How to Avoid Seasickness on a Boat

The right choice of boat, medications, activities, and itineraries can dramatically reduce the risk of becoming seasick while on a boat
If you or someone in your party has a history of seasickness, or are worried about the possibility of being seasick, there are many things you can do to reduce the symptoms. There is no shame in getting seasick, many sailors out there can get sick from the rolling around - but they have a way of dealing with them. In this page, we will discuss options to ensure you get the best out of your charter.Â
The three main factors that will influence the chances of getting seasick are:
1) Yacht. Choosing the right boat really can make the difference between a happy sailor and an unhappy one!
2) Medications. Being prepared for seasickness can make the difference between not getting it and getting it. Even the hardiest of sailors can still get seasick.Â
3) Following sensible tips either by experts or local knowledge.Â
The Boatbookings Team have put together their expert insight into how to overcome the symptoms of being seasick!
Choosing the right boat to reduce seasickness
The boat you are on has a major impact on how seasick members of your party may feel. In general, the larger the boat, the less it rocks and the fewer people will feel seasick. Specialized boats can also help.
Catamarans. Catamarans have two hulls, they rock laterally (side to side) significantly less than a monohull. We highly recommend first-time charters of sailing yachts to charter a catamaran for lots of reasons, and reduced seasickness is one of them. Read more about the benefits of chartering a catamaran.
Additionally, motorized catamarans(also called power cats) are becoming more and more popular, for many of the same reasons that sailing catamarans are moving dramatically to catamarans. Besides the benefit of more space and less rocking, they save significant fuel, which is both good for the environment and less expensive for you! See more about power cats as well as hundreds of charter power cats available.
Motor yachts. Motor yachts are generally good for cruising due to their large size; some motor yachts have stabilizers which are additions to a boat that does exactly as advertised: stabilizing the boat and reduce rocking. They are usually found on larger motor yachts and superyachts. Without going into technical detail, they act as underwater wings that reduce the propensity of the boat to rock laterally.
Bareboats. If you are keen to charter a bareboat but are worried about some of your party being seasick, below are some recommended medications that could help - monohulls generally rock slightly more, however, this doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy the freedom of a bareboat vacation without the concern of seasickness!
Motion sickness/seasickness medications
There are several medications you can take to reduce the effects of seasickness. Be sure to speak with your doctor before you start the charter because these medications often require a prescription and may not be available in the ports along your itinerary!
Scopolamine, normally administered with behind-the-ear patches, is the "standard" seasickness medication. It can be obtained only with a prescription. However, there may be side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.  Other medications include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), meclizine (Antivert, Bonine, Meni-D, Antrizine), promethazine (Phenergan, Phenadoz, Promethegan), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and cyclizine (Marezine). Please consult your doctor before trying any of these.
Motion Ease is an emollient oil that you rub behind your ears. It's inexpensive and can be purchased at your local pharmacy or online without a prescription.
If you want to opt for something more natural Ginger is a great alternative. Ginger root tablets can be purchased through Amazon fairly cheaply.Â
One of the biggest tips is to consume as many ginger biscuits as humanly possible! This is not an excuse to eat lots of Ginger biscuits.. they do really work!
General tips to reduce seasickness
- Stay on deck as much as possible. If you can see the horizon, your body has a better chance of dealing with the movement of the waves. And it always helps to breathe fresh air.
- Drink Colas. The phosphoric acid in Pepsi or Coke can help control vomiting.
- Volunteer to helm. Steering the boat forces you to keep your eye on the horizon, and also keeps your mind busy and not thinking about being seasick.
- Stay in the center of the boat, if possible. Avoid the berths that are in front of the boat because they rock the most.
- Reduce alcohol use. A hangover is a bad cousin to seasickness, and one will make the other worse!
- Sleep on your back. There isn't conclusive evidence of this, but first-hand evidence says it helps.
- Avoid greasy foods. Indigestion can kick off seasickness.
- Keep busy. A wandering mind can be your enemy if you start feeling the onset of queasiness. Help out on deck wherever possible when you're sailing or motoring!
Let's do it! Chartering while minimizing seasickness
By putting together the suggestions above you can charter in the location of your dreams while dramatically reducing the chance that you or your party will become seasick. If seasickness is a worry, Boabookings charter brokers will be happy to find you catamarans, power cats, boats with stabilizers and even recommend itineraries where you are less likely to become seasick. We want you to charter and have everyone get the full experience!
We've included a list of some amazing yachts with stabilizers below to get your dreaming. Or please contact us and we can make it all happen!
See some of our yachts with stabilizers, below!Â
- Guy Couach 37m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 37 m
- Year: 2010 (2017 Refit)
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €100000 to €105000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Not just sophistication and style, DRAGONs selection of water toys is amongst the best! Captain Michalis is a qualified water ski/wakeboard, Flyboard and Diving instructor, so your family should get ready for an action-packed adventure."
- Sunseeker 80 Sport Yacht Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 24.72 m
- Year: 2015
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €43500 to €47500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of the finest new 2015 Sunseeker yachts on the charter market today, perfect for exploring Palma, Ibiza and Formentera!"
- Princess 95 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 29.64 m
- Year: 2009 (2014 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $46000 to $50000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"An element of luxury normally found on much larger yachts with an armada of water toys. We love the massive swimming platform and spacious cabins!"
