Sea Sickness on a speed boat.......?

Question

Hi:
I will be traveling to the Bahamas in April and I will be doing a couple of Excursions that involves boats (e.g. Power boat tour, Glass Bottom Boat Ride) And I was wondering if the non-drowsy formula of Dramamine helps to prevent Sea Sickness? Does anybody have any other remedies that they know works (besides the patch)?

Answer 1

The natural way - ginger.... either the root, or strong ginger biscuits(cookies). Works wonder.

Or, the "wonders of modern chemistry" way - Stugeron, unless you happen to be pregnant... Avomine, which is available in stronger form by prescription, so talk to your doctor before traveling.

Stay on deck whenever possible, somewhere where you have a good view of the horizon - a great part of motion sickness is a conflict between what your eyes tell you and what your inner ear senses, so being below in a rolling cabin is really, really, bad news.

Avoid heavy meals or greasy food before the trip - but don't starve yourself, either. Keep away from engine exhaust and other people being sick

Answer 2

There are some good answers here. I believe the most effective way to combat sea-sickness if to combat the source. Often the largest cause of it is dehydration. You may not feel dehydrated, but there has to be a proper "balance" of water in your inner ear. If there is water lacking, you get sick faster.
Alcohol dehydrates the body so, as previously mentioned...avoid it.
Noxious fumes will make some people sick regardless of being in a boat.
Keep a view of land if you can.
Fresh air...getting below may feel like less pitch and swell, but it will send you out in a hurry.

Usually faster boats do not cause as much sickness, so to speak. The forward movement keeps the balance a little better. Once you are anchored or drifting in large swells it gets worse. Because it is a tourist attraction, they will probably be mindful of your conditions and being short excursions, I would not expect much trouble. When I was in the Cayman Islands the swells were amazingly comfortable. I'm used to Gulf of Mexico swells. The difference is that the Gulf has a more infrequent wave pattern with a lot of variation and sharper crests. The seas in the Caymans seemed to be much calmer, even with comparable winds.

Answer 3

The patch is the most effective remedy..I am from Pa. and when I first went to fla. In Feb. several years ago it was pretty windy on the ocean.
Islamarada ,Fla Keys , 30 miles off shore for me was rough
I fished with a retired Doctor that also lived there He gave me a
patch but cut it in half and then put it behind my ear works
the full patches are a little to strong for everyone he said also
when you feel quesy look up at a fixed object in the sky,cloud etc
and focus on it for several minutes until the feeling goes away
that also works . I have the bands for your wrist didn`t work
to good also bought a 150.00 watch that shocks your wrist
to prevent sea sickness, Now my best remedy is just drink
a beer or two.. then I am fine ,but I am getting used to rough
seas. Good Luck..

Answer 4

I've been ill once or twice on prolonged outings in bad seas. I've also got hundred of hours on water in kayaks not being ill. The
non-drowsy formula usually works. Some people fear the worst and experience the uglyness. The fabled 'sea legs' of sailors usually feel odd when going ashore again. Focus on having a good time. Stop dwelling on unpleasantness. It isn't healthy.
To soak up Bahama April sun I know of homeless people who would gladly puke any sea passage to escape their long winter.

Answer 5

I don't get sea sick on small fast boats, put me on a large boat, that SLOWLY rocks, throw in some "Diesel" Fumes, and I'll be "LAUNCHING THE SHUTTLE" over the rail, Luckily (I'm told) I get the "GOOD" kind of sea sick, where after I'm done "Whistling Carrots" over the rail, I'm O.K. (relieved). I prefer to take "Bonine" instead of dramamine, because it is in "Candy" form, and I can take it a few hours before we board ship, no water is needed (tastes like candy), and I can pop it in my mouth fast without saying "I need to get some water to take my sea sick pills" opening up ones sides for an attack by silly fisherman friends, then when they "Blow Chunks", I can make fun of them, Bonine is good for 24 hrs, by then you'll have your "Sea Legs". Good Luck, Enjoy ! AVOID ALCOHOL !

Answer 6

I have used a product called "Sea Bands" They have other names. They work by accupressure and they do work well. With no side effects. The link below is a website wiuth more infomation.

Answer 7

The best way is to have a lot of fun to keep your mind off the motion. It'll work. 21 years Navy.

Answer 8

eat a few ginger snap cookies before you get on board