If you’re prone to seasickness, proper preparation and smart strategies can help you enjoy your boat tour comfortably. Take preventative medication 30-60 minutes before departure, stay hydrated, position yourself in the middle of the vessel where motion is minimal, and focus on the horizon. Caribbean waters around Aruba tend to be calmer than many sailing destinations, making them particularly suitable for motion-sensitive travellers. Understanding how seasickness works and knowing what to do if symptoms appear will help you relax and make the most of your time on the water.
What exactly is seasickness and why does it happen?
Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals from your eyes, inner ear, and body. Your inner ear senses the boat’s movement, but if you’re looking at something stationary inside the vessel, your eyes tell your brain you’re not moving. This sensory mismatch triggers nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and general discomfort.
Some people are more susceptible to seasickness than others due to several factors. Inner ear sensitivity varies from person to person, with some individuals having more reactive vestibular systems that respond strongly to motion. Anxiety and worry about becoming seasick can actually increase your likelihood of experiencing symptoms, creating a self-fulfilling cycle. Previous negative experiences on boats can also make you more prone to seasickness on future trips.
Interestingly, children between ages two and twelve tend to be more susceptible, whilst very young infants and older adults often experience less seasickness. Women are generally more prone than men, particularly during menstruation or pregnancy. Understanding that seasickness is a normal physiological response rather than a sign of weakness can help reduce the anxiety that often makes symptoms worse.
What medications and remedies actually work for seasickness?
Several proven options can help prevent or reduce seasickness symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine, Bonine, and meclizine are widely effective and available without prescription. These antihistamines work by blocking signals to the part of your brain that triggers nausea. For stronger protection, prescription scopolamine patches applied behind the ear can provide relief for up to three days.
Timing matters significantly when taking seasickness medication. Most medications work best when taken 30-60 minutes before boarding, allowing them to enter your system before motion begins. Taking medication after symptoms start is far less effective. Be aware that many seasickness medications cause drowsiness, which may affect your energy levels during your boat tour.
Natural remedies offer alternatives for those preferring non-pharmaceutical options. Ginger in various forms (capsules, tea, or biscuits) has genuine anti-nausea properties and works well for mild to moderate seasickness. Acupressure wristbands apply pressure to specific points on your wrists and provide relief for some people. Peppermint, whether as tea or aromatherapy, can help settle your stomach. The effectiveness of natural remedies varies considerably between individuals, so it’s worth trying different options before your trip.
Consulting your healthcare provider before trying new medications is always recommended, particularly if you take other medications or have existing health conditions. They can suggest the best option for your specific situation and severity level.
How can you prepare before your boat tour to minimize seasickness?
Preparation begins the night before your boat tour. Getting adequate sleep helps your body handle motion better, whilst fatigue can significantly increase seasickness susceptibility. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the hours leading up to your departure, as dehydration worsens nausea symptoms.
Your pre-trip meal choices matter considerably. Eat a light meal about two hours before boarding, avoiding heavy, greasy, or acidic foods that are harder to digest. Bland carbohydrates like toast or crackers settle well and give your stomach something to work with without overwhelming it. Avoid alcohol completely before your boat tour, as it affects your inner ear balance and increases dehydration.
Choosing the right time of day can make a significant difference. Morning waters are typically calmer, with less wind and smaller waves. Afternoon conditions often become choppier as winds pick up throughout the day. If you’re particularly concerned about seasickness, booking an early departure gives you the smoothest possible conditions.
Mental preparation helps reduce anxiety-related seasickness. Remind yourself that modern vessels are designed for stability, experienced crews know how to handle motion-sensitive guests, and seasickness is temporary. Setting realistic expectations about some boat movement, rather than expecting perfectly still conditions, helps you adapt more easily when you feel the natural rhythm of the water.
What should you do during the boat ride if you start feeling queasy?
If seasickness symptoms begin, your positioning on the boat makes an immediate difference. Move to the middle of the vessel where motion is minimal, as the bow and stern experience the most movement. Stay on deck rather than going below, as fresh air and visual connection to the horizon help your brain reconcile the motion signals it’s receiving.
Focus your eyes on the horizon or distant fixed points rather than objects on the boat. This gives your visual system a stable reference point that matches what your inner ear is sensing. Keep yourself cool, as overheating intensifies nausea. Position yourself in shaded areas or where you’ll catch the breeze.
Continue sipping water to stay hydrated, taking small, frequent sips rather than large amounts at once. Light snacks like plain crackers can help settle your stomach by giving it something bland to digest. Practice slow, deep breathing to calm your nervous system and reduce nausea intensity.
