While the prospect of going on a boat tour is exciting, it can also be daunting for people who experience seasickness. This condition causes nausea, vertigo, headaches, sweating, and a feeling of general malaise. Fortunately, there are remedies to alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms. Here are a few suggestions to consider before you go sightseeing on a boat.

How to Manage Your Seasickness Symptoms

1. Don’t Board With an Empty Stomach

Since there’ll be a beautiful backdrop, some people want to enjoy their meal during a boat tour; however, it isn’t wise to climb aboard without having something in your stomach. Hunger can trigger nausea and cause your blood sugar to drop. This may aggravate existing symptoms of motion sickness, such as dizziness and anxiety.

Take small sips of cold water and snack on something easy to digest, like crackers, granola bars, trail mix, or cheese sticks. Tuck a few of these treats into your bag, so you’re always prepared when you need to munch on something dry if nausea hits. Protein-based snacks, in particular, may be help normalize stomach discomfort because they increase gastrin production, which prevents infection and improves digestion.

2. Try a Natural Remedy

There are many over-the-counter products, like Dramamine® and Bonine®, that are formulated to combat seasickness. However, there are also natural solutions that might be easier on the body. Ginger prevents the brain from receiving nausea signals sent by the digestive system. There are many ways to consume this natural remedy, including crystallized ginger, candy, and tea.

3. Choose Your Line of Sight

If you’re nauseous during a boat tour, it could be from losing your sense of balance on the waves. To reestablish balance, focus your line of vision on a single spot in the distance. This expands your point of view and allows your mind and body to experience the bigger picture, instead of focusing on wave movement. As a result, you may feel more grounded and less susceptible to nausea.

4. Remain Hydrated During the Journey

Dehydration can cause nausea and an upset stomach, so be sure you’re drinking water during your journey. Take small sips so that you don’t overwhelm your system with fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before your boat tour, because it’s dehydrating and may contribute to your nausea.

If you’re excited to go sightseeing in Hawaii, contact the crew at Na Pali Riders Raft Tours in Waimea. This local boat tour operator is committed to providing an unforgettable experience that puts you front and center with Kauai’s most beautiful sea creatures, including turtles and dolphins. Their crew operates a Zodiac© raft and guests can enjoy excursions up and down the coast or to sea caves where they can snorkel. View photos of past adventures online, or call (808) 742-6331 to book a tour.