Don’t Let the Waves Win: How to Prevent and Treat Seasickness Like a Pro

Why seasickness happens, how to avoid it, and what to do when the water throws you a curveball

Have you ever been out on the water and suddenly felt a little off? Maybe your stomach turned, your head got foggy, or you just needed to sit down and stare at the horizon. Welcome to seasickness, a rite of passage for some and a complete mystery to others. Seasickness is one of the most common (and least talked about) parts of boating.

Whether it’s your first time on a boat or your 50th, sometimes your body just doesn’t cooperate. But before you swear off sailing forever, just know that with a little preparation and the right mindset, seasickness doesn’t have to take over your trip. You can still enjoy the view, the breeze and the adventure without the queasiness.

What Causes Seasickness? The Science Behind Feeling Nauseous on a Boat

So what exactly is causing this dizzy sensation when aboard a boat? “It’s all an issue with balance and your equilibrium being thrown off,” explained pharmacist Will Douglass of Burke’s Main Street Pharmacy. “Your eyes and your inner ear are sending mixed signals, and your brain doesn’t like that.” While your body is feeling movement, your eyes might be fixed on something that appears stationary, like a table, your phone or a cabin wall. The result is a confusing mix of signals that your brain interprets as danger. It may cause nausea, dizziness and the sudden urge to lie flat and regret not being more prepared. While there’s no one-size-fits-all profile of who gets seasick, Douglass says it’s often more about how you’re feeling that day and how well you’ve prepared. “If you’re congested, dehydrated or already feeling off, you’re more likely to experience it,” he said. “It’s less about the person and more about the state you’re in at the time.”

How to Prevent Seasickness: Expert Tips to Stay Steady at Sea

Now that you know it’s not personal, here’s the good news: seasickness is totally preventable. And you don’t need a prescription to earn your sea legs, just a little planning. Douglass, who helps a lot of worried first-timers, says the earlier you prep, the better. “Take something the night before and then again a few hours before the trip,” he recommends. Dramamine is the classic go-to, and while the drowsy kind is stronger, the non-drowsy version won’t knock you out mid-dolphin tour. There’s a solution for everyone, whether you prefer meds or even the natural route. For longer trips, a prescription patch called Transderm Scop goes behind your ear and lasts for days — perfect for cruise-goers or anyone going out into the high seas. Not into pharmaceuticals? Ginger chews are a popular natural option (“We sell a lot of those,” Douglass said), and the Sea-Bands, which are pressure-point wristbands, have a loyal fan base too. “People swear by them — and hey, if it works, it works,” said Douglass.

What to Do If You Get Seasick While Boating: Fast Relief Tips

Even with all the prep in the world, sometimes the ocean still wins a round. If you start to feel that familiar wave of queasiness mid-sail, don’t panic, just follow a few simple steps. “First thing: get to fresh air and find the horizon,” said Capt. Rick Hubbard, a longtime local sailor with decades of experience on the water. “Your brain needs to sync what your body feels with what your eyes see. The horizon helps it all make sense again.” Capt. Rick’s advice also includes stepping away from the cabin, getting outside and facing forward. Sitting down, breathing slowly and staying cool can all help take the edge off. He even says that if you’re able to take the wheel (with permission from the captain), it can help you feel better. Being in control of the motion, even a little bit, helps your brain and body align and gets your sea legs back under you faster.

Seasickness Happens to Everyone — Here’s How to Bounce Back Fast

Seasickness doesn’t care how experienced you are or how many times you’ve been on a boat. It can sneak up on anyone, even seasoned sailors. Just ask Capt. Rick. After decades of leading dolphin tours and sailing trips around Hilton Head with zero queasiness, he once boarded a cruise ship for a getaway and promptly had to lie down the moment they hit open water. “I wasn’t even out of the harbor before it hit me,” he admitted. “I had to drag myself up to the front of the ship, stare at the horizon and get my sea legs like everybody else.” The point? Seasickness is more common than most people admit, but it’s also manageable. It doesn’t have to derail your adventure. With a little planning, some smart mid-sail strategies and maybe a few ginger chews in your pocket, you’ll be ready to enjoy the ride and laugh about it later. Take a deep breath, pack your Sea-Bands, and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Seasickness Survival Kit: What to Pack for a Smooth Sailing Trip

Pack a few essentials in your bag so you’re ready to tackle rough seas or unexpected motion.

• Motion-sickness medication (Dramamine, Bonine)
• Prescription patch, if needed
• Ginger candies
• Sea-Bands
• Crackers
• Reusable water bottle
• Plastic bags (just in case)

Quick Fixes for Seasickness: Easy Remedies That Work on the Water

Fast fixes for seasickness:

• Get fresh air
• Focus on the horizon
• Sit in the middle of the boat
• Sip cold water
• Eat a plain cracker
• Avoid strong smells