union, with one being a more luxurious experience that is a larger, rectangular shaped boat with a wooden dock and the other is a smaller circular vessel. Each company offers a different experience, but regardless of the one you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time and renting a floating hot tub boat in Seattle is by far the most unique way to see the city skyline.
What to Expect From Your Experience with Hot Tub Boats Rentals in Seattle
I booked my experience with the company called Hot Tub Boats, which was truly wonderful! When you arrive at their dock in Westlake, you'll be greeted by one of the friendly staff members who will check you in and show you to the lockers and changing rooms. Here, you can store your clothes, towel, shoes, and any other belongings that you don’t need on the boat, however, there is a dry storage compartment on the boat itself. The custom built boats that Hot Tub Boats use are 16’ by 6’ and hold up to six people. They’re also heat controlled and have continuous heating so you’ll never get cold during your experience. These boats operate rain or shine, but don’t be deterred if the weather isn’t perfect. Relaxing in these hot tubs on a misty or cold day is the perfect way to spend some time outdoors while being able to stay warm.
Once onboard, you’ll plan out your journey and then head out onto the lake! The boats are easy to navigate and have a joystick control towards the back. Food and drink are welcome onboard, but glass containers are not allowed. Each boat also comes with a waterproof bluetooth speaker so that you can set the mood for your adventure. Boat rentals last two hours, which is plenty of time to cruise around the perimeter of Lake Union for unique views of Gasworks Park, the Seattle skyline, and those iconic seaplanes.
Make sure to get back to the dock by the end of your booking so that everything stays on schedule. Hot Tub Boats only has four boats available and their calendar stays full, so if you’re thinking of booking a rental, be sure to book well in advance! Once you’ve returned to the dock, you’ll be greeted once again by a staff member who will help you gather your things out of the boat and will begin sanitizing the vessel for the next group. Outside of the changing room is an outdoor shower with steaming hot water to keep you warm on those classic chilly Seattle days. Rinse off here before changing out of your wet swimsuit - they even provide a variety of toiletries and fresh towels for you!
What to Bring on a Hot Tub Boat?
A swimsuit. You can either wear it to the dock or change into it once you arrive.
A towel. You’ll be outside as you step onto the boat and it can be a little cold as you wait your turn, so wrapping up in a towel is ideal.
A change of clothes. No one likes to walk or sit around in a wet swimsuit. Bring a comfy change of clothes to change into after your ride is over.
Snacks and drinks! These are both welcomed on board, but make sure you don’t bring anything in a glass container.
Your phone or camera. You can keep these in the dry storage compartment on the boat when you’re not using them, but you’ll want to keep them on board to capture those memorable moments and the amazing views on the water!
How to Book at Hot Tub Boat Rental in Seattle
As I mentioned before, there are two companies in Seattle that offer hot tub boat rentals and although they have many similarities, they are slightly different, so make sure to check all of your options before booking. Both companies charge $400 for a 2-hour rental and can hold up to six passengers. What really sets Hot Tub Boats apart from Lake Union Hot Tub Boats, is that their boats have teak decking and you can purchase add-ons to enhance your experience, such as Epsom salt or rose petals. Other than that, it really comes down to the design of the boat and the aesthetics of the vessels.
The boat you’ll be in when renting a hot tub boat with Lake Union Hot Tub Boats will be circular with a wood-burning furnace. This furnace is what keeps the water inside the vessel warm. I went out with this company in November 2023 and had a great experience, but honestly, my experience with Hot Tub Boats was even better. The issue I had with Lake Union Hot Tub Boats is that the vessel sits very low to the surface of the water so the lake water splashed in from time to time which cooled off the water. If this happens to you, just go back to the dock and ask them to take some of the water out of your vessel so you sit higher up and they can also add more hot water into your boat.
Booking a hot tub boat rental in Seattle is quite simple! You can book directly with either company on their website, but keep in mind that the availability fills up quickly so try to make your reservations as soon as you can.
Whether you’re celebrating with friends or having a romantic date, soaking inside a floating hot tub boat is the best way to unwind and see some of the best views Seattle has to offer.
Happy travels!
- Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
