How to Avoid Seasickness - What Works Best!

How to Avoid Seasickness While Sailing, Boating, in the Car or at Sea Base

Going on a boating trip, a trip to Florida Sea Base or anything on the water, or a long car ride? Sailing through the crystal-clear waters, snorkeling coral reefs, and living aboard a sailboat for a week creates memories that last forever, unless you spend it puking over the side of the boat! Even experienced sailors occasionally get seasick in rough conditions. It is extremely common and nothing to be embarrassed about. Here's what actually works to avoid that!

Also, be sure to see

Start Preparing Before the Trip

Get Plenty of Sleep

One of the biggest contributors to seasickness is being tired. A well-rested body handles motion much better than an exhausted one.

Before departure day:

Get a full night of sleep
Avoid staying up late from excitement
Stay hydrated during travel

Many Sea Base crews travel long distances before boarding the boat. Fatigue from flights or road trips can make seasickness more likely on the first day.

Stay Hydrated

The Florida sun and salty air can dry you out quickly. Dehydration can make nausea significantly worse.

Before and during your trip:

Drink water regularly
Avoid excessive soda or energy drinks
Limit caffeine if it dehydrates you
Replenish fluids after snorkeling or swimming. This one is really important in hot climates!

Avoid Heavy or Greasy Meals

A giant fast-food meal before boarding the boat is usually a mistake.

Instead:

Eat lighter meals
Choose simple foods
Avoid greasy, spicy, or overly rich foods
Don’t board the boat with an empty stomach either

A moderately full stomach usually feels best.

Most Effective Seasickness Medications

Dramamine

Dramamine is a well-known motion sickness over the counter (OTC) medication for both sea sickness and automobile and other motion sickness.

Pros:

Widely available
Effective for many people
Inexpensive

Cons:

Can cause drowsiness. They DO have a less-drowsy formula Dramamine as well - so read the package.
Some people feel groggy

Many experienced sailors recommend taking it hours BEFORE symptoms start rather than waiting until you already feel sick.

Bonine (Meclizine)

Bonine is another popular choice. Personally, I think tit is more effective, with fewer side effects than Dramamine.

Pros:

Usually less drowsy than Dramamine
Often lasts longer
Chewable tablets are convenient

Many Sea Base participants have reported they prefer Bonine for multi-day sailing trips.

Scopolamine Patches

Scopolamine prescription patches are often considered the strongest prevention option for those who already know in advance that they are prone to severe sea sickness.

Pros:

Very effective for many people
Lasts several days
Convenient once applied

Cons:

Requires a prescription
Can have side effects such as dry mouth or blurry vision

If you know you are highly prone to motion sickness, talk with your doctor before the trip.

Natural Remedies That Sometimes Help

Some sailors prefer natural approaches or combine them with medication. I suspect they are most effective for mild cases. Here they are:

Ginger chews or ginger candy - ginger is well-established to help with upset stomachs
Ginger ale
Peppermint
Acupressure wristbands

Results, obviously, vary from person to person, but there are consistent reports that ginger is especially helpful.

What To Do While Sailing

Sea sickness can be made better or worse by what you do and where you focus your eyes. Think back to the old Bugs Bunny cartoons!

Look at the Horizon

One of the best ways to reduce seasickness is to keep your eyes on the horizon. This helps your brain match what your inner ear is feeling.

Avoid:

Looking down inside the cabin for long periods
Reading while the ship or car is moving, even when anchored, unless the water is very calm!
Looking at any screens, such as the phone or video games
It is worse BELOW deck

Stay Above Deck

Fresh air helps tremendously.

If you start feeling queasy:

Go outside
Sit where you can see the horizon
Avoid enclosed cabin spaces
Take slow, steady breaths

Below deck is where motion usually feels the strongest.

Keep Busy

Ironically, many people feel worse when they sit around, worrying about seasickness. Focussing your attention on something else helps.

So, get busy:

Raising sails
Steering
Watching for navigation markers
Cleaning gear

Staying engaged helps your body adapt to the boat’s movement.

The Good News: Most People Adjust Quickly

If you read accounts from those who have been on boating trips, like Sea Base, they almost all say that many people only feel seasick for the first several hours or first day. The human body often adapts to the motion surprisingly fast.

After a day at sea, many discover they feel completely normal onboard.

Tips Specifically for Scouts at Sea Base

For younger participants:

Start motion sickness medicine the night BEFORE boarding
Bring approved medication in original packaging
Eat breakfast even if you are nervous. Try colorful foods, so if you do get sick, it will attract more fish! (ok, that last part was joking!)
Stay on deck early in the trip
Tell an adult leader immediately if feeling sick

Trying to “tough it out” silently often makes things worse.

More Information: What Causes Seasickness?

Seasickness happens when your inner ear senses motion that your eyes and brain do not fully agree with. On a sailboat, the constant rocking and rolling can confuse your balance system and lead to symptoms like: