Beginners guide
Your first float, step by step
Floating means lying back in warm, salt-rich water for an hour, in a quiet private room. Here is everything you need to know before your first visit.
What is floating?
An hour with nothing to do
You float on your back in about 10 inches of warm water saturated with Epsom salt, so you are held up without any effort. With no demands on you, many people find it a rare chance to switch off, think things through or simply rest. Floating is a relaxation experience, not a medical treatment, and everyone’s experience is different. Read more on our Float Therapy Benefits page.
Your visit
What happens on the day
Arrive and check in
You do not need to bring anything but yourself and a towel. We cover the basics together and answer your questions, and you are welcome to chat for a bit before you start.
Shower
You shower in your own private room before you get in, which keeps the water clean for everyone.
Earplugs in, step into the tank
Put in your earplugs, step into the water, close the door behind you and lie back. The salt water holds you up, so there is nothing to do.
Float for an hour
Float in the quiet for 60 minutes, with the light on or off as you prefer. Many people find the hour passes in a different way, and some drift off.
Music fades in
After an hour, music fades in to ease you out of your float. There is no rush.
Shower, dress and relax
Rinse off the salt, get dressed and take a few minutes to settle before you head back out.
What it feels like
Warm, weightless and quiet
Warm
The water is kept at 34.5 degrees Celsius, close to skin temperature, so you soon lose track of where your body ends and the water begins.
Weightless
The water is saturated with Epsom salt and only about 10 inches deep, so you float on your back without any effort.
Quiet
Your ears sit just below the water and the rooms are built to keep outside noise away. The light is yours to choose, and music is optional.
Getting ready
Before you come
Towel
Bring one towel for your float. If you cannot, we have towels you can use.
Food and drink
Eat a light meal about 90 minutes before. Avoid caffeine for at least 6 hours.
Shaving and waxing
Try not to shave or wax on the day, as the salt water can sting.
Hair colour
If colour is still running when you shower, wait a few more days.
Contact lenses
Bring your case, or wear glasses so it is easy to take them out.
Health check
Everyone completes a short online health waiver before their first float.
What if I fall asleep?
The water is so buoyant that you stay afloat. Some people do fall asleep, and the salt would wake you if you turned over.
What if I am claustrophobic?
You are in control throughout. You can open the door at any time and you are welcome to leave a light on.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes. You can bring up to two friends, as we have three float rooms, or float together in the Ocean Float Room.
Who should not float?
There are a few situations where we cannot float you, including pregnancy in the first trimester. Please read the full list in our FAQ.
Take it with you
Download the printable guide
A two-page version of this guide to read at home or share with a friend who is thinking about their first float.
Already floated? See our tips for your next floats.
