Bota Bota Expands Its Floating Oasis with a Brand‑New Vessel

When you think of Montreal’s downtown waterfront, a bright blue boat with steamy windows might be one of the first images that pops into your mind. That’s Bota Bota – the city’s one‑of‑a‑kind floating spa that’s been floating (literally) on the St. Lawrence River since 2015. And now, after a few years of packed appointments and happy sighs, the operators have decided it’s time to grow the fleet.

Yes, you read that right: a second vessel is on the way. The new boat, still under construction but already stirring excitement among locals, will join the original barge that has become a go‑to spot for anyone craving a little "me‑time" in the middle of a bustling metropolis. The decision, according to Bota Bota’s co‑founder, was less about bragging rights and more about answering a practical problem – the original spa simply can’t keep up with demand.

Picture this: it’s a chilly Saturday afternoon, you’ve booked a 90‑minute hydrotherapy session, but the schedule is jam‑packed for weeks. You stare at the calendar, sigh, and wonder if you’ll ever get a chance to soak in that aromatic steam room that overlooks the river. That’s the kind of feedback the team kept hearing. By adding a second vessel, they hope to double the number of treatment rooms, expand the sauna and ice‑cave experiences, and—yes—offer a few extra spots for those last‑minute drop‑ins.

But the expansion isn’t just about quantity. The new boat will be a bit different, too. While the original Bota Bota has a sleek, modern design that blends glass walls with wooden accents, the upcoming vessel will lean a touch more toward a rustic vibe, with reclaimed timber decks and larger, panoramic windows. The idea is to give guests two distinct atmospheres to choose from – a “city‑glam” feel on the first boat and a more “nature‑infused” setting on the second.

From a practical standpoint, the second vessel will also help spread out the logistical load. Right now, everything – from the massage tables to the water‑circulation system – is crammed into a single barge. When the new boat docks, staff will be able to rotate equipment, perform deeper maintenance without shutting down services completely, and keep the overall experience smooth and uninterrupted.

Of course, there are challenges. Building a floating spa isn’t as simple as buying a new yacht and slapping a hot tub on deck. Engineers must ensure the vessel meets strict maritime safety codes, can handle the river’s currents, and still offers that calming ambience people have come to love. The team has been working closely with naval architects, and early renderings show a vessel that feels both sturdy and surprisingly intimate.

Financially, the expansion is a gamble. The original Bota Bota thrives on a mix of locals, tourists, and corporate clients who book team‑building retreats. Adding a second boat means higher overhead – more crew, more insurance, more dock fees. Yet, the owners remain optimistic. They point to a steady rise in wellness tourism across Canada and a post‑pandemic surge in people prioritising self‑care. “We’re betting that the appetite for unique, water‑based experiences will keep growing,” one of the founders said, chuckling as he imagined future guests floating in two separate boats, clinking mugs of herbal tea across the river.

For now, the timeline is realistic but ambitious. The new barge is slated to launch in late spring of next year, giving the team just enough time to finish the interior fit‑out, run safety drills, and train a handful of additional staff. Meanwhile, the existing Bota Bota will continue its regular schedule, offering the same signature services – hydrotherapy pools, a rooftop jacuzzi, a forest‑inspired sauna, and a signature rain‑room – all while the city watches the construction progress with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

What does this mean for Montrealers? More options, for sure. If you’ve ever found yourself waiting weeks for a slot, you might soon have a backup plan. If you’re a newcomer, the choice between two distinct floating oases could make your first spa day feel even more special. And for the city’s waterfront, the presence of two glowing vessels drifting gently along the St. Lawrence is a reminder that innovation can still be as soothing as a warm soak.

So, next time you stroll along the Old Port, keep an eye out for a second glimmering barge in the distance. It’s not just a new boat; it’s a promise that Bota Bota’s floating sanctuary will keep growing, one ripple at a time.