Look at the horizon
Focus on a stable point in the distance instead of looking down at the deck or your phone.
HAWAII FISHING GUIDES
How to Prevent Seasickness
Practical ways to prepare for a fishing charter, reduce motion sickness and feel more comfortable on the water.
BEFORE YOU BOARD
A few simple steps can help
Sleep well
Fatigue can make motion sickness worse. Rest before your trip.
Eat lightly
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol shortly before departure.
Plan ahead
If you often get seasick, ask a pharmacist or clinician about prevention options before traveling.
Stay hydrated
Bring drinking water and sip regularly throughout the day.
What causes seasickness?
Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. It can occur when your eyes and the balance organs in your inner ear give the brain conflicting information about movement. Symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, sweating, fatigue and vomiting.
People respond differently to boat movement. Preventive steps may reduce symptoms, but no approach can guarantee that someone will not get seasick.
What to do while you're on the boat
Choose a steadier spot
If the captain permits, stay near the center of the boat, where motion may be less pronounced than at the bow.
Take a screen break
Avoid reading, scrolling or watching videos, especially when the water becomes choppy.
Get fresh air
Stay in a ventilated area when possible and breathe slowly and comfortably.
Tell the crew
Let the captain or crew know if you begin feeling unwell. They can help you find a safer, more comfortable place to sit.
Medicines and other prevention options
Some travelers use motion-sickness medications such as dimenhydrinate, meclizine or prescription scopolamine patches. They are not suitable for everyone and can cause drowsiness or other side effects. A clinician or pharmacist can help you choose an appropriate option and explain when to use it.
Check with a healthcare professional first
Ask about medications if you are pregnant, have glaucoma or urinary problems, take other medicines, or are planning treatment for a child. Never use someone else's prescription patch or cut a patch into pieces. Follow the instructions for the specific product prescribed or purchased.
Ginger products and wrist acupressure bands may help some people, but scientific evidence for reliable prevention is limited or mixed. They should not be presented as guaranteed remedies.
Common questions
Should I take medicine before the charter?
Some treatments work better when used before motion begins, but the appropriate medication and timing depend on the specific product and your health. Ask a pharmacist or clinician and follow its instructions.
Is ginger proven to prevent seasickness?
Evidence is limited and inconsistent. Ginger may be appealing to some travelers, but it should not be relied on as an effective substitute for evidence-based prevention when symptoms are severe.
Can children use seasickness medicines?
Not all motion-sickness medications are suitable for children. Consult a healthcare professional about age restrictions, product choice and appropriate dosing. Do not use adult patches for children without specialist guidance.
What if I start feeling sick on the boat?
Tell the crew, stop reading or using your phone, look toward the horizon, get fresh air and rest if needed. If you are vomiting repeatedly, cannot keep fluids down or have severe or unusual symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.
Ready to plan a day on the water?
Browse Hawaii fishing charters or contact our team with questions about trip lengths and departures.