Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau
4
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Anchored in the Old Port of Montreal, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau offers its passengers the healing benefits of a spa while being lulled by the natural movements of the St Lawrence River. With its enchanting ambiance, and Old Montreal as a magical backdrop, this mysterious and innovative floating spa offers all who come aboard privileged access to the river while enjoying the relaxing and energizing properties of the water circuit. Bota Bota consists of five decks which house the various spa installations: four saunas with incredible views onto the river and the Old Port, a eucalyptus steam bath, outdoor whirlpool baths, cold showers and baths, relaxation areas, a restaurant, terraces and a garden. Over and above its breathtaking Montreal location, this unique spa offers prolonged well-being through massage therapy, body treatments, facial treatments, manicures and pedicures. You can also delight your taste buds at the Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau restaurant, La Traversée.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Address
Neighbourhood: Ville-Marie
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See what travellers are saying
  • Stephen S
    4 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Money x
    The changing rooms are small and dirty. The facilities can get a little boring for 3 hours, it’s hard to switch off there and the taking of a deposit, i found wild because I’d already paid and I didn’t get my 50 dollars back in time for leaving my vacation which ultimately left me short of money. There was no need for that deposit if I wanted anything extra I’d have asked at check in. They blamed the bank which is fair but such a pointless activity that ruined the already average experience.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written October 16, 2023
  • Happytogotheway T
    Montreal, Canada32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique thermal water circuit spa in the city of Montreal
    I have visited Bota Bota 5 times and every time it was like stepping into a new world. Absolute rest and relaxation, the thermal water circuit is very beneficial, and for me it helped me sleep better at night. The saunas and relaxation areas are well kept, and the quiet helps to relax both mind and body. I once booked a package with a massage and the massage rooms are very nice too. Also taking some time to relax in the hot tub is nice too and the surrounding views of Old Montreal are amazing. Each sauna has a bucket of water with essential oils to pour over the hot stones, I like the hourglass timers on the wall, perfect for checking the time for when it's time to go in the cold water. The areas of rest after the cold water include regular chairs, hanging chairs, long chairs, bean bags, and there are cushions on the "porthole" windows where you can curl up with a book or magazine. One of my favorite packages is the foodie package, what's good about La Traversee restaurant is that the menu is changed regularly which is good for foodies who like to taste new dishes and try new flavors. There is an emphasis on local ingredients, which adds to the freshness and originality. There are several water fountains where you can fill up your water bottle, which is highly recommended so that you can stay well-hydrated while doing the water circuit. If you are looking to experience the benefits of a thermal water circuit in the city of Montreal, I highly recommend Bota Bota. Even as a tourist it can be a good way to relax in between visiting the many great sights in Montreal.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written November 1, 2023
  • Caroline
    Ottawa, Canada2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Massage at Bota Bota
    I had the best massage at Bota Bota by Nathalie P. she is attentive, warm and very talented. I had a 90 minutes therapeutic massage and it was worth every penny. The room had a view of the water. We were a group of 7 reservation and check in was so easy. We also spent some time in the water circuit. Great place highly recommend
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written November 3, 2023
  • SnappleSpice
    New York City, New York647 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved the River Plunge!
    I went with a group of friends and we all had a pretty good time! Definitely a unique spot and experience, I especially loved the tiny section where you can plunge into the river. We went with the cheapest option in the evening (during peak winter holiday season). The cons: The changing room some of us were assigned to was separate from the boat and gardens, so we had to change and then walk back through the lobby, which was a bit strange. I also wasn't a fan of the large hold (I believe it was 50CAD per person) they put on my card. I wish it was possible to order and have a drink in the garden area, but there were no bars that I could see. The pros: Again, the space to take a quick dip in the river was small but unique. I love being able to get into natural water. I appreciate how there are several cold plunges throughout the spa, both on the boat and in the garden area. The warm baths in the garden felt spacious and weren't too crowded. We never had to wait for the sauna. As someone from NYC, the price also felt very fair for the space and experience we got. The shorter time options were useful for us, as I don't think we would have needed or wanted a full day there.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written February 19, 2024
  • David_MTL_514
    Montreal, Canada252 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting concept that works
    A spa on a boat docked permanently, like those waterboat casinos in the southern US. The concept is good and the lay out is very cool as well. If you walk around it you cannot mistake it for anything else than a boat but if you didn't know you'd think it's just a building. The showers need a fresh coat of paint preferrably with a mold resistant one. The massage room walls could be a bit more insulated, something upstairs kept on banging and it was annoying while trying to relax and get a massage. other than that it's a cool place.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written March 3, 2024
  • JennF
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Totally worth an afternoon here
