Halcyon Floats

Went floating for the first time not knowing what to expect and was completely blown away by the experience. The staff was great and very helpful with letting me know how to prepare and what might occur. After the first 10 minutes in the tank I had slipped into a state of complete relaxation with no concept of the space I was in or how fast or slow time was going. Once you completely relax and surrender and let go of your body and senses the experience becomes truly spiritual. It felt like I was inside of an infinite void and traveling through space. At first it seemed as though light were getting in until I held my hand in front of my face (which you shouldn’t do to avoid the water dripping on your face) and realized I couldn’t see myself and there was absolutely no light. What I was seeing was being put together by my own mind. I can’t explain where I was but it was amazing and it seemed like I was there for hours somewhere between consious and unconscious. After exiting the tank every part of me was relaxed and calm. I had an overwhelming euphoric feeling and it lasted for days. I can’t wait to do this a 1000 more time! I think this is something everyone should experience!

My first float experience was here summer 2014. The 3 float intro package is an excellent way to get started for newbies. After that become a monthly member for reduced price floating. I loved it so much that I purchased my own Float Tent for my house! Now, I float weekly. Thanks Kerilyn & Chris for introducing me to the float community :)

This review is long overdue. I came here about a year & a half ago after they had newly opened up. I had heard about ‘floating’ about 10 years prior & had always wanted to try it. When I heard Halcyon Floats was opening up, this was the only place locally I could find offering floats, so I started stalking their social media accounts to be one of the first to go. I treated myself to a float for my birthday, and went on a weekend morning.
When I arrived I was kindly greeted by the owner, a young woman who was happy & eager to have me frequenting her new business. I waited on a chair in the front of the storefront for the people currently in the tank rooms to finish up. When they came out, the owner told me it would just be a few min as she needed to clean the tanks (something done between every use). At this time she started explaining the process & what to do while in there.
Once in the room containing the tank I undressed & took all clothing/​jewelry off. I was instructed to shower off first before entering the tank to help preserve the sanitation of the tank, so I did. I then put my ear plugs in, grabbed the floating light provided & hopped in. Almost immediate upon touching the water, my hands started stinging… I forgot to use the Vaseline provided on any small cuts on my body (for me I had to put it on my cuticles). I quickly hopped out, applied the Vaseline & back into the tank I went. Much better now.
I laid back in the warm water getting settled in. Started with the light on, but then turned it off. And then I waited, and waited. I waited for something to happen. I had heard stories of seeing & smelling things by people during their floating experience. I had none. I tried everything in me to fall asleep or get into a meditative state, but I was bored out of my mind the whole time and was just waiting for the time to pass so I could get out. I could hear some of the sounds from the street, even with ear plugs in, which may have prevented me from fully ‘zoning out’. I just remember getting out of the tank and wishing I had spent that time & money on a massage instead.
After leaving the tank, I got dressed again & exited the room. The owner greeted me & offered me a chair in the back area with beverages. I made myself a hot cup of tea & chatted with the guy who was in the other tank floating at the same time as me. (He found his float to be very relaxing & had fallen asleep).
I’m disappointed that I didn’t have a relaxing float as all the others on here have reported. I suppose floating just isn’t for me. One part of me wants to give it another shot & try another float, but again, I would rather put that money towards a massage which I know will be relaxing. But please, don’t let my review stop you from trying it out if you’re curious to try floating. This is just my experience, and from the other reviews I seem to be in the minority.
I wish this business the best of luck, and hope that for whoever would benefit from floating tries it out!

I enjoyed the experience of my first float, but after taking my second float in another location down the street I found myself disappointed with halcyon floats in hindsight. The lights were left on my entire float and beams of light entered the tank even with the hatch closed, so I never got the true experience I just had down the street at a similar business. While it was an okay first experience, I found the staff less attentive, and the fact that light was beaming through the gaps of my tank will probably prevent me from returning as I want the full advertised sensory deprivation, meaning light too. I also felt a bit rushed at halcyon as the last appointment I think they just wanted to get me on and out. Now that I have the contrast I’m kinda disappointed with halcyon and will not return. Owner is nice met her at 2^nd st fest, I wonder if she were there if the experience would have been better:(

So lucky to have something so amazing in my neighborhood! This shop is clean, polite and offers something very few can; total relaxation. Completely different from a spa or yoga class once you float you’ll be hooked. I’m a busy professional and mom to a toddler so I’m always looking for new ways to unwind. I’ve never felt better than after a session here. Every experience is different but the end result is always going back to reality feeling like a million bucks! Check out their website for all the things floating can help with. I had no idea I could gain so many things just by relaxing in a tank of salt water! Thanks as always to Keri and her awesome staff for always making me feel welcome and amazing! Can’t wait until my next visit

I was nervous for my first float, but as soon as I walked through the door of Halcyon Floats, i immediately felt at ease. The atmosphere was so serene and inviting. The owner, Keri, was able to answer all of my questions. She knew everything about floating and I could tell she really believes in what she does. The shop was very clean, as were the showers. I’m a germaphobe, so I paid particular attention to that.
As for the float itself, I really enjoyed it. As soon as I laid in the tank, I could feel my spine start to relax. I was expecting to do a lot of thinking in there, but instead I wasn’t able to think about anything. My mind seemed to go completely blank. It was a welcomed change of pace from all the racing thoughts throughout the day. It felt like I was only in there for 20 minutes, but it was actually an hour. I felt like I was walking on air for the next couple of days. I will definitely be going back!

