Winter warm-up: Hot tub boats, Duffy’s & Santa river rides with Chicago Boat Co.

Chicago Boat Company is bringing back its popular winter cruises starting Nov. 5, according to information from the company. The boat rental service will launch Hot Tub Boats and Heated Duffy Boats from its Marina City location, 300 N. State St.

The company, which runs the famous Donut Boat and Retro Boat during warmer months, is making the cold season special with these heated water experiences. Details confirm that this year includes a new addition, where Santa will captain the heated Duffys for three days in December.

Hot tub boats offer unique experience

The Hot Tub Boats move slowly, at one mile per hour, and are easy to steer with a simple hand tiller. Each boat can hold four to six people with a weight limit of 800 pounds, as noted in the announcement. Guests can travel east toward Michigan Avenue or west to Wells Street while enjoying views of Chicago's tall buildings.

The boats come with coolers and floating cup holders for drinks, though one person must stay sober to captain. Company information reveals that each boat has a waterproof phone pouch and Bluetooth speaker so passengers can play their favorite music during the ride.

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Heated Duffys and Santa cruises available

The Heated Luxury Duffy boats are 22 feet long and can carry up to 12 people, making them perfect for group celebrations. These fully enclosed boats feature comfortable seating, cushions, and two tables with cup holders, according to the service details.

The boats are decorated with festive lights and have large windows for city views. Santa will appear on Dec. 19, 20, and 21 to captain hour-long cruises that include photos and free holiday cookies, with pricing starting at $280. The company notes that regular Hot Tub Boats cost $300 to $425 for 90 minutes, while Heated Duffys run $156 to $191 per hour, depending on the day.