Hot Tub Boats offers Seattle’s most unique boating experience, letting guests soak in a hot tub built right into a floating vessel while cruising Lake Union at speeds up to 5 mph. Every boat is hand-built in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle by dedicated shipwrights, with teak decking and a design that’s been part of Seattle’s waterfront scene for over a decade.

Guests soak at up to 104 degrees while steering with a simple joystick on the boat’s starboard side, taking in iconic Seattle scenery like the Space Needle, Gasworks Park, seaplanes, and the Olympic Mountains from a totally different vantage point. No boating license is required to drive, since the boats move well under 5 mph; anyone 18 or older with a valid driver’s license can take the helm. Each boat comfortably fits up to 6 people, including children, and comes with a waterproof Bluetooth speaker to set the mood.

Reservations run 2 hours, giving guests plenty of time to circle Lake Union at a relaxed pace; guests are asked to return to the dock by the end of their booking to keep the schedule on track. Guests can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks aboard (glass containers are not permitted), though pets and alcohol are not allowed on the boats, and appropriate clothing coverage is required.

With only a handful of boats in the fleet and a calendar that tends to fill up quickly, booking well in advance is recommended. After each trip, staff help guests gather their belongings and thoroughly clean and sanitize the boat before the next reservation.

For a distinctive, only-in-Seattle way to see the city from the water, Hot Tub Boats offers a relaxing, hand-built hot tub boat experience right on Lake Union.