    I enjoyed the three different water circuits - two on the boat and one in a garden area on land. It was a lovely afternoon with no phones; and no talking in the silent areas. I note for anyone who's not so tall... The large plunge pool in the garden was nice for ease of entry and exit if you're short. I was able to use the barrel style ones on the boat but it was a little awkward due to my short legs.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written April 25, 2024
  • 1978
    Cotswolds, United Kingdom54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfection
    Recommended by a good friend who is a luxury global traveler as his favourite spa, I had to give it a go. Absolutely loved it. 3hrs of relaxation on the water! Such bliss to ease us into our weeks holiday in Montreal! So good, we intend to try and book in on our last day, so we can feel the relaxing benefits for a little longer!
    Dear "Catkin1978", Thank you very much for your kind review! We are happy that we were a part of your Montreal trip and hope you will visit again next time you are in our beautiful city!
    Written September 10, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written July 1, 2024
  • foodiegirl050
    Long Valley, New Jersey20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    WOW!
    WOW is all I can say! My daughter's co-worker recommended this place so we decided to book it on the Sunday of our long weekend. What a pleasant surprise, one that exceeded our expectations. We have been to Montreal before but not in the Summer-height of tourist season- this was the best part of our trip. The facility, mostly quiet and no devices allowed, was clean and the epitome of customer service. We both had amazing massages, nice food at the restaurant overlooking the St Lawrence River. The history of the boat is pretty cool too.
    Dear "goodiegirl050", Thank you so much for your kind words! We are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us and that you received amazing massages and ate great food! We hope that you will visit us again very soon!
    Written September 10, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written July 14, 2024
  • StellaStyle
    211 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another way to Experience Montreal
    absolutely an experience. i have less than 24 hours in montreal and decided to spend my evening here upon arrival. paid $70 plus tax and had a light dinner at the restaurant. Worth every penny. The multiple water circuit experience was phenomenal. The only cons would be the washroom. Not enough change room but I understand space is quite limited. It could use some improvement. Bring face moisturizer. Other than that everything was great and I highly recommend. No cellphone in the water circuit.
    Dear "StellaStyle", Thank you for taking the time to write your review. We are very happy to read that you enjoyed your time spent at Bota Bota and that it was worth every penny! We hope to welcome you again!
    Written September 10, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written July 17, 2024
  • AyBeeOh
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania203 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not at luxury as one might hope
    We did the water circuit and were able to book the same day, which was nice. Pros: Nice, fairly serene setting (we were there on a Thursday, when cell phones/talking are permitted), not too crowded, although we stayed away from the pool area, which had a lot more people and seemed more party-like. Cons: Dressing room is like a basement and overcrowds and overheats easily. Black railings were peeling considerably and looked like they needed a refresh. Service in restaurant not very attentive; one server was pleasant but the other was obviously irritated about something and had a scowl on her face the whole time.
    Dear "AyBeeOh", Thank you for taking the time to write your review. Ou clients'f feedback is important to us and help us improve our services. I am glad that you enjoyed you time abaord. You are right that facilities located on the boat are normally more calm than the adjacent gardens. Even though our dressing rooms are situated in the hold of the ship, where the engine room used to be, they are fully equiped with all you would need after enjoying the spa. We are taking note of the black railings. I am sorry to read that the service at the restaurant was not very attentive. This information will be shared with the owner of Restaurant La Traversée. We hope to welcome you again!
    Written September 10, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written August 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Happytogotheway T
Montreal, Canada32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Solo
I have visited Bota Bota 5 times and every time it was like stepping into a new world. Absolute rest and relaxation, the thermal water circuit is very beneficial, and for me it helped me sleep better at night. The saunas and relaxation areas are well kept, and the quiet helps to relax both mind and body. I once booked a package with a massage and the massage rooms are very nice too. Also taking some time to relax in the hot tub is nice too and the surrounding views of Old Montreal are amazing.
Each sauna has a bucket of water with essential oils to pour over the hot stones, I like the hourglass timers on the wall, perfect for checking the time for when it's time to go in the cold water. The areas of rest after the cold water include regular chairs, hanging chairs, long chairs, bean bags, and there are cushions on the "porthole" windows where you can curl up with a book or magazine.
One of my favorite packages is the foodie package, what's good about La Traversee restaurant is that the menu is changed regularly which is good for foodies who like to taste new dishes and try new flavors. There is an emphasis on local ingredients, which adds to the freshness and originality. There are several water fountains where you can fill up your water bottle, which is highly recommended so that you can stay well-hydrated while doing the water circuit.
If you are looking to experience the benefits of a thermal water circuit in the city of Montreal, I highly recommend Bota Bota. Even as a tourist it can be a good way to relax in between visiting the many great sights in Montreal.
Written November 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MarcioToronto
Toronto48 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
The outside area/entrance is very pleasant, but the check-in is confusing at best and inefficient if you have more than one person on a reservation.

