How to avoid seasickness on a boat: 12 practical tips

Worried about feeling seasick on your next boat trip? It's a common concern, especially if you're not used to being out at sea.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of seasickness and enjoy your day on the water.

The key is to prepare before boarding, know where to position yourself while sailing and understand your options if you're prone to feeling sick.

To reduce your chances of getting seasick, remember these five tips:

• Eat a light meal before setting off and avoid alcohol.
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Look at the horizon and avoid looking at your phone for too long.
• Get some fresh air and stay near the middle of the boat where possible.
• If you're prone to seasickness, ask a pharmacist about preventive options before your trip.

Why do we get seasick?

Motion sickness, also known as kinetosis, occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes and the balance system in the inner ear.

For example, you might be sitting on a boat looking at your phone while your body senses the movement of the waves. This mismatch can cause nausea, cold sweats, paleness, headaches, dizziness or vomiting.

Not everyone is equally sensitive. Some people can spend hours on a boat without feeling unwell, while others may experience seasickness even in moderate waves.

If you've experienced motion sickness before, this can help you decide which preventive measures to take.

What to do before boarding

1. Get a good night's sleep

Lack of sleep and fatigue can make a boat trip harder to manage. Try to get enough rest and avoid starting your trip already tired.

2. Eat something light before boarding

If you're prone to seasickness, setting off on an empty stomach may not be ideal. However, it's also best to avoid a large meal just before sailing.

Choose foods that are easy to digest and avoid very fatty or spicy meals. During the trip, drink water regularly and avoid alcohol.

3. Check the marine forecast

Wind and waves affect how much a boat moves. Before setting off, check the forecast and ask your skipper about the expected conditions along the route.

There is no time of year or time of day that guarantees calm seas. If conditions are unsuitable, the skipper should assess whether the route needs to change or the trip should be postponed.

4. Consider preventive options if you're prone to seasickness

If you already know that boat movement makes you feel nauseous, don't wait until you feel unwell before thinking about what to do.

Ask a pharmacist or doctor which options may be suitable for you. Biodramina, which contains dimenhydrinate in some formulations, is used to prevent or treat motion sickness. However, it isn't suitable for everyone, so read the patient information leaflet before using it.

How to avoid seasickness while sailing

5. Look at the horizon

Looking at the horizon may help your visual input match the movement your body senses.

Avoid constantly watching the waves passing alongside the boat or nearby objects that are moving.

6. Avoid looking at your phone or reading

Reading or using your phone for long periods can make symptoms worse because your eyes remain focused on an object while the boat moves.

If you start to feel unwell, put your phone away and look towards the horizon.

7. Stay near the middle of the boat

Where possible and safe, stay near the centre of the boat, where the movement is often less noticeable.

The bow can rise and fall more noticeably with the waves, so it may not be the best place if you're prone to seasickness. Always follow your skipper's instructions and don't move around if doing so would be unsafe.

8. Get some fresh air

Being outdoors and breathing calmly may help you feel better. If you start feeling nauseous, avoid staying in a hot, enclosed cabin.

Find a comfortable, well-ventilated spot while following the crew's instructions.

9. Drink water in small amounts

Staying hydrated is important, especially on hot days in Alicante. Drink water regularly and avoid drinking large amounts at once if you're feeling nauseous.

Avoid alcohol, which can make you feel worse and should especially be avoided if you've taken motion sickness medication.

10. Keep your head steady and breathe slowly

If you start feeling unwell, try to keep your head still and breathe slowly. Some people feel better by closing their eyes briefly, provided they're sitting or resting in a safe position.

If your symptoms get worse, tell the skipper rather than trying to put up with them in silence.

11. Avoid excessive heat

Heat can make you feel more uncomfortable. Find some shade, remove a layer of clothing if you're too warm and drink water.

This is particularly important in summer, when the sun on the Costa Blanca can be intense. If you're taking motion sickness medication, check the leaflet for any precautions relating to heat.

12. Tell the skipper as soon as you feel unwell

Don't wait until the nausea becomes severe before saying something. Your skipper may be able to help you find a more comfortable position and assess whether the journey can be adjusted safely.

Everyone reacts differently to boat movement. If one measure doesn't help, try other tips in this guide and don't force yourself to stay in a position that makes your symptoms worse.

What medication helps prevent seasickness on a boat?

If you're prone to seasickness, you may be wondering what you can get from a pharmacy before boarding.

There are medicines that can prevent or relieve motion sickness. The most suitable option depends on your age, health, other medicines you take and the nature of your trip.

Ask a pharmacist or doctor which option is appropriate for you.

Biodramina: a well-known option for motion sickness

Biodramina containing dimenhydrinate is used to prevent and treat motion sickness symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and dizziness. It comes in different formulations, so check which one you have and follow the instructions in its specific patient information leaflet.

Keep these precautions in mind:

• It can cause drowsiness and reduce your ability to react.
• Avoid alcohol while taking it.
• It isn't suitable for everyone. Seek advice first if you have a medical condition, take other medicines, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Check the age restrictions and instructions for the specific formulation.
• Don't exceed the recommended dose or combine motion sickness medicines without professional advice.

Don't wait until you're on board to find out whether a medicine is suitable for you. If you think you may need it, seek advice before your trip.

Are there other options for preventing seasickness?

Yes. Depending on the person and the country, other medicines may be used for motion sickness, including those containing cinnarizine or hyoscine. Their availability, uses and precautions vary, and they aren't automatically interchangeable.

Acupressure wristbands are also available, although they don't work for everyone. Ginger is used as a complementary remedy, but evidence of its effectiveness is limited and it shouldn't replace medical treatment when needed.

For general health information, visit the NHS guide to motion sickness or ask your pharmacist.

Do we carry Biodramina on board at Aguayate?

Yes, at Aguayate we carry Biodramina on board for passengers who may need it.

However, if you know you're prone to seasickness, we recommend speaking to a pharmacist before your trip and checking that the medicine is suitable for you. Always follow the patient information leaflet and avoid alcohol.

Having it on board doesn't mean it's appropriate for everyone or that you should take it without checking the precautions.

Is it easy to get seasick on a boat in Alicante?

Alicante generally enjoys calm sea conditions, making it a great place for a boat trip. However, wind and waves can vary, and some people are more sensitive to motion than others.

At Aguayate, we check the conditions before setting off and adapt the route when necessary to offer a comfortable and safe experience.

Discover our private yacht charter in Alicante or explore our boat trip to Tabarca.

Enjoy the Mediterranean with peace of mind

Seasickness doesn't have to stop you enjoying a boat trip. Getting enough sleep, eating lightly, looking at the horizon and avoiding screens are simple measures that may help.

If you're prone to seasickness, seek advice about preventive options in advance.

At Aguayate, we want you to enjoy the sea in comfort and with confidence. Discover our private boat experiences in Alicante and let us know before boarding if you have any questions about your trip.