Avoiding Seasickness on a Boat

Seasickness on a Fishing Boat: How to Prepare and What Helps

You've been dreaming about this trip for months. The alarm goes off at 5 AM, you're buzzing with excitement, and the last thing you want is to spend the day at the rail instead of on the fish.

A little preparation goes a long way.

After 75+ years of taking people fishing out of Key West, we've seen what tends to help - and what our crew actually does when someone starts feeling off.

"I've watched people go from 'I'll never set foot on a boat again' to becoming regulars who fish with us every month. The biggest difference is preparation." - Captain Jamie Snediker

Quick Answer: When Should You Take Motion-Sickness Medicine?

Motion-sickness medicines are made to be taken before symptoms start, not after you already feel queasy. How far in advance depends on the product - Dramamine Original (dimenhydrinate), Dramamine Less Drowsy (meclizine), Bonine (meclizine) and prescription scopolamine patches all contain different active ingredients with different directions.

- Should you take it the night before? Only if that product's Drug Facts label says so. Don't build your own schedule, and don't double up "night before plus morning of."
- With food or on an empty stomach? Follow the Drug Facts label for the product you buy, or ask a pharmacist.
- Prescription options? Ask your doctor whether a scopolamine patch is appropriate for you.
- Not sure what's right for you? Ask a doctor or pharmacist first - especially if you take other medicines, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.

Gulfstream does not provide motion-sickness medication onboard. If you plan to use an over-the-counter motion-sickness medicine, bring your own and follow the Drug Facts label for that specific product.

What We Actually See Aboard the Gulfstream IV

Seasickness happens, but it isn't something we see from everyone aboard. On a typical trip of around 30 passengers, we might see roughly one person feeling seasick. That's simply our experience aboard Gulfstream, not a prediction of how any individual passenger will react.

From what we see aboard the Gulfstream IV, seasickness often shows up once we stop and begin fishing rather than during the ride out. If you know you're sensitive to motion, our crew generally recommends sitting toward the back of the boat. If you start feeling sick, stay outside on deck rather than retreating inside.

Dramamine is the medication passengers most often mention having taken on their own before a trip. That isn't a recommendation from us - we don't stock, sell or hand out any motion-sickness medication, and the right choice for you is a question for your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Seasickness Prevention Options

There's no single "best" method - here's a look at the common options travelers use, with notes on what to know about each.

| Option | Type | What to Know |
|--||--|
| Dramamine Original (dimenhydrinate) | Over-the-counter medicine | The Drug Facts label warns that marked drowsiness may occur |
| Bonine (meclizine) | Over-the-counter medicine | Marketed as less drowsy than Dramamine Original (dimenhydrinate); drowsiness can still occur |
| Scopolamine patch | Prescription medicine | Ask your doctor whether it's appropriate for you; side effects can include dry mouth and blurred vision |
| Ginger (chews, tea) | Non-drug option | Some people use ginger for motion sickness, although research on its effectiveness is mixed |
| Acupressure wristbands | Drug-free option | Some travelers like them, although research has not shown them to be more effective than placebo for motion sickness |
| Fresh air, horizon, sleep, breathing | Behavioral | Free and low-risk - the CDC lists fresh air, avoiding alcohol, adequate sleep, and controlled breathing as reasonable measures |

The Night Before: What to Eat (and What to Skip)

Easier Choices

- Light proteins: grilled chicken, fish, eggs
- Simple carbs: toast, crackers, rice, pasta
- Bananas, apples (easy on the stomach)
- Plenty of water

Better to Skip

- Heavy, greasy foods (burgers, fried anything)
- Very spicy meals
- Alcohol - the CDC lists avoiding alcohol among reasonable measures
- Citrus juices (acidic)
- Dairy-heavy meals

Medication Basics

Over-the-Counter Options

Dramamine Original (Dimenhydrinate)
- The Drug Facts label warns that marked drowsiness may occur
- Timing and dosing: follow the Drug Facts label on the product you buy
- A "Less Drowsy" formula (meclizine) is also sold - it contains a different active ingredient and has its own separate label directions

Bonine (Meclizine)
- Marketed as less drowsy than Dramamine Original (dimenhydrinate); drowsiness can still occur
- Timing and dosing: follow the Drug Facts label on the product you buy
- Different active ingredient from Dramamine Original, so its directions are not interchangeable

