Floatation Therapy

Your nervous system settles, the aches ease, and your mind finds a rare kind of quiet. Floatation therapy (also called sensory deprivation or REST) is simple: you lie back in warm, super-salty water, and let gravity stop working on you for an hour. Your body recovers. Your head clears. You leave different to how you arrived.

BOOK A FLOAT

What is floating?

You lie back in around 30cm of skin-temperature water, infused with a high concentration of Epsom salt so you float effortlessly. The room is dark, sound is minimised, and your body is gently removed from everyday sensory input. In this environment, the nervous system is given the opportunity to slow down and settle.

With fewer external demands, many people experience a deep sense of relaxation. Muscles can release tension, the mind often quietens, and the body is supported into a restful, meditative state.

After a float session, people commonly report feeling calmer, mentally clearer, and more rested. Many also notice improved sleep and a sense of emotional reset, like pressing pause on the intensity of daily life.

BENEFITS

Floating may support a wide range of wellbeing outcomes, including:

Relieving stress and helping to ease feelings of anxiety and low mood

Supporting recovery from fatigue, including that associated with poor sleep or travel

Enhancing mental clarity and encouraging creativity

Deepening existing meditation or mindfulness practices

Easing muscular tension and discomfort, including areas affected by chronic strain such as the back, neck, and joints

Supporting post-exercise recovery and physical performance

Helping to release physical tightness that builds up from long hours of sitting or daily stress

Encouraging relaxation, which may support healthy circulation and cardiovascular balance

Supporting the body’s natural restorative processes and overall wellbeing

Floating offers a simple, accessible way to slow down and care for your mind and body. Many people find the benefits are more noticeable with regular sessions.

Buoyant Sea has been supporting the local community since 2017.

What Floaters Say

"I've been floating regularly at Buoyant Sea for years. It has reduced my pain and anxiety, and improved my creativity, productivity and posture."

Julie

Regular Floater

"My first float with Buoyant Sea was fantastic. Suzanne was welcoming and knowledgeable, the facility spotlessly clean, and the float itself genuinely calming. I'll be back."

Rebecca

First-time Floater

Our Float Rooms

APOLLO TANKS

Our two iconic Apollo Float Tanks offer a classic float experience in a fully enclosed, quiet environment designed for deep relaxation.

You can choose complete darkness or soften the experience with the interior light on if preferred. The spacious cabin and easy-access sliding lid make them a comfortable and popular choice for both new and experienced floaters.

Many people enjoy the sense of stillness and sensory reduction these tanks provide, supporting a deeply restful float experience.

OPEN FLOAT ROOM

Our private Open Float Room is a great option if you’re unsure about enclosed float tanks or prefer a more accessible setup.

It features a large freestanding float pool with no lid, set within a softly heated private room that is kept slightly warmer than our tank rooms for added comfort.

Entry and exit are simple, and you remain in full control of your space at all times. Many people find this option especially helpful for first-time floaters or anyone who prefers a more open, spacious environment while still enjoying the benefits of floatation therapy.

Your First Float — What to Expect

Before You Arrive

Skip shaving or waxing on the day. Salt stings fresh skin.
No caffeine or cigarettes for at least 4 hours beforehand
Have a light meal about 2 hours before. A full stomach isn't comfortable.
Don't over-hydrate (toilets at reception if needed)
First-time floaters: arrive 20 minutes early for a quick induction
Returning floaters: arrive 10 minutes early

What We Provide
Your private float room has everything you need: towel, bath mat, face washer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, ear plugs, makeup wipes, hair dryer. Just bring yourself.

The Process

Remove any makeup with the wipes provided
Insert ear plugs while your ears are dry
Shower and wash your hair and body (skip the conditioner before floating)
Step carefully into the tank

In the Tank
You're in control. Canopy open, half-open, or fully closed, it's your call. The light can be on or off completely. Music plays for the first 10 minutes, then fades out (or leave it on the whole session if you'd rather).

Lie back gently and allow the buoyancy of the Epsom salt water to support you effortlessly. Find a comfortable position for your arms, soften your breath, and let your body settle.

The water is maintained at approximately 34.5°C—close to skin temperature—so that as you relax, the boundary between body and water can begin to fade. After a few moments, many people find themselves less aware of physical sensation and more absorbed in a feeling of stillness and ease.

After Your Float

Shower the salt off (conditioner is fine this time)
If any salt's made its way into your ear canal, use the vinegar-alcohol solution in the shower
Take your time at the grooming station. No rush.

The Science Behind Floating

When sensory input is reduced, the body is given the opportunity to shift into a deeper state of rest. Many people experience activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with relaxation and recovery.

In this state, muscle tension may ease, and many users report a reduction in perceived stress and a calmer heart rate and breathing pattern. Some research also suggests that levels of stress hormones such as cortisol may decrease, while the body’s natural endorphins may increase.

Studies into floatation therapy have been conducted in a number of research settings, including universities and sports institutes, and interest continues to grow in its potential applications for relaxation, recovery, and mental wellbeing. The Australian Institute of Sport has also explored flotation as part of athlete recovery approaches over time.

While individual experiences vary, many people describe floating as a way to deeply unwind both physically and mentally.

External research: Clinical Floatation Research

Floating While Pregnant

Pregnancy can be both a beautiful and physically demanding time. As your body changes, added weight and shifting posture can place extra strain on the back, hips, knees, and feet—especially in the later stages, when finding a comfortable resting position can become difficult.

Floating offers a unique sense of weightlessness. The high concentration of Epsom salt supports your body effortlessly at the surface, allowing you to fully let go of muscular effort. Many people describe a noticeable sense of release through the spine and joints as pressure eases in the water.

In this deeply restful environment, some women also report feeling a quiet sense of connection and calm.

If you are pregnant, we recommend consulting your GP or care provider if your pregnancy is complicated or if you are unsure whether floating is appropriate for you. Our Open Float Room is often preferred during pregnancy, offering easy access, no enclosed space, and a comfortably warmed environment for relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO YOU CLEAN THE TANKS?

Water is fully filtered after every single float for 15–20 minutes. Magnesium sulfate alone kills up to 99% of bacteria, so float tanks are significantly cleaner than a public pool or spa.

WILL I DROWN IF I FALL ASLEEP?

No. The water's so buoyant you stay afloat. Worst case is a bit of salt water in the eyes.

WHAT IF I'M CLAUSTROPHOBIC?

Most people with claustrophobia float without any issue. You stay in complete control the whole time. The door can stay open. The light can stay on.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Yourself. Towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, ear plugs, makeup wipes and a hair dryer are all provided.

When Should I Not Float?

Floating may not be suitable in certain situations, including:

- If you have a fresh tattoo (generally within the first 5 days)
- If you have severe sunburn or recently dyed hair that is still washing out
- If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If you are pregnant and have not yet received clearance from your GP or care provider
- If you have a condition that may make it difficult to safely relax in water without supervision (for example, uncontrolled seizures)
- If you have an active infectious illness, such as gastroenteritis, or a contagious skin condition
- If you have open or infected wounds that have not yet healed
- If you are experiencing significant bowel or bladder control issues that may affect your comfort during a session

If you are living with a medical condition such as asthma, a heart condition, diabetes, or are undergoing medical treatment (including cancer care), we recommend checking with your healthcare provider before floating.

If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to contact us first and we can help you decide if floating is appropriate for you.

BUOYANT SEA