Fortunately, the front desk staff were extremely friendly and helpful, making what could have been a smooth entry an unpleasant experience, especially because there are no sandals to borrow or rent (sanitizing flip flops is very simple, by the way). If you want overpriced Havaianas knockoffs, they have them for sale.

The bathrobes and towels are handed to you when you check in (they could be better folded-sorry for my OCD) with a bracelet used as a locker key (positive point).

My local YMCA has better locker rooms. Bota bota's were treated as a second thought: they are small, you are always bumping into someone, there is no space to sit, there are dripping ceilings etc. I preferred not to shower there at the end.

The rest of the place is outstanding as well: attendants are very professional; tubs, saunas, and showers are well designed; clientele is civilized; gardens are pleasant; and the different relaxation areas are a guaranteed glorious nap after the treatments.

I did not use the restaurants.

At the end, back to the dungeon/locker room, they do not have a centrifuge to help dry the bathing suits... something that someone should have thought of when they decided to not give plastic bags in 2018.

Towels and robe returns are weird and inefficient as well.

It is a great experience if you are prepared correctly, as they don't say anything about you bringing your own sandals, limited space in the lockers, or how to deal with wet garments.

The concept is 10/10, the staff as well. The execution has space for improvement.

If you can't live without your phone, please don't go. This is a place for relaxation.

To the management: asking your staff to push a monster cart full of wet towels up a ramp not just disturbs the clients with all that noise by the silent areas but is an unpleasant way to treat your collaborators.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ryan A
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Friends
Wow, where do I begin. My brother took me here a few days before my wedding to destress and yet I left feeling more stressed then before.
1) our check in took almost 30 minutes because they lost our reservations. My brother was charged for three massages but they never booked them. Instead of saying go relax we’ll find you, they had us wait there and didn’t check back at all until
They had the answer 30 mins later.
2) obviously they comped it which was nice and appreciated but since my brother is American, he gets charged for a return, so he essentially paid for something he never got.
3) the locker rooms left A LOT to be desired. For what we thought would be a nice relaxing spa, it was quite the opposite. More like a cheap gym locker room with no amenities other then soap and a hairdryer. Not even slippers, which are mandatory but not provided… needless to say I did not shower there at the end…
4) we decided to just go do the water circuit. Finding a chair was a challenge, especially with so much blocked because of workers, there was also no sunscreen, in a spa with pools… not even to buy!
5) we went on the boat to a hot tub where the sign said it would close at 3:20 for cleaning, just our luck, it was 3:10. Nonetheless, we get in, we’re talking quietly, a woman starts coming up to everyone saying something and they leave the pool. She says it to us but we couldn’t hear. We assume it’s letting us know the pool is closing soon for cleaning so we decide to stay everyone else gets out. 5 minutes later she comes out angrily and says that’s it, you’re done, get off the boat. Apparently she had asked us to be quiet the first time because it was a quiet zone and we misunderstood…. Not
Great customer service to kick us off, especially because the other guests didn’t care… they were talking as well and never looked at us even.
6) we could’ve gone to the louder pool but decided we had enough and left. We’re still waiting for my brothers card to be comped completely for this fail of a day…. So much for distressing before my big day…
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear "RyanA2270", Thank you for sharing your experience with the TripAdvisor community. I first want to apologize for the time it took before answering your review. Could you please write me an email directly at natalie@botabota.ca so we can look into this? Best regards, Natalie É., Customer Experience Director
Written December 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Justmyopinion
Toronto, Canada2,073 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I have my own review but I feel I need to respond to what I have read.
1) The check in is slow but they are also busy. Hint: good time to start the relaxing
process.
2) Changing rooms are small. Hint: You're not supposed to stay in there.
3) Phones: no phones for 2 reasons. You can't disturb the quiet areas and this place
is private. Absolutely no pictures. Not only do they tell you at the desk no phones it
says it in every locker. So DON'T bring in your phones.
4) We had excellent service in the restaurant.

This place has it all in this small looking area. I would love to go in the summer when it can expand to the patios too.

The water areas are great. You have many options for hot or cold.
2 saunas steam and dry.
Lots of chilling areas.

I had an excellent massage from Mallory. Extremely professional and great personality. Talked when I wanted to and was quiet when I was too relaxed to chat.
As good as any massage I have had even at the really expensive Spas.

