How to Avoid Seasickness on a Dive Boat

Liz struggled with how to avoid seasickness.

She dreamed of a Cozumel diving trip and exploring its reefs, but had only ever snorkeled to a dive site from the shore.

In the Caribbean, diving from a boat is a must, and the thought of getting seasick held her back.

The anxiety of feeling nauseous on the boat and the worry of a seasickness episode ruining her dive day kept her from traveling to the Caribbean. It made no sense!

That was until her husband surprised her with a diving trip to her long-dreamed of Cozumel Island.

So, what did she do?

She dove into researching like crazy about how to avoid seasickness. She scoured medical forums for information on boat sickness medicines, asked about how to avoid getting seasick on Facebook and other social media, and gathered every tip she could find on preventing motion sickness symptoms.

And you know what? She nailed it.

Thanks to her thorough preparation, Liz not only managed to enjoy that trip but now dives regularly in the Caribbean, even tackling liveaboard trips. But getting there took a lot of effort.

This article is for those like Liz, who want to conquer seasickness and not waste time figuring it all out. Here, you’ll find practical tips, from the best boat sick medicine to simple techniques for maintaining your balance and enjoying the ride.

Let’s make sure the only thing making you dizzy is the excitement of the dives ahead!

1. What Causes Seasickness on a Boat?

Why do I feel like a washing machine on spin cycle when I’m on a boat?

It’s because your brain is getting mixed signals!

Your inner ear knows you’re moving with the waves, but your eyes are confused because everything around you seems still. The result? Nausea, dizziness, and the urge to vomit your breakfast before you even start diving. Fun, right?

To better understand seasickness, here’s a breakdown of the process:

Motion Sickness, commonly known as “seasickness,” is the result of a conflict between our senses.

1. Vestibular System and Endolymph: Our balance is regulated by the vestibular system in the inner ear. It contains specialized cells that detect head movements and positions, and there’s also endolymph, a fluid in the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. (Okay, I’ll skip the technical jargon.) The point is that when you’re on a boat, the endolymph moves with the waves, sending signals to your brain that say, “Heads up, we’re moving!”
2. Sensory Conflict: However, your eyes might not perceive movement (for instance, if you’re looking inside the boat instead of at the horizon), and they send information to your brain saying, “Nope, we’re still!” Your brain, receiving conflicting signals, gets confused and ends up making you feel seasick too.

2. The Symptoms of Motion Sickness

Do you feel like a fish out of water when you get on a boat? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Motion sickness on a boat is a common issue, and most of us experience the following:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Sometimes this symptom is so severe it can ruin your entire experience!
• Extreme Sweating: You become a literal fountain, and it’s not because of your wetsuit—Dressel Divers only have 3mm suits, but just in case, keep it handy until you reach the dive site.
• Paleness: Your brain is confused, and you turn pale.
• General Discomfort: A feeling of weakness and you think you won’t be able to handle the air tank.
• Headache: Your brain is disoriented, and it hurts.

But don’t get discouraged! There are plenty of tricks to avoid motion sickness and enjoy the sea on your way to your dives. Keep reading to become an expert in avoiding seasickness on a boat!

3. How to Avoid Seasickness on a Boat Before, During, and After

Sailing on the sea is indeed a fantastic experience—if you’re not prone to boat sickness, of course. And it’s a problem because you’ve boarded the boat to dive, but if you start feeling unwell, your fun is at risk. Not anymore!

Want to know how to avoid seasickness on a boat? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you.

3.1. Prevent Motion Sickness on a Boat Before Boarding

• Hydration and Nutrition: To prevent motion sickness on a boat, stay hydrated. Avoid sodas, alcoholic beverages, and heavy or dairy foods before boarding.
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep: A good rest before the trip reduces the risk of seasickness and is crucial to avoid feeling like a washing machine on spin cycle.

What to Bring on the Boat:

• Water, Juices, and Light Snacks: Light snacks like crackers or nuts are your best friends if you start feeling uneasy.
• Anti-Nausea Wristbands: Yes, there are wristbands that help maintain balance and say goodbye to some symptoms of motion sickness. They are based on acupressure principles and many sailors use them.
• Motion Sickness Pills: Your best friend at sea. If nothing else works, you can always turn to motion sickness pills. Take them 15 minutes before boarding the boat. But be cautious! Consult your doctor as many can cause drowsiness.
• Motion Sickness Medication: Bring along motion sickness medications like Biodramina, available in pill or chewable form. Taking these medications before you board can be key to preventing discomfort.

3.2. How to Avoid Seasickness on a Boat

Channel Your Inner Kate Winslet on Titanic

To avoid seasickness on a boat, channel your inner “I’m flying, Jack!” and head to the bow. Looking out at the direction the boat is heading helps you maintain balance and reduces seasickness. Plus, the fresh breeze is always a plus.

