Sea sickness: what to do and how to avoid it on your charter boat
Setting off on a boat charter in Sydney is always exciting—clear skies, sparkling waters, and plenty of fresh air. But sometimes, sea sickness can dampen the fun. If you’ve ever felt queasy or dizzy while bobbing on the waves, you know how quickly sea sickness can turn your adventure upside down. The good news is you don’t have to let it spoil your trip. Knowing what causes it, how to avoid it, and what to do if it hits can make your time on the water smooth sailing.
What exactly is sea sickness and why does it happen?
Sea sickness is a type of motion sickness. Your brain gets mixed signals because your inner ear senses movement, but your eyes might tell a different story if you’re below deck or unable to see the horizon. This confusion tosses up feelings of nausea, dizziness, sweating, and sometimes vomiting. It tends to strike hardest when waves rock a boat around or if you’re not used to such motion. The smaller and more wobbly the boat, the easier it is to get seasick. At Boatique Sydney Boat Hire, with over 200 boats of all sizes, choosing the right vessel can help improve your chances of a comfy ride.
Staying on deck helps because your eyes can lock onto the horizon, which sends a clearer message to your brain about movement. Importantly, sea sickness can affect anyone — even experienced sailors get it sometimes. But with smart planning, you can dodge much of the discomfort.
Choosing the right boat to reduce sea sickness
The size of the boat itself plays a huge role. Larger boats, like catamarans or big motor yachts, tend to be more stable and provide a smoother ride. If you pick a smaller craft or one that’s light and fast, you’ll feel every wave and bounce. At Boatique Sydney Boat Hire, we recommend clients who are prone to sea sickness to opt for boats with wide hulls that cut through the water more steadily.
Where you sit also matters. The middle of the boat, close to the waterline, experiences less motion than the bow (front) or stern (back). If you feel uneasy, head to the central deck or outside where you can breathe fresh air and watch the horizon.
Practical tips to avoid sea sickness before your trip
What you eat and drink before boarding affects how your stomach reacts. Heavy, greasy, spicy, or acidic foods put extra strain on your digestion, which can worsen nausea. Try light, non-greasy meals, and skip alcohol and caffeine since they can dehydrate you, making symptoms worse. Drinking water or ginger tea before and during your trip keeps you hydrated and calms the stomach.
Getting plenty of rest the night before your trip can surprisingly help too. Fatigue lowers your body’s ability to cope with motion. Don’t skip breakfast—having some food in your stomach prevents nausea, but stick to easy-to-digest options.
Natural and medical remedies for soothing seasickness
Ginger is a natural winner for settling nausea. Whether it’s crystallised ginger, ginger candies, or ginger tea, it has been used for centuries and many boaters swear by it. Peppermint and lavender aromatherapy also help some people relax and reduce feelings of queasiness.
If you’re worried you might get sick, over-the-counter motion sickness pills like Dramamine or Bonine can be taken about 30 minutes before boarding. Some people also use wristbands that apply pressure to key points thought to ease nausea. Prescription patches behind the ear are another option for longer trips but consult a pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you have other health concerns.
How to handle sea sickness if it starts during your charter
If you start feeling queasy while on the water, stay on deck and breathe fresh air immediately. Focus on the horizon to help your brain sync up the senses. Try to stay calm—nervousness or anxiety can make symptoms worse. Sitting or lying down quietly and closing your eyes to minimize sensory confusion helps, too.
Drinking a little cola or sparkling water may help settle your stomach. Avoid strong odors or reading screens, as these can increase nausea. Moving slowly and avoiding sudden head movements also prevents worsening symptoms.
Weather, timing, and other subtle factors that matter
Windy days and choppy seas usually bring more motion and more chances of sea sickness. Checking the weather forecast beforehand and picking calm conditions for your charter will tip the scales in your favour.
Also, shorter trips let you get used to the movement gradually. For those sensitive to motion, starting with shorter journeys and building tolerance by spending more time on the water can help reduce sea sickness over time—a process called habituation.
Early mornings or late afternoons often have calmer waters than mid-day, a nice trick if your schedule is flexible. Avoid boating on an empty stomach or right after a heavy meal. Dressing in loose, comfortable clothes keeps your body relaxed and ready to handle motion.
Why knowing about sea sickness makes your Sydney boat hire better
Boatique Sydney Boat Hire offers one of the largest ranges of boats in Sydney. Helping you avoid sea sickness means you get the most out of this experience, from checking out beautiful harbour views to enjoying time with family and friends. We want your adventure to be filled with good vibes, laughter, and sunny memories—not discomfort.
Our friendly team is happy to guide you toward boats that suit your needs and help you get ready so seasickness won’t get in your way. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned skipper, a little preparation goes a long way on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What causes sea sickness on a boat?
Sea sickness happens because your inner ear senses motion, but your eyes don’t see it the same way, causing mixed signals that trigger nausea and dizziness.
• Can sea sickness be prevented completely?
While no method works for everyone, using a combination of good boat choice, medication, staying on deck, focusing on the horizon, and avoiding heavy foods can greatly reduce the chance of feeling sick.
• Which part of the boat is best to sit if I’m prone to sea sickness?
The middle of the boat near the waterline usually moves the least and is best for those sensitive to motion.
• Are natural remedies like ginger effective against sea sickness?
Many people find ginger helpful for nausea, and it’s a safe, easy natural option to try before or during your trip.
• Should I take medication for sea sickness every time I go on a boat?
You don’t have to every trip, but if you know you get seasick, taking medicine like Dramamine before boarding can prevent symptoms.
• Is it better to stay inside or outside when feeling seasick?
Staying outside on the deck is better because fresh air and seeing the horizon help reduce symptoms. Inside, especially below deck, can worsen symptoms.
Ready to set sail without the worry of sea sickness? Head over to Boatique Sydney Boat Hire to pick your perfect boat and get expert tips on how to keep your trip smooth and joyful on Sydney’s stunning waters. For more information check out how to rent a boat.
Looking for more information? See our guide to Charter Boat Hire Sydney.