- Sunseeker 40m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 40 m
- Year: 2013 (2017 Refit)
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €125000 to €145000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"This tri-deck Sunseeker is the epitome of luxury in the Med"
- Princess 95 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 29.3 m
- Year: 2008 (2013 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 9
- From €55000 to €60000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The ultimate Princess motor yacht available on the French Riviera - she has a wonderful crew with outstanding testimonials."
- Ferretti 881 Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 27 m
- Year: 2012 (2017 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 10
- From €50000 to €62000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of the standout yachts for families in Sardinia with a brilliant captain. A Boatbookings favourite."
- Ferretti 97 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 29.57 m
- Year: 2008 (2018 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $56000 to $64000 per week
- Heesen 37m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 37.3 m
- Year: 2011 (2013/7 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €100000 to €115000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"AURELIA is one of the most striking luxury super yachts available in the French Riviera, Corsica and Sardinia."
- Ferretti 83 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 25.3 m
- Year: 2007 (2019 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 9
- From €35000 to €40000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"This newly refitted Ferretti 83 is perfect for 8 guests to explore the Greek coastline in comfort!"
- Ferretti 24m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 25.3 m
- Year: 2008
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €34000 to €41500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"This stunning and contemporary charter yacht is perfect for 8 guests to explore the Greek coastline in comfort!"
- Oceanfast 48m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 47.98 m
- Year: 2010 (2013 Refit)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 11
- From $160000 to $170000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Great array of water toys; very experienced crew and chef who make a great team; relaxed atmosphere in a minimalist environment."
- ISA 155 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 47.5 m
- Year: 2006 (2020 Refit)
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €150000 to €160000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A beautiful trideck luxury motor yacht with the style, comfort, stability and service necessary to delight even the most discerning guests."
- Sunseeker Predator 92 Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 28.2 m
- Year: 2009 (2020 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €42000 to €45000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"We love the Sunseeker Predator 92 and we know you will enjoy the exterior lounging and dining areas, perfect for cruising the Greek islands!"
- Hargrave 116 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 35.4 m
- Year: 2016
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $85000 to $85000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"This beautiful 2016 Hargrave is perfect for your holiday in New England this summer or in the Bahamas for the winter months!"
- Mulder 36m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 36 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 10
- From €130000 to €140000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of our favourite contemporary designs on the Amalfi Coast with the option to have four double cabins."
- Feadship 39m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 39 m
- Year: 2009
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €140000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A quality motor yacht from top to bottom with a dedicated can-do crew."
- Rossinavi 152 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 46.35 m
- Year: 2012 (2016 Refit)
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €190000 to €210000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of the best Super Yachts available for charter, offering great deck spaces for entertaining!"
- Ferretti 960 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 29.2 m
- Year: 2014 (Refit 2017)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €68000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of the most stylish motor yachts on the market and the best family friendly yacht in the Adriatic!"
- Ray Kemp 34m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 34.5 m
- Year: 1979 (2009 Refit)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €69000 to €84000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A truly unique SuperYacht, luxurious throughout having been meticulously restored, many of the best orignal features remain."
- Gulf Craft Majesty 125 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 38.4 m
- Year: 2012
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 11
- From €110000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"MARINA WONDER is an eyecatching beauty, with all the comforts and luxuries to make your stay special!"
- Horizon 30m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 30 m
- Year: 2009
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 10
- From €44000 to €49900 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of the most celebrated motor yachts cruising the Adriatics, loved by the Boatbookings`s Brokers and Charter Guests!"
- Heesen 129 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 39.4 m
- Year: 2001 (2019 Refit)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $120000 per week
- 143 Van Mill Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 43.59 m
- Year: 1988 (2017 Refit)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 12
- From $115000 to $135000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Make full use of her amazing water toy selection, which includes 5 jet skis. Captain Steve will show you the best that each Bahamian Cay can offer!"
- Tecnomar 45m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 45 m
- Year: 2012 (2020 refit)
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €125000 to €150000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Spacious and elegant, IPANEMAS is one of the top Greece luxury motor yachts"
- Sunseeker 28m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 28.12 m
- Year: 2014
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €55000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Unrivalled Sunseeker style on a brand new yacht with exemplary finishing touches."
- Azimut 30m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 28.95 m
- Year: 2009 (2020 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €42000 to €48000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Modern and homely with the right balance of comfort and style."
- Baglietto 112 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 34 m
- Year: 2005 (2016 Refit)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 11
- From €84000 to €96000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"This unique, stand-out super yacht is one of the most eye-catching boats on the Riviera this Summer!"
- Bugari 34m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 34 m
- Year: 1993 (2020 Rebuilt)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 12
- From €45000 to €60000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A yacht of real quality, perfect for accommodating large groups in comfort and style for a charter in Greece"
- Westport 130 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 39.62 m
- Year: 2014
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $125000 to $140000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The leading 130 Westport cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean,offering unrivalled amenities, accommodation and entertainment areas. She provides the whole package!"
- Mondomarine 40m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 40.5 m
- Year: 2010 (2016 Refit)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 11
- From €130000 to €150000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A striking Motor yacht with exemplary exterior spaces, comfortable interiors and a highly trained crew!"
