SeaPod’s

Q: Where can a SeaPod be deployed?

ShorePods can sit meters from the beach, shallow-water models need 7–25 meters of depth, and deep-water models are engineered for 25–200 meters. Private lakes are possible too, subject to the lake authority’s approval.

Q: Where is the first SeaPod located?

The first SeaPod Eco is deployed at Linton Bay Marina on Panama’s Caribbean coast, with its construction and deployment documented on the Ocean Builders blog. International locations are planned, assessed case-by-case.

Q: How are SeaPods powered?

Floating SeaPods run on solar power with an emergency generator as backup. Nearshore Pods can also connect to shore power.

Q: What are SeaPods made of, and how long do they last?

The structure is fiberglass and steel with a gel-coat exterior, suspended above the water on a spar. With consistent maintenance the materials are engineered to last approximately a century, and the smart-home system monitors maintenance needs.

Q: Is the SeaPod anchored?

Yes. A SeaPod uses one to three anchors depending on how much mobility you want — a single anchor lets the Pod rotate, while three roots it in place.

Q: Is there internet and cell service on a SeaPod?

Yes. Nearshore Pods can take a direct cable line; floating Pods use local cellular providers or Starlink for reliable connectivity and WiFi.

Q: Can I rent out my own SeaPod?

Yes. Owners are welcome to list their Pods on short-term rental marketplaces, and Ocean Builders can connect community-deployed Pods with a hospitality partner.

Question 1

Do you have a brochure?

Answer

Yes. Here is our brochure:

SeaPod Brochure

Question 2

How do I buy a floating residence?

Answer

To purchase a floating residence, contact our sales team at [email protected]. They will discuss your requirements, introduce you to the available models and options, provide current pricing, and prepare a tailored quotation.

Question 3

How much do SeaPods cost?

Answer

Unit sales will begin soon as we prepare to launch our flagship developments in two new markets.

For the latest pricing and availability, please contact our sales team at [email protected].

Question 4

What form of payments do you accept?

Answer

Payment options will be shared when unit sales open. In the meantime, please contact our sales team at [email protected].

Question 5

Can I get insurance for the Pods?

Answer

Yes, an agency in Panama is currently offering third-party liability insurance. We’re in talks with multiple agencies to cover content, structural, theft, and possible more.

Question 6

Are the units fully furnished?

Answer

Yes, the Pods can come as a fully furnished package.

Question 7

How many types are available?

Answer

As of now we have the two Pod shell designs available, the Eco and the Flagship models. As for the structural differences, we can offer a shallow water and deep water foundation.

Question 8

Can I rent a SeaPod?

Answer

Our new floating-residence development is currently taking shape. Once completed, owners will be able to offer their residences for short-term stays, subject to availability and the applicable rental programme. Information about rental availability and bookings will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates.

Question 9

When will they be available?

Answer

Unit sales will begin soon as we prepare to launch our flagship developments in two new markets.

Question 10

Where is the first finished Pod?

Answer

We’ve already finished building the first SeaPod Eco and it has been deployed in Linton Bay Marina in Panama. If you’re interested, you can also watch its construction process through our blog here.

Question 11

Besides Panama, where else are you looking to build?

Answer

We plan to deploy Pods internationally but we’re prioritizing particular regions before others, as well as prioritizing larger volume orders. For example, we’ve launched the first showcase units in Panama so we are scaling there with overnight rental experiences. For global expansion of customer deployments, we are assessing the best locations on a case-by-case basis. Tell us where you want to deploy and we’ll discuss the potential.

Question 12

How far from shore will the pods in Panama be deployed?

Answer

The first Pod is available within the marina zone as of now, but we have plans to move it further out around 2km from the shoreline.

Question 13

How far from the shore can the pods be deployed?

Answer

We have different kinds of Pods available so the distance can vary a lot. One of the shallow water models we call ShorePods can be deployed a few meters away from the beach or waterfront. These types of Pods will not actually be floating but will be connected to the sea floor. The floating versions of our shallow water models need around 7-25 meters of water depth while the deep water models need around 25-200 meters. This means they can be deployed a few hundred meters to many kilometers offshore.

Question 14

How are the Pods powered?

Answer

We use different power sources depending on the location. Our floating units use solar power and an emergency generator as backup power. Near shore we can offer either shore power or solar. On land we will have city power or solar.

Question 15

Is there any cell service?

Answer

Yes, there is reliable cellular service and WiFi using local providers and/ or Starlink.

Question 16

What type of internet connection does it have?

