When you're looking for a sauna boat in Deep Cove, Port Moody, or anywhere in Greater Vancouver, you're after something pretty special – a wellness experience that's hard to find anywhere else. There are a few options out there, but they're quite different when it comes to luxury, service level, and what you're actually responsible for.
Hot Voyage Floating Sauna Inc. stands out as the only fully captained, commercially registered floating sauna in the region that comes with professional crew included.
This article breaks down the real differences between a professional, crewed charter like Hot Voyage and “bareboat” rental options (like Sisi Swim Sauna and Drift Sauna). Understanding this distinction matters when choosing the right adventure for you and your group.
Deep Cove Sauna Boat Comparison: Hot Voyage vs. Competitors
Before you book, it's worth knowing what you're actually paying for. The biggest difference comes down to the service model: “Full-Service Captained Charter” vs. a “Bareboat Rental,” and this has real implications for your experience and liability.
| Feature | Hot Voyage Floating Sauna Inc. | Sisi Swim Sauna | Drift Sauna |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Model | Full-Service Commercial Charter | Bareboat Charter (Rental) | Bareboat Charter (Rental) |
| Professional Captain | INCLUDED. A certified captain is provided. | NOT INCLUDED. Renter must hire one separately. | NOT INCLUDED. Renter must hire one separately. |
| Legal Liability | Passenger status. Company carries insurance. | Renter assumes legal responsibility as vessel operator. | Renter assumes legal responsibility as vessel operator. |
| Registration Type | Commercial Vessel | Pleasure Craft (Rental) | Pleasure Craft (Rental) |
| Vessel Size | 35-foot Vessel (Canada's largest) | Smaller Vessel | Smaller Vessel |
| Max Capacity | Up to 12 Guests | Up to 11 Guests | Up to 12 Guests |
| Private Washroom | YES (Enclosed, private) | NO | NO |
| Rooftop Deck | YES (Spacious, with sectional sofas) | NO | YES |
| Showers | YES (Fresh & Saltwater) | NO (Ocean only) | NO (Ocean only) |
| Experience | All-inclusive luxury with premium amenities. | DIY with high responsibility and basic amenities. | DIY with high responsibility and some amenities. |
Why Choose a Floating Sauna Experience on Indian Arm?
The floating sauna trend around Deep Cove has taken off for good reason. It combines the ancient wellness practice of contrast therapy with the stunning natural beauty of British Columbia.
This experience, sometimes called hydrotherapy, involves moving between the intense, dry heat of the sauna and a refreshing “cold plunge” into the pristine ocean waters. This cycle gets your circulation going, can help with inflammation, and releases those feel-good endorphins. Most people step off feeling revitalized and genuinely relaxed.
Instead of a stationary spa, you're floating in the middle of a coastal fjord. You're surrounded by towering, forested mountains and the calm waters of Indian Arm, with views toward Deep Cove. It's a wellness experience that feels private, exclusive, and surprisingly grounding. A boat sauna isn't just an activity – it tends to become one of those memories that sticks with you.
Hot Voyage: A Premium Floating Sauna Platform
Hot Voyage was designed specifically as a premium sauna boat experience. It's not just a sauna on a raft – it's a fully-equipped vessel built for comfort and celebration.
The Vessel: More Than Just a Sauna
At 35 feet long, the Hot Voyage vessel is Canada's most spacious sauna boat, built to host private groups of up to 12 people comfortably. You get a level of space and comfort that's hard to find on smaller rental boats.
The premium amenities create a genuine luxury charter experience:
- Spacious Sauna Room: A large, comfortable sauna that easily fits your group.
- Modern Propane-Fired Stove: Unlike traditional wood-fired stoves, which can get smoky and be tricky to control, our propane system is clean and offers precise temperature control for your comfort.
- Private, Enclosed Washroom: A must-have feature for comfort during a multi-hour charter. You shouldn't have to compromise on basic amenities.
- Rooftop Deck: A large upper deck with sectional sofas and ambient LED lighting – perfect for cooling off, socializing, and taking in the 360-degree views.
