How to Avoid Seasickness During a Tour

If you’re like many people planning to enjoy the beautiful waters around Fort Lauderdale, one question often pops up: “How do I avoid seasickness during my boat tour?” As the owner and captain of 954 Boat Tours, I’ve taken thousands of guests out on the water—from relaxed sunset boat rides to energetic bachelorette boat parties and engaging family fishing tours. And I’ve learned that seasickness can be a real concern for many.

The good news? Seasickness doesn’t have to ruin your day on the water. With the right preparation and mindset, you can enjoy your tour comfortably and make unforgettable memories. In this guide, I’ll share my top tips for avoiding seasickness, so you can feel confident, relaxed, and ready for anything.

What Is Seasickness—and Why Does It Happen?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness caused by the brain receiving conflicting signals from your inner ear, eyes, and body about movement. When your inner ear senses motion but your eyes don’t see it (or vice versa), your brain gets confused—resulting in dizziness, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

Even the most experienced boaters can feel seasick under certain conditions like choppy water, rough weather, or if they’re not prepared. But with some simple strategies, you can greatly reduce your risk.

1. Choose the Right Time and Route for Your Tour

When booking your boat tour, consider timing and route options that minimize rough waters. Early morning and late afternoon tours, especially sunset boat rides, tend to have calmer seas and less wind.

At 954 Boat Tours, I carefully plan our routes to avoid areas known for rough chop when possible. If you’re prone to seasickness, let me know in advance—I can adjust the itinerary or cruising speed to help keep you comfortable.

2. Medications and Natural Remedies

If you’re concerned about seasickness, taking preventative medication before boarding is one of the best ways to stay ahead of symptoms.

• Over-the-counter options: Dramamine, Bonine, and other motion sickness tablets work well if taken about 30-60 minutes before departure.

• Ginger supplements: Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties and can be taken as tea, capsules, or candies.

• Acupressure wristbands: Some guests find these helpful—they apply pressure to points believed to reduce nausea.

I always recommend guests try their chosen remedy at home first to check for any side effects.

3. Eat Smart Before and During Your Trip

What and when you eat can make a big difference. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods before boarding—they can upset your stomach and increase nausea.

Instead:

• Eat light, bland meals beforehand.

• Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks.

• Avoid excessive alcohol before and during the tour (it can worsen dehydration and nausea).

Bringing snacks like crackers or nuts onboard can also help settle your stomach during the trip. On our family fishing tours, I often suggest packing some light snacks for this reason.

4. Stay Above Deck and Focus on the Horizon

One of the most effective ways to prevent seasickness is to keep your eyes on the horizon and stay in fresh air. Sitting inside or focusing on phones, books, or screens can worsen symptoms.

On all my tours—whether it’s a lively bachelorette boat party or a peaceful sunset boat ride—I encourage guests to spend as much time as possible on deck. Watching the distant horizon helps your brain sync the motion signals and reduce confusion.

5. Position Yourself Strategically on the Boat

Where you sit on the boat can affect how much motion you feel.

• The middle of the boat tends to be the most stable area, with less up-and-down motion.

• Sitting on the bow or stern usually means more movement.

• Facing forward, rather than sideways or backward, also helps your body anticipate motion.

When you book your private tour with 954 Boat Tours, I’ll help you pick the best seats to minimize motion for everyone.

6. Keep Cool and Comfortable

Heat and stuffiness can make seasickness worse. Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing and bring a hat and sunglasses to protect from the sun. Drinking cool water and resting in shaded areas onboard will also help.

If you start to feel queasy, let your captain know immediately. I can slow down, change course, or stop for a break to get some fresh air and calm the waters.

7. Avoid Triggers: Alcohol, Smoking, and Strong Smells

Certain things can trigger or worsen seasickness symptoms:

• Alcohol can dehydrate you and upset your stomach.

• Smoking or being around smoke can increase nausea.

• Strong odors like gasoline, food smells, or perfume can make symptoms worse.

For your best experience, avoid these before and during your tour.

8. Try Relaxation and Breathing Techniques

Sometimes seasickness is made worse by anxiety or stress about getting sick. Taking slow, deep breaths and practicing relaxation can calm your nervous system.

I often encourage guests on family fishing tours or bachelorette boat parties to take a few moments to sit back, breathe deeply, and focus on the rhythmic motion of the water.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Water Without Worry

Seasickness is common, but it doesn’t have to stop you from having an amazing boat adventure here in Fort Lauderdale. With these tips—from smart timing and medications to strategic seating and hydration—you can keep discomfort at bay and focus on what really matters: enjoying your sunset boat rides, family fishing tours, or bachelorette boat parties.

If you’re planning your next trip, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to tailor your tour to make it as comfortable and fun as possible.

Ready to experience the best boat tour without seasickness?

Book your unforgettable Fort Lauderdale boat adventure now at https://www.954boattours.com/.

Let’s get you out on the water—comfortable, confident, and carefree.