Keep Your Eyes on the Horizon

Forget about focusing on nearby objects or reading; that will only make your motion sickness worse. Instead, keep your gaze fixed on the horizon. This helps your brain receive clear signals and reduces those pesky boat motion sickness symptoms.

And keep your phone tucked away! Responding to messages or watching memes while swaying is like playing Russian roulette with your stomach. Avoid it!

Let It All Out (Overboard) and Move On

If nausea hits, don’t hold it in. Emptying your stomach overboard, please. It will make you feel much better—like a system reboot! Afterward, take deep breaths and relax.

By the way, this article can be interesting for you  The Do’s and Don’ts on A Dive Boat

3.3. How to Manage Seasickness Symptoms on the Boat

Feeling lost and dizzy on the boat? Here are some strategies to manage your symptoms:

• Stay on the Deck: Maintain a stable position. Try sitting in the middle of the boat, where the motion is less pronounced.
• Breathe Fresh Air and Relax: Deep breathing and meditation can calm your body and reduce symptoms. You might also try lying down and closing your eyes.
• Keep Looking at the Horizon, Not Your Phone.

Medication for Seasickness on a Boat

Medications for preventing seasickness also work for treating symptoms once they occur. Here are five active ingredients, which may have different brand names in your country. However, they all have one thing in common: consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking them.

1. Scopolamine: The Miracle Patch

Scopolamine comes in patches that need a prescription. It’s applied behind the ear and lasts up to 72 hours—perfect for cruises and liveaboards! But be careful: remove it after three days and switch ears if you still need relief. It may dry out your mouth and make you drowsy.

1. Dimenhydrinate: The Classic

This is a classic, accessible option for preventing and treating seasickness. It can be used by adults and children as young as 2. It may also cause drowsiness.

1. Diphenhydramine: The Multi-Use

Another antihistamine, known more for its allergy-fighting properties, it is also effective for seasickness. Don’t give it to children without consulting a doctor, as it may cause hyperactivity.

1. Meclizine: The Less Drowsy Option

While not as potent as scopolamine or dimenhydrinate, meclizine is less likely to make you drowsy.

1. Promethazine: Watch for Side Effects

This antihistamine prevents and treats seasickness, as well as nausea and vomiting. However, it requires a prescription and has significant side effects like convulsions.

Home Remedies

Prefer natural remedies and want to skip the pharmacy? Here are some home remedies that might be your salvation:

• Ginger: A classic anti-nausea remedy. You can take it in candies, capsules, or even chew it raw (if you dare). Use whatever method you prefer!
• Green Apple: Tart and refreshing, it soothes the stomach and helps you feel better.
• Vitamin C: Some swear by it. It’s worth a try, but you need to bring it with you to the boat.
• Sailor’s Chickpea Technique: It sounds like a joke, but it works. Make a small paper ball the size of a chickpea and place it between your watch and wrist, pressing the vein. Though it sounds like magic, it’s been shown to improve seasickness symptoms—like a DIY acupuncture point. Speaking of acupuncture…
• Acupressure Wristbands: These press specific points on your wrist, particularly the P6 or NeiGuan from traditional Chinese medicine, which controls nausea.

3.4. How to Deal with Seasickness After a Boat Ride

Ah, seasickness! Sometimes, even after leaving the waves behind, that annoying discomfort can linger on solid ground. But don’t worry—here are some tricks and tips to shake off that “boat sick” feeling and get back to feeling your best.

Rest, Sailor!

Think of your body as a boat that needs repairs after a storm. The best way to recover is to give yourself a break. A restorative nap will help you regain your strength and feel like new again.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen seasickness symptoms, so drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, as they can make you feel worse.

Light Eating

After a day on the water, your stomach will appreciate a light and easily digestible meal. Steer clear of heavy and greasy foods, and opt for milder options like fruits, vegetables, and cereals.

Natural Remedies and Medication

Ginger is a great ally against nausea. You can consume it as a tea or supplement. If you prefer something stronger, boat sickness medicine can be effective.

Fresh Air and Aromatherapy

Getting some fresh air and using essential oils like peppermint or lavender can help alleviate symptoms. Just a few drops on a handkerchief can work wonders.

Keep Your Mind Occupied

Sometimes, the best remedy is distraction. Engage in a fun activity, read a book, or enjoy a good conversation. The less you think about the seasickness, the better you’ll feel.

With these tips, you’ll know how to avoid seasickness on a boat and make it no longer a hindrance to your adventures. So, dive into your next adventure, whether it’s in Cozumel like Liz or any of our other locations!