Non-Drug Options

Ginger 🫚
Some people use ginger for motion sickness, although research on its effectiveness is mixed. Common forms travelers try:
- Ginger chews (Gin-Gins are popular)
- Ginger tea or ginger ale (real ginger, not just flavored)
- Raw ginger slices

Peppermint 🌿
- Peppermint tea
- Peppermint candies

On the Boat: Where to Sit and Stand

Where Our Crew Suggests Sitting

| Location | What Our Crew Suggests |
|-||
| Stern (back) | Where our crew generally suggests sitting if you know you're prone to seasickness |
| Outside deck | Where our crew suggests staying if you begin feeling sick |
| Inside cabin | If you're feeling sick, our crew generally recommends going outside rather than remaining inside |

What Tends to Help on Deck

Helpful:
- Stay outside in fresh air
- Keep your eyes on the horizon
- Stay busy - help with fishing, talk to people
- Breathe slowly and deeply

Less helpful:
- Retreating inside the cabin
- Looking down at your phone
- Reading a book or map
- Focusing on the deck or nearby objects
- Standing near diesel exhaust

If You Start Feeling Sick

Step 1: Get to Fresh Air
Head outside to the stern rail and feel the wind on your face.

Step 2: Fix Your Gaze
Look out at the horizon rather than at the water below or objects on the boat.

Step 3: Breathe Slowly
Deep, slow breaths - the CDC lists controlled breathing among reasonable measures.

Step 4: Cool Down
Splash cold water on your face and wrists. Remove a layer if you're hot.

Special Considerations

Kids

- Ask your child's doctor or pharmacist before giving any motion-sickness medicine to a child
- Keep them engaged and busy - boredom makes it worse
- Shorter trips are easier on young stomachs

First-Timers

- Take this seriously even if you've "never been motion sick"
- The ocean is different from cars, planes, or amusement rides
- Mild precautions are worth taking even if you're unsure

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

- If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using motion-sickness medications or supplements

Your Pre-Trip Checklist

Night Before:
- [ ] Read the Drug Facts label for any motion-sickness medicine you plan to use
- [ ] Eat a moderate, non-greasy dinner
- [ ] Avoid alcohol
- [ ] Get a good night's sleep
- [ ] Set out sunscreen, hat, and anything else you want aboard

Morning Of:
- [ ] Take any motion-sickness medicine according to its label directions
- [ ] Eat a light breakfast if that's what you normally prefer
- [ ] Bring your own motion-sickness medicine - we don't provide it

On the Boat:
- [ ] Sit toward the stern if you know you're prone to seasickness
- [ ] Stay outside in fresh air
- [ ] Keep eyes on the horizon
- [ ] Stay active and engaged
- [ ] Tell the crew at the first sign of trouble

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you take motion-sickness medicine the night before?
Only if the Drug Facts label for that specific product says so. Different products contain different active ingredients and have different timing directions, so follow the label for the product you buy and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure. Do not create your own schedule such as taking a dose the night before and again the morning of.

Should motion-sickness medicine be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
Follow the Drug Facts label for the product you buy, or ask a pharmacist. For the trip itself, many passengers prefer a light meal rather than heading out hungry or eating a heavy meal.

Does Gulfstream provide motion-sickness medicine onboard?
No. Gulfstream does not stock, sell, dispense or provide motion-sickness medication. If you plan to use an over-the-counter motion-sickness medicine, bring your own and follow the Drug Facts label for that specific product.

Conditions on the Water

Generally calmer:
- Morning trips
- Summer months
- Days following cold fronts

Often rougher:
- Afternoon trips
- Winter months (more frequent fronts)
- Windy days (15+ knot winds)

"Most people who get seasick on their first trip don't get it on their second - because they prepare properly. Don't let one bad experience keep you off the water forever." - Captain Jamie Snediker

The Bottom Line

Seasickness is often manageable with a little preparation, and it isn't something we see from most passengers aboard.

Keep it simple:
1. If you use medication, bring your own and take it before the trip exactly as its label directs - not after you feel sick
2. Eat sensibly (light, non-greasy)
3. Sit toward the stern and stay outside with a view of the horizon
4. Stay engaged (fish, talk, stay busy)