Undeniably, planning a boat cruise is an exciting endeavor, unless one of the travelers becomes a victim of seasickness. This is one of the main concerns lingering across most travelers’ minds. You never know how a relaxing tour can turn into a difficult one quickly. While cruising for fishing, dolphin watching, or sightseeing, knowing the right ways to handle seasickness can make it a comfortable experience.
Myrtle Beach, a well-known coastal destination, has long shorelines and calm waters that draw in thousands of visitors every year. Many people book boat rides near Myrtle Beach to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and peace that comes with being out on the water.
Still, seasickness is real. If you’re not prepared, it can ruin the entire trip. The good news is that it’s manageable. Here’s how you can stay ahead of it.
Understand What Causes It
Seasickness is a type of motion sickness that occurs when what your eyes perceive is out of sync with what your inner ear detects. For instance, on a boat, your eyes see the cabin or deck as still, but your inner ear senses movement. This conflict triggers symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue. People with a history of motion sickness are more likely to feel it on a boat. Even calm-looking waters can cause discomfort for first-time cruisers.
How Long Can Seasickness Last?
The good news is that, for the vast majority of cruise passengers, seasickness often goes away as you have your “sea legs,” or your senses adjust and your balance returns. Taking over-the-counter medications and knowing how to handle seasickness can help most travelers feel better in a few hours to a day or two. Seasickness can sometimes last longer, especially in more choppy sea conditions.
Prepare Before the Cruise
What to do before you start:
- Eat light meals
- Stay hydrated
- Rest well
- Take over-the-counter medication or doctor-prescribed remedies that work best when taken an hour before boarding.
- Use natural aids like ginger tea or ginger chews to help reduce nausea.
Planning ahead can reduce the chances of feeling sick once the boat starts moving.
Choose the Right Spot on the Boat
Where you stand on the boat matters; the middle of the boat usually feels the least movement. Stay on the lower deck if possible and avoid areas that feel stuffy or crowded. Try to keep your eyes on the horizon as it gives your brain a stable point of reference, which can help reduce confusion between visual and balance signals.
What to Do If You Start Feeling Sick
Don’t wait too long to act. Sit down and focus on breathing slowly. Sip water and try chewing gum or sucking on a mint. Avoid reading or looking at your phone. That makes it worse. Try stepping outside for fresh air if you’re in an enclosed space.
Conclusion
Handling seasickness is possible with the right steps. Preparation, awareness, and a few small habits can make a big difference. Before booking boat rides in Myrtle Beach, visitors should be aware of how their bodies might react. A smooth ride starts with smart choices. That includes choosing the right boat, knowing where to sit, and packing what you need. A few minutes of planning can protect the rest of your trip.
