Seasickness on a Boat: How to Prevent It and Enjoy Your Trip

If there is one fear that comes up in nearly every conversation with first-time boat trip guests, it is seasickness. And we completely understand. Nobody wants to feel unwell on a day that should be pure fun.

The good news? Seasickness is much easier to prevent than most people think. With a few simple measures -- many of them free and available without a prescription -- you can enjoy your first boat trip with total peace of mind. In this guide, we will explain why seasickness happens, who is more at risk, and most importantly: how to avoid it in a practical way.

Why Does Seasickness Happen?

Seasickness, technically called motion sickness (or kinetosis), occurs because of a conflict between your senses. Here is how it works: your eyes see the environment around you as relatively stable, but your inner ear (the vestibular system) detects the boat's movement -- the waves, the rocking, the accelerations.

When the brain receives conflicting information from the eyes and the inner ear, it interprets this as something "wrong" and may trigger nausea, dizziness, and general discomfort. It is the same mechanism that causes car sickness, airplane sickness, or even VR simulator sickness.

But here is a reassuring fact: your body adapts quickly. Most people who feel mild discomfort in the first few minutes of sailing notice the symptoms disappear on their own in a short time, as the brain adjusts to the new pattern of movement.

Who Is More Prone to Seasickness?

Some people are naturally more sensitive to motion sickness:

• Children between ages 2 and 12 -- the vestibular system is still developing
• Pregnant women -- hormonal changes increase sensitivity
• People who get carsick -- they tend to have greater sensitivity to motion
• Migraine sufferers -- there is a known link between migraines and motion sickness

However, it is very important to know: many people who get carsick do not get seasick, and vice versa. The pattern of movement is different. In a car, the motion is irregular (braking, turns, potholes). On a boat, especially in calm waters like Baia de Guanabara, the motion is smoother, rhythmic, and predictable -- which causes much less discomfort.

How to Prevent Seasickness: Complete Guide

Prevention is key. If you take the right steps before boarding, the chances of getting seasick drop dramatically. Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Medication: Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate)

Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) -- known as Dramin in Brazil -- is the most widely used and accessible medication for preventing seasickness. It is available at any pharmacy without a prescription in both countries.

• When to take it: 30 to 60 minutes before boarding
• Adult dose: Follow the package instructions (typically 50-100 mg)
• Main side effect: mild drowsiness -- nothing that will ruin your trip; many people don't even notice it
• Tip: there is also a children's Dramamine formulation available for kids

2. Ginger: The Natural Alternative

Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for nausea, and scientific studies confirm its effectiveness against motion sickness. You can use:

• Ginger capsules -- available at pharmacies and health food stores
• Ginger candies -- convenient to carry in your pocket and suck on during the trip
• Ginger tea -- drink a hot cup before leaving home
• Crystallized ginger -- easy to find at supermarkets

3. Acupressure Wristband

Acupressure wristbands (such as Sea-Band) apply pressure to the P6 (Nei-Kuan) point, located on the inner wrist. Many people report significant relief from motion sickness symptoms. They are sold at pharmacies, have no contraindications, and can be used alongside other prevention methods.

4. Proper Diet

What you eat (or don't eat) before boarding makes a big difference:

• Eat something light before the trip: crackers, bread, toast, fruit. An empty stomach is one of the biggest triggers for seasickness
• Avoid greasy or heavy food in the hours leading up to boarding
• Avoid excessive alcohol before and at the beginning of the trip -- too much alcohol greatly increases motion sensitivity
• Avoid too much coffee -- caffeine can intensify nausea in sensitive individuals

5. Hydration

Drink water regularly before and during the trip. Dehydration is a factor that worsens seasickness. Bring a water bottle and take small sips throughout the sail.

