Float Boston — Float Therapy, Contrast Therapy & Cryotherapy in Somerville, MA
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Float Boston · Somerville, MA · Since 2014

Boston's community
float & wellness center

Float, contrast therapy, and cryotherapy in Somerville, MA — with fair pricing, real people, and no pressure. Use code firstfloat for half off your first float or couples float, or love2sweat to make your first contrast therapy session just $50.

Need a gift card? We got you! Get it here. →
So much to read, so little time.

Float Blog

Check out our float blog where we write about everything from floating while pregnant, to why athletes float, children who float and more.

Learn more
Float with the moon

After Dark Floats

Do you float for a whole other reason? To be closer to the stars? To feel what tugs on your soul? We got you. Our after dark floats are on those special evenings. Full moons. Venus Retrograde. Planetary alignments.

Read about it
What brings you in?

Find what fits what you're dealing with

Most people don't come to us for "wellness." They come because something hurts, won't shut off, or won't let them sleep. Here's where to start.

Stress & burnout

An hour with no light, sound, or demands lets your nervous system drop out of fight-or-flight. Most people feel it the same day.

Start with: Float therapy

Anxiety & racing thoughts

Floating has been studied for anxiety — including GAD, PTSD, and panic — with significant drops in anxiety after a single session.

Start with: Float therapy

Chronic pain & tension

Weightlessness takes pressure off joints and the spine, and magnesium-rich water helps muscles let go. Localized cryo targets a specific spot.

Start with: Float therapy + localized cryotherapy

Poor sleep

Many floaters report their deepest sleep in weeks the night after a float, especially with a regular routine.

Start with: Float therapy

Athletic recovery

Heat and cold cycles boost circulation and energy; floating afterward helps you recover and sleep. Athletes often pair the two.

Start with: Contrast therapy + float therapy

Injury or inflammation

Focused cold on one area — a knee, a shoulder, a lower back — with no downtime. Sessions take 5 to 15 minutes.

Start with: Localized cryotherapy
From the owner

What we are

Float Boston is a community wellness center, open in Somerville since 2014. Three float tanks, a private contrast therapy suite, cryotherapy, and a real person at the desk who will walk you through everything before you go in.

I want Float Boston to be somewhere anyone can come and feel at home. A place where you can afford to take care of yourself, with fair prices and no pressure. A place to belong. A place my mom would have been proud that I owned.

Whether you're here for the first time or the hundredth, we're here for you.

Feel free to reach out anytime. Mark@floatboston.com

— Mark Owner, Float Boston
Membership

Float regularly. Feel the difference.

One float is great. A regular practice is something else entirely. Our membership is designed to make floating a sustainable part of your life — not a once-a-year treat.

Single $59/month · Double $99/monthOne membership for you, or one for two
25% off all other servicesContrast therapy, cryotherapy, and more
10% off gift cardsShare the float with someone you love
Member raffles & giveawaysBecause members deserve a little extra

Memberships from $59/month

Learn more about memberships here.

Go with the float

Click to learn more
Community

More than a float center

We live in this community. These are some of the ways we're trying to give back.

Common questions

Answers, before you have to ask.

What is float therapy?+

Float therapy (also called sensory deprivation, flotation therapy, or REST therapy) means floating in a private tank with 10–12 inches of water and 900–1,100 lbs of Epsom salt. The salt makes you completely buoyant with zero effort. Tanks are soundproof and lightproof, removing all external stimulation and giving your nervous system a genuine rest. Sessions are 60 minutes. Benefits include deep stress relief, reduced anxiety, better sleep, pain relief, muscle recovery, and mental clarity.

How much does it cost?+

A single 60-minute float is $85 and a couples float is $149. First time? Use code firstfloat for half off your first float or couples float. Our one-time Beginners Package is buy 2, get 1 free — 3 floats for $169 — and if you use all three within 60 days, we'll add a 4th float free. Float packages are 3 for $229, 5 for $349, and 10 for $649. Memberships are $59/month single or $99/month double, with 25% off all other services. See the full price list.

What helps with stress, anxiety, or chronic pain without medication?+

Float therapy is one of the most researched drug-free options. Peer-reviewed studies have found floating reduces anxiety (including a 2018 PLOS ONE study across GAD, PTSD, and panic disorder), lowers stress and pain in working adults, and helps chronic pain patients — you can read the studies in the section below. We pair floating with contrast therapy (sauna and cold plunge) for circulation and recovery, and localized cryotherapy for targeted pain and inflammation.

What's the difference between floating, contrast therapy, and cryotherapy?+

Float therapy is 60 minutes of weightless, silent rest — best for stress, anxiety, sleep, and whole-body pain. Contrast therapy alternates a hot sauna with a cold plunge — best for circulation, energy, and athletic recovery. Localized cryotherapy applies focused cold to one area — best for a specific injury, joint, or spot of inflammation. Plenty of people combine them.

