BACK
October 16, 2026
How to Prepare and Stay ComfortableÂ
At Prince of Whales, we get asked all the time: “Will I get seasick on a whale watching tour?”
The short answer? It happens far less often than you might think. However, everyone handles the movement of the boat differently, and water conditions naturally change from day to day. Some days offer smooth sailing, while on windier days you might feel the motion of the waves a little more.
If you are prone to motion sickness (or just want to play it safe), here is everything you need to know about preparing for your tour, staying comfortable on board, and picking the right vessel for your trip.
1. How to Prepare Before You Step On Board
Preparation before your tour goes a long way toward preventing motion sickness:
- Eat a Light, Balanced Meal: Don’t skip breakfast or lunch, but avoid heavy, greasy, acidic, or overly spicy foods right before heading out. A light meal with toast, crackers, or bananas works best. If you did not eat, we offer a variety of snacks on board!
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during the trip. Avoid excessive coffee before departing. If you feel up to a coffee once on board, we have complimentary hot drinks on board our catamarans!
- Consider Motion Sickness Medication: If you know you are sensitive to movement, consider over-the-counter options like Dramamine or Gravol. Pro tip: Most motion sickness medications need to be taken 30 to 60 minutes before you board the boat to be effective.
2. Choosing the Right Boat: Zodiac vs. Catamaran
Different boat styles offer different ride experiences. Here is how our two primary vessel types compare:
- Semi-Covered Catamarans: Our large catamarans are multi-hulled vessels designed for maximum stability. They feature spacious indoor heated cabins, outdoor viewing decks, and smooth cruising through coastal waters. If you are worried about motion sickness, are travelling with small children, or simply prefer a smoother ride with plenty of room to walk around, the catamaran is your best choice.
- Open Zodiacs: Our zodiacs offer an exhilarating, open-air experience that puts you right on the water in the fresh sea breeze. While the constant flow of ocean air can help keep motion sickness at bay, zodiacs sit low to the surface and respond directly to the swell, making for a bit bumpier ride than the Catamaran. If you are particularly sensitive to motion sickness or prefer extra stability, our Catamarans provide a smoother journey.
3. What to Do If You Start Feeling Seasick
If you begin to feel a bit uneasy once we are underway, don’t worry! Simple adjustments can make a big difference:
- Get Outside into Fresh Air: Step out onto the open deck immediately. Cool air on your face is one of the fastest natural ways to soothe nausea.
- Fix Your Eyes on the Horizon: Look at a fixed point in the distance, like the shoreline or mountains, rather than staring at the moving water, your phone, or camera screen. This helps your inner ear and eyes re-align.
- Move Toward the Centre or Stern: The middle and back (stern) of the vessel experience the least amount of movement compared to the bow (front).
- Grab a Ginger Chew On Board: Ginger is a well-known, natural remedy for settling stomachs. We keep complimentary ginger chews on board for our guests. Just ask any member of our crew!
- Talk to Our Crew: Never hesitate to let our team know if you aren’t feeling well. Our crew members are trained in guest comfort and are always happy to provide water, fresh air recommendations, or an extra hand.
Ready to Explore the Salish Sea?
Motion sickness shouldn’t hold you back from witnessing wild humpbacks, killer whales, and marine wildlife in their natural habitat. By choosing the right vessel, prepping beforehand, and enjoying the ocean breeze, you’ll be set up for an unforgettable day on the water!