Ready to take your meditational discipline to the next level? Or just looking for something uniquely different to do? Deprivation flotation is now in Fishtown /​Northern Liberties ! I found it a really pleasant break from the chaos of Girard Avenue. Cozy, spa experience for deep focus and quietude.

Sorry, I was not impressed. I wanted to love this place and the experience but the one time I went there I asked how often the water is changed. The girl behind the desk was new and couldn’t answer my question so she called the owner which was very nice and helpful but the water doesn’t get «changed» only filtered, I took her on her word that the filtration process sufficiently
cleaned the water after each use. It’s kinda like a hot tub situation expect your suppose to float in the nude. But apparently the water is not changed after each customer. I decided to try and I’m really sorry to say this and I hope my review will help this business stay afloat if they change their methods but I found the changing area to be dusty, especially the floor and some viable dusty bunnies lingering in corners, it needed a good sweep and mopping, I didn’t feel comfortable getting undressed. I took a peak at the float tank and found that unappealing as well as I saw what looked to be human hair floating on the waters surface. I hope the business can sustain itself with a little more attention to detail as this a rather inmate body/​health venture and some local business should provide better services then the giants. Two stars for being there and providing a service which at least some seem to enjoy.

I step into the tank, and I let go. I focus on my breathing, and I enjoy the weightless sensation of floating. It’s usually over before I want it to be. Afterward, everything is easier. I wish I could afford to do this more often. (A student discount would be great!)

Jamie, Laura and Lia did a great job of explaining the «floating» experience below. In order not to beat it to death, I’ll just add a couple of notes :)
Let me start by saying that I consider myself to be a semi-​experienced floater (I’ve been upwards of 15 times) and have visited «spas» in Bristol, Houston and NYC. The concept of sensory deprivation tanks can be strange in itself, so I never understood why these places didn’t do everything to make the experience as comfortable as possible pre-​float.
Finally, I’ve found a place that does: Halcyon.
Keri has done a great job in creating a cozy and clean space that puts you at ease as soon as you enter. The staff are super friendly and happy to explain any questions you may have. One of my favorite aspects is the post-​float area for floaters to reflect on their experience while enjoying a herbal tea.
TIPS:
1) Floating is an unrivaled state of focus and concentration, so I usually like to have a few things in mind to think about before I enter so that I can really tackle them.
2) In order to enter that theta state of consciousness as quickly as possible, I personally like to use the body scan technique that you can read up on here (
)
3) Letting go is the hardest part… don’t think about it and just let it happen :)
Float on!

I never did anything like this ever until yesterday. To be honest, I was a little unsure how I was going to react in a sensory deprivation tank. (It sounds so much more intimidating than it actually is though.) First off, I have pretty above-​average anxiety– I cry on airplanes that hit turbulence, get cold sweats when the dentist comes at me with a Novocaine shot, and I regularly envision myself in a horrific car crash while driving on 76. All crazy, I know. So the idea of an isolation tank was both intriguing and terrifying. And let me just say that is was AWESOME.
Unless you’ve done this before or been in a space shuttle, you’ve never felt this. The sensation of floating is incredible and relaxing. Floating in the water after the initial period where you have to learn how to relax, for me was all about concentrating on the sound of my own breathe and heartbeat. It might sound difficult for many people– being alone with your own thoughts for 90 minutes — but for some reason in that tank it is easy to turn off the outside world.
The tank itself is bigger than I imagined in my head, and the water is only about 10 inches deep, so immediately my anxiousness kind of left me and I closed the door and turned off the little floating light ball. Truth be told also, you lose time in there. 90 minutes felt like maybe 30.
When I emerged from the tank I felt this incredible lightness. Like my body finally got a rest and was rejuvenated. I don’t get that from sleeping… I wake up and feel the aches and pains of whatever I was doing the day before or for my last 33 years. When I walked out of that room, I felt like a weight had been lifted and I was renewed. I can see why some people want to do this all the time.
Halcyon Floats is a lovely little shop. It’s clean and quiet and the staff is so helpful and wonderful. They all float, so they are enthusiastic about the benefits and the experiences people have. They definitely helped to calm the nervousness I was having about doing it for the first time. Afterward, it was an added plus to be able to chat with them about the experience and hear about theirs.
A few tips: you may not think that little scratch that didn’t break your skin will not bother you but I can assure you ANY minor abrasion you have should be covered with Vaseline. I was scratching an itch on my shin and didn’t know I had any sign of abrasion until I got in the tank and it started to become irritated VERY FAST. Covering it with Vaseline immediately fixed the problem. Lastly, have an open mind. Like most things in life, this experience will be what you make of it. If you want to go into the tank with skepticism and a closed expectation, you will likely not enjoy yourself. You’ve got 90 minutes in there with yourself, so relax and stay positive!