How long is a session?+

You get 80 minutes total in the room — 10 minutes to shower before, 60 minutes floating, and 10 minutes to shower after. Plan for about 90 minutes door to door on your first visit. There's no rushing: the next guest's session doesn't start for another 10 minutes after you leave.

I'm nervous about small spaces. Is that a problem?+

Rarely. Our tanks are larger than most people expect — including The Depths, our XL tank. You're always in control: the door opens from inside, you can leave a light on, or float with the lid open if you prefer. Our staff walks every first-time floater through the setup before you go in. Most people who arrive nervous leave wondering why they worried.

Is floating good for stress, anxiety, pain, or sleep?+

Floating is widely used for stress relief, anxiety reduction, nervous system reset, chronic pain management, insomnia, athletic recovery, PTSD support, and burnout. The weightless, soundproof, lightproof environment removes external stimulation and lets the body and mind decompress deeply. Mark completed a 30-day float challenge and recorded a 69% reduction in hs-CRP (an inflammation marker), a 33% increase in HRV, and a 43% increase in restorative minutes.

Do you offer cryotherapy?+

Yes. We use the Kaasen device — liquid CO₂, not nitrogen — for localized cryotherapy. Pain sprays for pain, inflammation, and injury recovery are $39 (small area, 5 min), $59 (medium, 10 min), and $79 (large, 15 min), and all therapeutic treatments are 50% off right now with code cool50. Body Sculpting is $299 per session or $799 for The Block (4 sessions + 2 floats), and Body Sculpting Lite is $129 intro or $399 for 4. Members get 25% off cryotherapy. See all cryotherapy options.

Do you have contrast therapy — sauna and cold plunge?+

Yes. Our private contrast therapy suite fits up to two people, with a dual-heat sauna (infrared and traditional) that reaches 160°F with red light therapy, and a cold plunge kept at 52–54°F. A session is $75, and your first session is $50 with code love2sweat. Packs are 3 for $200, 5 for $300, and 10 for $500.

Where are you and what are your hours?+

We're at 515 Medford Street, Somerville, MA 02145, open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM. We serve Cambridge, Medford, Arlington, Charlestown, Malden, Everett, and the greater Boston area. Call or text 857-227-9465.

How do I book?+

Book online at floatboston.floathelm.com/booking or call 857-227-9465. Use code firstfloat for half off your first float or couples float, or love2sweat for your first contrast therapy session at $50. Gift cards are available here.

Who floats, and what
the research actually says.

Athletes, writers, comedians, neuroscientists — and the people who float right here. Different worlds, same descriptions. Swipe through, and read the studies for yourself.

In their own words tap to play

Joe RoganExplains the isolation tank to Dr. Rhonda Patrick · JRE #1178
Stephen CurryHow floating improves his game · Business Insider
Jeff BridgesFriend of the tank's inventor, John Lilly · The Tonight Show
Tim FerrissHis floating experiences · The Joe Rogan Experience
JJ WattInstalled a tank at home, floats up to three times a week
Curry & Harrison BarnesRecovering after games · ESPN short film
Stephen CurryThe float commercial · Kaiser Permanente
Marvin JonesNFL receiver on floating through an ankle injury
Russell BrandFirst float, unfiltered
Graham HancockDescribes his first float · The Joe Rogan Experience

What they've said

Everybody should do the tank.
Joe RoganComedian, podcaster, UFC commentator
For athletes, I'm 120 percent all in on it.
Julian EdelmanThree-time Super Bowl champion, New England Patriots
The float tank provided a specific place for meditation.
Emma WatsonActor
It's nice to be able to go somewhere you can shut it all down.
JJ WattThree-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Reds were redder, blues brighter, the taste of food more explosive.
Anthony BourdainChef and author, on the day after a float
When you can't see out, you start looking in.
Jeff BridgesActor, early test subject for John C. Lilly
You could get into a dream state, and different pictures come through.
Peter GabrielMusician, kept a tank at home for songwriting
Like being in the belly of a whale. It was really lovely.
Russell BrandComedian
A bizarrely delightful experience. Calm and peaceful, yet energized.
Rachel HunterModel and TV host
One of the most anxiety-reducing experiences I've ever had.
Tim FerrissAuthor of Tools of Titans

What our floaters say ★★★★★4.9-star average since new ownership

★★★★★

I'm new to floating, and having done a couple of floats now, I wish I had tried this before! In a "constantly on," overstimulated world, Float Boston has really helped me to slow down. The staff is kind, and the facilities are great.

Aditi M.Google review
★★★★★

Incredible experience for a first time floater! Personable small business, high quality opportunity, would highly recommend!

Tucker V.Google review
★★★★★

I visited today and had a great experience! I've floated all over Europe and throughout parts of the U.S., and this is the first float center I've found in Boston that I genuinely enjoy.

