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How to avoid seasickness on a boat: remedies that work
Most seasickness can be prevented, and the best seasickness remedies are simple: stay on deck in the fresh air, sit in the middle of the boat and keep your eyes on the horizon. Eat something light before you go, skip the alcohol and put your phone away. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask a pharmacist about seasickness tablets and take them before boarding.
The boat matters too: a catamaran rolls far less than a sailing boat or a small motorboat, so seasickness is much less common on board. Below we look at why it happens, what actually works and what to do if you start to feel unwell.
Why does seasickness happen?
Seasickness, a form of motion sickness, happens when your brain receives mixed signals: your inner ear feels the movement of the waves, but your eyes, fixed on something inside the boat, tell you that everything is still. That conflict causes paleness, cold sweats, yawning, nausea and sometimes vomiting.
It has nothing to do with willpower. Some people are simply more sensitive than others, and tiredness, an empty or overly full stomach, heat and fuel smells all make it worse. Children aged between 2 and 12 and people who suffer from migraines tend to be more prone to it.
How to avoid seasickness on a boat
These habits greatly reduce your chances of feeling sick:
- Look at the horizon: it is the fixed reference that helps your brain match what you see with what you feel.
- Sit in the middle of the boat: the central, lower part moves the least. Avoid the bow.
- Stay outside: fresh air helps, while closed cabins and fuel smells make things worse.
- Eat light before you go: don’t go on an empty stomach or after a heavy meal. Avoid fatty food and alcohol.
- Drink water in small sips and get a good night’s sleep beforehand.
- Don’t read or look at your phone while the boat is moving.
- Pick your time: on the Malaga coast the sea is usually calmer in the morning, before the afternoon breeze picks up.
To understand how the wind changes the sea, have a look at our guide to the Mediterranean winds.
Seasickness remedies: what works
As well as good habits, there are several seasickness remedies with different levels of effectiveness. This table sums up the most common ones:
| Remedy | How it works | When to use it | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasickness tablets (antihistamines from the pharmacy) | Reduce the signals from the inner ear | 30 to 60 minutes before boarding | Can cause drowsiness; ask a pharmacist, especially for children and during pregnancy |
| Seasickness patches (prescription only) | Release the medicine over several hours | Several hours before setting off | Only with a doctor’s prescription |
| Ginger | Helps settle nausea | Before and during the trip | Mild effect; useful for light seasickness |
| Acupressure wristbands | Press on a point on the wrist | From before boarding | Mixed results, no side effects |
| Fresh air and the horizon | Reduce the sensory conflict | Always | The most effective remedy, and it’s free |
This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a health professional. If you take any medication or have a medical condition, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using any seasickness tablets.
Seasickness remedies start with the right boat
Not all boats move in the same way. A catamaran sits on two hulls, so it is much more stable from side to side and rolls far less than a single-hull sailing boat or a small motorboat. That makes it the best choice for anyone who gets seasick and for groups with children.
You can compare the different boats in our article on the types of recreational boats. And if you fancy a relaxed plan, our boat trips in Benalmadena and our catamaran trips leave from Benalmadena marina with a professional skipper.
What to do if you already feel seasick
Act as soon as you notice the first symptoms: go out on deck, sit in the middle of the boat, fix your eyes on the horizon and breathe slowly. Loosen tight clothing, take small sips of water and, if you can, nibble a dry cracker. Let the crew know: the skipper can change course to reduce the motion.
Lying on your back with your eyes closed also helps when you can’t see the horizon. The worst thing to do is go inside or look at your phone to take your mind off it. On our dolphin watching in Benalmadena the crew are used to helping anyone who needs it.
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid seasickness on a boat?
Stay on deck in the middle of the boat and look at the horizon. Eat something light before you go, avoid alcohol and don’t read or look at your phone. If you are prone to it, ask a pharmacist about seasickness tablets and take them before boarding.
Where on a boat do you get less seasick?
In the middle and lowest part of the boat, outside and looking at the horizon. The bow is the part that moves the most.
Do you get less seasick on a catamaran?
Yes. With two hulls, a catamaran is more stable and rolls much less than a single-hull sailing boat or a small motorboat.
When should I take seasickness tablets?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes before boarding, but always follow the leaflet or your pharmacist’s advice, especially for children and during pregnancy.