I’d been wanting to try a sensory deprivation tank ever since Lisa Simpson did it (
). Now I have. I think I liked it, but here’s a bit of what went through mind during my float:
I’m scared.
It’s dark in here.
I need to turn this little light off.
No, it’s too scary.
What if I can’t get out?
I can do this.
I love Epsom salts.
Cool, I’m floating.
It’s fun to stretch in here.
I’m probably moving too much.
Chill out.
Relax your big toe, 2^nd toe, 3^rd toe, 4^th toe, baby toe…
My neck aches.
I have mermaid hair.
inhale-​exhale-​inhale-​exhale-​inhale-​exhale-​inhale…
My skin feels slippery.
I’m a little bored.
I have to pee.
I’m cold.
I’m hungry.
When can I get out of here?
Has it been 90 minutes yet?
And then the music started & I was so surprised that the 90 minutes had gone by because it felt more like ½ hour!
I liked it, I definitely liked it. It was relaxing & I like anything that forces me to be away from my phone. I felt great afterward – super relaxed, no aches or pains, & super strong the next day.
That being said, I probably won’t go back. I recommend trying it at least once, because floating is pretty awesome. For the time & money, though, I’d rather get a massage.

After hearing about float tanks for the first time on the Joe Rogan podcast, I had to give it a try, but at the time the closest one to me was in NYC. The spa didn’t have a «real» tank it was a converted jacuzzi, but it didn’t give me a idea of want the experience could be. So when I read about Halcyon Floats it was very exciting, and after going here it was no let down! Halcyon Floats is such a great place. The owner is friendly and very knowledgeable, the place is new and very clean, prices are great, what more can you ask for! It’s reallly awesome!

Been seeking out floating for years and was so happy to find this opening 5 minutes from my house. I went the day it opened. This place is amazing. Floating is amazing. Been three times so far and on the third float I meditated deeply and had a crazy transformational, transcendental experience I will never, ever forget. Been therapeutic mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Plus — all you can eat Lorna Dunes.

It’s official, I’m a «floater!»
About six months ago my friend told me about the sensory deprivation tank craze that’s everywhere in the Pacific Northwest, and I was immediately interested. I found a float tank in Bristol but it seemed like to much of a hassle to get to, and a lot in New York — but when I had a chance to get to the city I never had the time to squeeze in a soak. Fast forward to an article I saw on be well Philly — finally a spot was opening up right on girard! Once the website went live I booked an introductory package and scheduled my session.
I didn’t have any real expectations and knew that basically you get in a tank that’s heated to the temperature of your skin, and float in a mixture of Epsom Salt and 10 inches of water. You wear ear plugs, and lie in the dark all alone with you and your thoughts. Sounds scary, but it’s not. The experience is yours alone and it is what you make of it.
When the time came for my appointment I walked into a clean and bright space, and was greeted by a nice woman who immediately put me at ease. She explained the tank and the process. Each room is equipped with a private tank, a small shower, bath robe, towel, head pillow, ear plugs, and face towel with a water bottle to spray down your face in the event that you get salt in your eyes. You even get a water proof light to bring inside the tank to help you until you become more orientated to the dark.
I am very familiar with the benefits of Epsom Salt: first off your body can absorb a good amount of magnesium this way, Epsom salt is good for recovery from work outs or muscle aches and pains, It is known to detoxify, help your nervous system function, improve heart health, and just relieve stress in general. A 90 minute session here is a more than sufficient time period to reap the benefits of an Epsom soak.
I went into the tank with my pillow and light, closed the door, and got situated. You really do float in the water! The 90 minutes i spent in the tank went by quickly. I had read that some people can really get into a deep meditative state, but I don’t think I was there — yet. It was very relaxing and really very comfortable. My mind kind of shut off, and it wasn’t until she knocked on the door, to tell me my time was up, that I snapped back into reality and thought «oh wow I’m in a weird dark tank.»
I took another shower, and this time I had to scrub all the salt off. I did bring my own shampoo and conditioner — but they had all that there — I just am picky about products (ie LUSH products). I use Epsom salt at home so I’m very familiar with the drying aspect of the salt, so I also brought my own lotion. There wasn’t any lotion in the private room but I noticed some in the shared bathroom — along w contact cases and a blow dryer. So I guess if you forget yours they have it available.
The place was clean and besides the dark tank, everything in the space is bright and fun! There is water and tea available when you have finished, and I think I even saw some snacks — but i was in a rush to go to a birthday party so I just popped out as quickly as I came in. I left feeling totally relaxed and very calm. I feel like the next time I go I will try to get a later appointment so I can go home and sleep after wards. I didn’t leave tired or ready for bed, but I could see myself getting a tremendous nights sleep after going here later in the evening.
I can’t wait to float again– I could see myself doing this once a month. It’s really nice to go somewhere and totally check out, not worry about your phone or your plans or whatever — and just take 90 minutes to float away.