The float itself was exactly how it should be, relaxing and incredibly restorative. I haven't been sleeping for days due to stress but after my session I was so relaxed I was ready to crawl into bed. It was exactly what my body needed.

Cara C.Google review
★★★★★

Float Boston located in Somerville is a great place to float. They offer other services but I've only floated so far. Mark, the owner is very customer focused. He tries to ensure that your visit is exceptional. My appointments have always been on time. The float tank is clean and quiet. The room is well supplied. I enjoy floating here and plan on continuing. The prices are fair and the service is good.

Julie B.Google Local Guide
★★★★★

Had a really good experience. The place is welcoming and they are great at letting you know what to do and expect. The float was relaxing and I felt great afterwards. Will absolutely be returning.

Linnet B.Google review
★★★★★

Absolutely love this place. Floating has made my life so much better. The new owner (Mark) is truly a great guy and I cannot recommend floating more to people. My wife has recently started floating and she is already feeling the effects. It is both mentally and physically beneficial. If you're thinking about floating, do it. It is so worth it.

Dan S.Google review
★★★★★

My fiance and I had a wonderful experience at Float Boston! We both found the space warm and welcoming, the float itself very comfortable, and found ourselves incredibly relaxed afterwards. Highly recommend!

Michelle F.Google review
★★★★★

I started coming here not long after Mark started running the ship. Just came from my 3rd float. A real enthusiast turned small business owner, he is. He's put in the work, and every time I come in, he's always ecstatic to share about the new things and upgrades he's put into the place.

The tanks are great experiences and I feel great therapeutic effects after my sessions. The patron code of conduct is pretty straightforward and reasonable, the showers are well set up for pre and post sessions, and the little amenities for going into the tanks are always stocked. Would recommend to floating in general and this place in particular to anybody.

Denis C.Google Local Guide
★★★★★

This place is excellent. I consistently leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. The owner, Mark, keeps upgrading the float and recovery experiences they offer, and I am always impressed at the friendly, helpful service I receive there. Highly recommend!

Johanna G.Google Local Guide
★★★★★

I love to float & my favorite place is Float Boston. Was thrilled when I discovered it had reopened under new ownership after a long hiatus! Mark, the new owner, is great and knows his stuff. 💕

Leslie M.Google review
★★★★★

First float with my wife this weekend and it was excellent. Mark was a gracious host and explained everything from top to bottom. We left feeling calmer and more at peace than ever before. FLOAT Boston was a wonderful experience from beginning to end, and we will be returning!

Joe & MarieGoogle review

Peer-reviewed the honest version, good and mixed

BMC Complementary Medicine & Therapies · 2025

Systematic review of 63 studies and 1,838 participants: consistent benefits for pain, athletic performance, stress, mental well-being, and clinical anxiety.

Little to no effect on sleep disorders or quitting smoking.
Read on PubMed
PLOS ONE · 2018

Fifty people across the anxiety spectrum — GAD, PTSD, panic, social anxiety — showed a significant drop in anxiety after a single hour-long float, with mood gains lasting past 48 hours.

Feinstein et al., Laureate Institute for Brain Research.
Read on PubMed
Human Brain Mapping · 2021

First fMRI study of floating. After a float, connectivity between the brain's body-sensing network and its default-mode network dropped — the researchers call it taking the body off the mind.

Read on PubMed
Scoping review · 2026

Eight studies, 401 chronic-pain patients: lower pain intensity and frequency, better pain tolerance, and substantially reduced anxiety and depression across most studies.

Authors still call for larger, longer randomized trials.
Read on PubMed
BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine · 2014

Sixty-five working professionals, twelve floats over seven weeks: stress, depression, anxiety, and worst pain fell; optimism and sleep quality rose. The control group didn't change.

Read the study
PLOS ONE · 2024

Randomized trial of six repeated floats in 75 anxious and depressed adults: feasible, well tolerated, and safe, with few negative effects.

Read on PubMed
J. Bodywork & Movement Therapies · 2019

Trained athletes who floated for an hour after hard exercise slept better and recovered jump and sprint performance faster than passive rest.

Read the study
BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine · 2016

Randomized pilot in generalized anxiety disorder: twelve floats produced significant symptom reduction that held at six-month follow-up.

Read the study
JAMA Network Open · 2021 — mixed

The first placebo-controlled trial in chronic pain found short-term relief but no lasting benefit after five floats — and the placebo group improved too.

Some of the effect may be an hour of complete rest in any form.
Read on PubMed
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine · 2024 — mixed

In twenty highly trained athletes, a single float beat a nap on how people felt afterward, but a nap did more for acute heart-rate variability.

One session. Cumulative effects weren't measured.
Read on PubMed
Go deeper

The full write-up — including what 30 days of daily floating did to Mark's bloodwork.

Win Prizes!

Count the DUCKS

Count the ducks and win prizes like Breathing Buddha’s, Magnesium Mists and free floats! Ends 11/30. See the jar in-person at the float counter.