Answer

You can have direct cable lines for Pods deployed close to the shores. Otherwise, the usage relies on local cellular providers, or in the case of our rental unit in Panama, we use Starlink.

Question 17

What if there's a medical emergency?

Answer

Our Pods are located within an accessible range to medical facilities. As an optional upgrade, the Eco units can be constructed with a roof that is capable of holding a helicopter landing for emergencies.

Question 18

Is it safe to go swimming near the Pod?

Answer

Yes it is. Just be mindful of the specific locations that your Pod is deployed in as all areas pose different marine life and coral reefs. For extreme caution, we’re also developing a lifeguard drone that has a floatation device that can go to your location when needed.

Question 19

How will pods affect wildlife and vice versa?

Answer

Living in a SeaPod is one of the most environmentally eco-conscious ways to live. Unlike building structures on land where nature is destroyed to make more space, putting structures in the water can actually become a catalyst for a thriving ecosystem. Most areas in the oceans and seas are not full of life at all but the SeaPods are consciously designed in a way to attract sea life and create a habitat for fish.

Question 20

What about sharks?

Answer

Despite their reputation, most sharks are not dangerous. They rarely attack humans and prefer to eat fish.

Question 21

How can we watch the wildlife?

Answer

We have an optional underwater camera with 24/7 livestream. Alternatively, dive in the water!

Question 22

What's the estimated weight limit?

Answer

The Pods are meant for up to 8 persons at a time, and we’re in the process of certifying it for 12 persons.

Question 23

How will the temperature in the Pods be regulated?

Answer

Via air-conditioning. They also have very large windows so you can get really good airflow.

Question 24

Is the SeaPod anchored?

Answer

You can see how the SeaPod is anchored in this image. You can have 1-3 anchors depending on how much you want it to stay in one position. One lets the Pod float around that anchor and rotate a bit, two still lets it move a little, and three pretty much roots it in one spot.

Question 25

Is there a parking space for my boat?

Answer

Yes, there’s docking space for boats and other watercraft alongside the spars.

Question 26

What’s the food situation?

Answer

The existing Pods are intended to be nearby existing infrastructure such as markets or restaurants, so guests are able to access reliable food sources.

Question 27

What are they made of?

Answer

The exterior of the Pod is made of fiberglass and gel coat. Unlike a boat, it is suspended over the water so it will last much longer than fiberglass boats that are submerged in water.

We have an optional exterior coating for the pod that adds a lot of thermal protection which is eco friendly. We also have two optional coatings for the steel floating structure which adds antifouling and they are both eco friendly.

Question 28

How durable are the materials?

Answer

Very durable. The Pods are made with fiberglass and steel. With consistent upkeep and maintenance, they can last a century.

Question 29

How often will the pods need maintenance?

Answer

We are developing a smart home automation system that will be able to monitor your house for you. This service is optional and is strictly opt-in but we do recommend it. With it, we’ll be able to tell if something in your house needs work. For example, we’d be able to tell if a lightbulb needs to be replaced soon based on the energy usage pattern of each bulb. These types of data can be monitored with the smart home technology but you’d need to authorize us to access it. There will also be a maintenance schedule to inspect under the SeaPod and the anchor lines.

Question 30

Who do I call for repairs?

Answer

You can either contract Ocean Builders to provide a maintenance and repair team, or we can provide protocols to hire your own in-house support team for maintenance and repairs.

Question 31

I have a property with a large lake; can I have one delivered and deployed in my estate?

Answer

Pods in lakes are possible, it will be up to you to identify if the lake authority will allow it.

Question 32

Will you set some of them up for short term rent like AirBnB?

Answer

Our new floating-residence development is currently taking shape. Once completed, owners will have the opportunity to rent out their residences.

Stay tuned for updates on availability and booking opportunities.

Question 33

Can I rent out my own Pod?

Answer

We encourage Pod owners to list their units on short term rental marketplaces if you decide to rent it out—It’s entirely up to you after you purchase a unit. If you choose to deploy your Pod in one of our communities, then we can discuss our hospitality partners assisting with your rental operations.

Question 34

Can I order a custom-made Pod for business or commercial use, like a massage parlor or spa for example?

Answer

Yes. It’s definitely possible. There are so many different applications for the Pods and we will help out however we can.

Question 35

Is the Pod handicap accessible?

Answer

We have taken this into account so in 2023, we’re releasing an optional elevator as an alternative entrance/exit method instead of the spiral staircase. This will go well with our Eco model which is a single floor unit.