Avoid activities that worsen symptoms. Don’t read books or look at your phone screen, as focusing on nearby objects whilst in motion intensifies the sensory conflict causing your discomfort. Stay away from strong smells, including food odours, diesel fumes, or heavy perfumes, as these can trigger or worsen nausea.
Don’t hesitate to inform crew members if you’re feeling unwell. Experienced crews have helped countless guests manage seasickness and can offer practical assistance, whether that’s suggesting the best spot to position yourself, providing additional remedies, or simply offering reassurance. They’d much rather help you early than have you suffer silently.
Are Caribbean boat tours suitable for people prone to seasickness?
Caribbean waters, particularly around Aruba, are generally calmer than many other sailing destinations, making them quite suitable for seasickness-prone travellers. Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt and benefits from consistent trade winds that create pleasant sailing conditions without extreme choppiness. The protected western coast where most tours operate features gentler waters than open ocean environments.
Several factors make certain boat tours more comfortable for motion-sensitive guests. Vessel size and design significantly affect stability, with larger, wider boats providing smoother rides than smaller craft. Our spacious schooner offers excellent stability that minimizes the rocking motion that triggers seasickness. Duration matters too, as shorter tours give you less exposure time if you do experience symptoms.
Morning departures typically provide the calmest conditions, with glassy waters and gentle breezes before afternoon winds develop. The time between sunrise and late morning generally offers the smoothest sailing experience. Smaller group sizes also benefit seasickness-prone travellers, as they allow better positioning options and more personalized crew attention when you need guidance or assistance.
We understand that concerns about seasickness can make you hesitant about booking a boat tour in Aruba. Our experienced crew has helped countless guests who worried about motion sickness enjoy comfortable, memorable experiences on the water. We’re happy to discuss your specific concerns and explain what makes our tours particularly suitable for sensitive travellers. Don’t let seasickness worries prevent you from experiencing Aruba’s stunning coastline and vibrant marine life. With proper preparation and the right tour choice, you can absolutely enjoy a wonderful day on the Caribbean waters. Feel free to contact us before booking to discuss any questions about managing seasickness during your adventure with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take seasickness medication if I'm already on other prescriptions?
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining seasickness medication with other prescriptions, as some interactions can occur. Antihistamine-based medications like Dramamine may interact with sedatives, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications. Your healthcare provider can recommend the safest option for your specific medication regimen, or suggest natural alternatives like ginger if pharmaceutical options aren't suitable.
What if I've never been on a boat before—how do I know if I'll get seasick?
You won't know for certain until you experience it, but you can gauge your susceptibility by considering whether you get motion sick in cars, planes, or amusement park rides. If you do experience motion sickness in other contexts, take preventative medication before your first boat tour as a precaution. Start with a shorter tour on calmer waters to test your tolerance, and remember that many first-time boaters who worry about seasickness end up having no issues at all.
How long does seasickness typically last once symptoms start?
Seasickness symptoms usually subside within a few hours after returning to stable ground, though mild discomfort can occasionally persist for up to 24 hours in severe cases. Most people feel significantly better within 30 minutes to an hour of disembarking. The good news is that symptoms rarely worsen once you've adapted to the boat's motion, and many people find their symptoms actually improve after the first 15-20 minutes on the water as their body adjusts.
Is it better to have an empty stomach or eat something before boarding?
Having something light in your stomach is actually better than boarding completely empty. An empty stomach can increase nausea and give you nothing to work with if you do feel queasy, whilst overeating makes symptoms worse. Aim for a light meal of bland carbohydrates like toast, crackers, or a banana about 1-2 hours before departure for the optimal balance.
Can you build up a tolerance to seasickness over multiple boat trips?
Yes, many people do develop what's called 'getting your sea legs,' where repeated exposure to boat motion helps your brain adapt and reduces seasickness over time. Professional sailors and frequent boaters often report that their susceptibility decreases significantly after several trips. However, this adaptation can fade if you go long periods without being on the water, and some individuals remain consistently sensitive regardless of experience.
What's the biggest mistake people make when trying to prevent seasickness?
The most common mistake is waiting until symptoms start before taking action. Seasickness medication must be taken 30-60 minutes before boarding to be effective, and positioning strategies work best when implemented proactively. Another major error is staying below deck or focusing on phones and books, which intensifies the sensory mismatch causing seasickness. Taking preventative measures early and staying on deck with eyes on the horizon gives you the best chance of a comfortable experience.
Are there any foods or drinks I should bring on the boat to help with seasickness?
Bring plain crackers, ginger candies or ginger chews, and plenty of water for the best on-board relief options. Avoid bringing citrus fruits, dairy products, or anything greasy, as these can worsen nausea if symptoms develop. Peppermint tea in a thermos can also be soothing, and small, bland snacks help keep your stomach settled without overwhelming your digestive system.