6. Position on the Boat and Where You Look

Where you sit and where you look during navigation make a huge difference:

• Stay in the open area, preferably at the stern (back) of the boat
• Look at the horizon -- this helps the brain synchronize the information from your eyes and inner ear
• Avoid looking at your phone, reading, or fixing your gaze on nearby objects inside the boat
• Stay outdoors -- fresh air helps a lot. Avoid staying inside the enclosed cabin for long periods

Routes with Calmer Waters (and Rougher Waters)

If you are concerned about seasickness, your choice of route matters. Each route has different sea conditions:

• Mureta da Urca: calm waters, inside Baia de Guanabara. Best option for those worried about seasickness. The sea is virtually like a swimming pool in this area
• Praia Vermelha: calm to moderate waters -- still within a sheltered area
• Copacabana: more open sea, may have moderate swells depending on the day
• Ilhas Cagarras: open sea, rougher waters -- recommended for those with experience or who have taken precautions
• Itaipu and Camboinhas: the crossing can be rougher, as it involves stretches of open sea
• Full Circuit: varied conditions along the route -- the stretch inside the bay is calm, the outer stretch can be more active

Crew tip: if this is your first boat trip and seasickness is a concern, choose the Mureta da Urca route. Besides being the most affordable, it is sailed almost entirely in the sheltered waters of Baia de Guanabara.

During the Trip: What to Do If You Start Feeling Unwell

Even with all the prevention, if you begin to feel some discomfort during the sail, don't panic. Follow these steps:

• Look at the horizon immediately -- this is the fastest and most effective measure
• Move to the open area of the boat and breathe in fresh air deeply
• Sit in the center of the boat, where the rocking is less pronounced
• Drink cold water in small sips
• Splash cold water on your face and neck
• Tell the crew -- they are completely used to this and know exactly how to help. Don't be embarrassed!

In the vast majority of cases, these steps resolve the discomfort within a few minutes. Our skippers can also adjust the speed and route to make the navigation smoother if someone is feeling unwell. Learn more about safety on your boat trip.

In Practice, Most People Do NOT Get Seasick

After more than 3,000 trips completed, we can say with confidence: the vast majority of our passengers feel no seasickness at all during the trip. And there are clear reasons for this:

• Speedboats are more stable than larger vessels like sailboats or schooners -- they cut through the waves instead of rocking with them
• Trips in Baia de Guanabara are on calm waters -- the bay is naturally sheltered, resulting in very little swell
• The skipper adjusts the speed based on sea conditions and the group's profile
• Boat trips are outdoors -- you are in the open area, with a breeze, a view of the horizon, and natural light. This alone is a protective factor against seasickness
• 5 hours may sound like a lot, but they fly by -- between swimming stops, BBQ, photos, and music, you barely notice the motion

We understand that worrying about seasickness might make you hesitate to book a trip. But we want you to know: with a little preparation, this concern is no longer a problem. Thousands of people who had the same worry have taken the trip and loved it. You can read more tips in our FAQ or see how the entire trip works.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seasickness

Can children take Dramamine before a boat trip?

Yes. There is a children's Dramamine formulation specifically designed for kids. Check the package for the correct dosage based on age and weight. When in doubt, consult your pediatrician. Other options for children include ginger candies or acupressure wristbands.

If I'm already feeling seasick, will Dramamine still work?

Dramamine works best as a preventive measure, taken before boarding. If seasickness has already set in, it can still help, but the effect is slower. That is why the ideal approach is to take it 30-60 minutes before departure. If you forgot, take it as soon as you notice the first signs of discomfort.

What is the best route for someone worried about seasickness?

The Mureta da Urca route is the best choice. It is sailed almost entirely inside Baia de Guanabara, in calm and sheltered waters. It is also the route with the best value, with trips starting at R$ 2,300 (~$460 USD).

Can I drink alcohol on the trip if I tend to get seasick?

We recommend moderation, especially at the beginning of the sail. Wait at least 30-40 minutes after boarding before starting to drink, and alternate alcoholic beverages with water. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Once your body adjusts to the motion, most people can enjoy their drinks without any problems.