We stayed approximately 4hrs and could have easily stayed longer.
Well worth it!!!!!!!
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elise G.
Paris, France43 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
A Must-do in Montreal! It's a unique experience in the city. If possible, do the water circuit on Tuesdays if you have an Opus card (there's a -15% discount on this day). I also recommend going as early as possible as it can get quickly overcrowded on the boat. The place is lovely and the staff is extremely nice. There is a nice view of the city and Habitat 67. I'm however very disappointed about the fact that the pool on the third floor was very dirty when I went, knowing that it was very early in the morning.
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear "SphenneA", Thank you for taking the time to share your Bota Bota experience with the TripAdvisor community! I am glad to read that you enjoyed your stay with us. You are right that it's always better to visit us in the morning to avoid crowds. I am sorry that the jacuzzi on the 3rd deck was not clean. This shouldn't be the case and we will look into it. We look forward to your next visit!
Written September 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

AyBeeOh
Pittsburgh, PA203 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
We did the water circuit and were able to book the same day, which was nice. Pros: Nice, fairly serene setting (we were there on a Thursday, when cell phones/talking are permitted), not too crowded, although we stayed away from the pool area, which had a lot more people and seemed more party-like. Cons: Dressing room is like a basement and overcrowds and overheats easily. Black railings were peeling considerably and looked like they needed a refresh. Service in restaurant not very attentive; one server was pleasant but the other was obviously irritated about something and had a scowl on her face the whole time.
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear "AyBeeOh", Thank you for taking the time to write your review. Ou clients'f feedback is important to us and help us improve our services. I am glad that you enjoyed you time abaord. You are right that facilities located on the boat are normally more calm than the adjacent gardens. Even though our dressing rooms are situated in the hold of the ship, where the engine room used to be, they are fully equiped with all you would need after enjoying the spa. We are taking note of the black railings. I am sorry to read that the service at the restaurant was not very attentive. This information will be shared with the owner of Restaurant La Traversée. We hope to welcome you again!
Written September 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pearliegirl
92 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
So amazing! We went on a Friday night in the summer and it wasn’t crowded at all. So many nice pools to relax in, as well as saunas and steam baths. Our massages with Audrey Ann and Mika were incredible. We will definitely be back the next time we visit Montreal.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Alethea O, Thank you for your kind review! We're really happy to read that you had a nice stay at Bota Bota. We will make sure to share your kind words with Andrey-Ann and Maika! We look forward to your next visit!
Written July 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jetsetter-mtl
Montreal, Canada70 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
I had an incredibly disappointing experience at this spa. Not only was the counter staff incredibly rude, but they also displayed a shocking level of inefficiency during the check-in process. Their unprofessional behavior made the entire experience far from relaxing.

Upon arrival, I was met with a complete lack of courtesy from the counter staff. They were dismissive and impolite, which immediately set a negative tone for my visit. It's disheartening when a place that's supposed to promote relaxation and well-being fails to provide even basic courtesy.

To make matters worse, the check-in process was a complete mess. There seemed to be a lack of organization and attention to detail. It took far longer than it should have, leaving me feeling frustrated and impatient. This is the last thing you want when you're trying to unwind and enjoy a spa day.

As if that wasn't enough, I discovered that they were keeping personal records without my permission, which is a major breach of privacy. This complete disregard for clients' privacy and the overall lack of professionalism left me with an overwhelmingly negative impression of the establishment. I would strongly advise against visiting this spa, as it's clear they have significant improvements to make in their customer service and operational efficiency.
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sonya T
Los Angeles, CA10 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Solo
The worst customer service I have experienced at a spa. It’s my first time in Montreal, and it’s left a bad taste in my mouth. I have been a huge of Western Canada and now nice they are, so it’s quite disappointing it is not consistent across the country. I tried to explain a terrible personal situation I endured at the airport and why I would be late and the spa wouldn’t accommodate me at all. Their way of accommodating was to charge me 50% extra for being late. They weren’t very kind about it. They said they were already doing me a favor by not charging me 100% of the fee. I also booked a water circuit and asked for additional 30 minutes and they refused to budge because they “already accommodated me.” This is not a great start to what was supposed to be a relaxing experience. I asked to speak to a manager but they hung up on me. I said I would be leaving this review, and they said they didn’t care.
Written August 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear "sonyat284" I believe that my colleague Guillaume was in contact with you with regards do this situation. If not, please don't hesitate to write me an email directly at natalie@botabota.ca so we can discuss this in more details. Best regards, Natalie É., Customer Experience Director
Written September 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

www.pichonvoyageur.ch
Lausanne, Switzerland194 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
Reporting in Montreal for the blog pichonvoyageur.ch, I tested this “very trendy” space in Quebec. Access to the water circuit includes the rental of a bathrobe, a towel and a key bracelet for the locker. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, moisturizer are also available in the locker rooms. Silence is imperative, otherwise you will be instantly reprimanded by staff.
Google
Written November 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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BOTA BOTA, SPA-SUR-L'EAU - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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