- Comfortable Rest Area: An indoor, heated space with a table where you can relax between sauna sessions, away from the elements.
- Fresh & Saltwater Showers: Rinse off with either a refreshing saltwater shower or a warm freshwater one.
- Premium Sound System: A 6-speaker Bluetooth system lets you set whatever vibe you want for your private event.
Professional Crew Included
This is what really sets Hot Voyage apart. With us, you're a passenger on a commercial vessel, not a renter taking on all the risk.
Every voyage is captained by professional, certified crew. Our team handles the navigation, anchoring, and operational details. The vessel is commercially registered and carries appropriate insurance. Your only job is to relax and enjoy yourself.
The “Bareboat Charter” Reality: What Other Sauna Boats Mean for You
While other services like Sisi Swim Sauna and Drift Sauna offer a similar floating sauna experience, they typically operate on a “bareboat charter” model. It's worth understanding what this actually means.
A “bareboat charter” is a maritime legal term. It means you're not just a passenger – you're renting the entire boat and are considered the operator.
Here's what that model involves:
- You're Legally Responsible: As the operator, you're liable for the vessel's operation and everyone on board.
- Liability for Incidents: If there's an accident, collision, or injury, you (the renter) could face financial and legal consequences.
- No Professional Crew: You're on your own. There's no certified professional on board to manage the vessel, monitor conditions, or handle emergencies.
- Basic Amenities: These vessels are typically smaller and don't offer the amenities of a commercial charter. Most notably, they lack a private washroom or freshwater shower, which can get uncomfortable on a multi-hour trip.
With Hot Voyage, you're a guest on a fully crewed passenger vessel with no liability on your end. That's the real difference between renting and booking a full-service charter.
Your Hot Voyage Experience from Start to Finish
We've designed everything to be smooth and memorable.
- The Pickup: Your private charter starts at a dock in Port Moody. You'll meet our crew and take a Zodiac-style inflatable boat to the main vessel, anchored nearby.
- The Cruise: Once aboard, your captain will start a scenic cruise into Indian Arm. You'll glide past beautiful shorelines, waterfalls, and the gorgeous surroundings near Deep Cove (the duration of your booked session determines how far we cruise into the majestic Indian Arm).
- The Main Event: The captain will anchor in a scenic, secluded spot. This is when you start the hot-cold-relax cycle. Heat up in the spacious sauna, then take the plunge into the clear, refreshing ocean.
- Relax and Unwind: Between cycles, chill in the heated rest area or head up to the rooftop deck. Connect your phone to the Bluetooth system, play your music, and enjoy quality time with your friends, family, or colleagues.
The Right Private Venue for Any Celebration
The 12-person capacity and completely private nature of the charter make Hot Voyage a great choice for special occasions. It's become a popular venue for unique Vancouver group events.
People book us for:
- Birthday Parties: Celebrate with something genuinely memorable.
- Bachelorette Parties: A unique, photo-worthy event for the bride-to-be and her crew.
- Corporate Events: Impress clients or treat your team to a wellness experience they'll actually talk about.
- Friends Get-Togethers: A fresh, healthy way to reconnect with people you care about.
- Business Meetings & Social Gatherings: A private, inspiring setting that beats any boardroom.
Common Questions About Sauna Boats in Deep Cove
How many people can go on the boat? Our boat fits up to 12 guests, ideal for private groups.
Where do we get on the boat? We pick you up from a dock in Port Moody, BC—the gateway to Indian Arm.
Is there a captain? Yes, every charter includes a professional, certified captain and crew who handle all navigation and operations.
What should I bring? We recommend a swimsuit, towel, reusable water bottle, and sunglasses. We provide everything else.
What about liability? As a passenger on our commercial charter, you have no operational liability. We're the operators with appropriate insurance coverage.
Ready to Book Your Experience?
When you're looking for the best sauna boat experience in Deep Cove and Indian Arm, Hot Voyage offers luxury amenities and a fully crewed experience. Our spots fill up quickly, especially for weekends and evenings.
Visit the Hot Voyage website to check availability and reserve your spot.