Will I Get Seasick on a Catamaran?

Find out why motion sickness is incredibly rare on our tours in the calm, protected waters of the Indian River Lagoon.

Will I Get Seasick?

It’s one of the most common questions we hear from first-time sailors and visitors to Florida’s Space Coast: “Will I get seasick?”

The short answer is: It is incredibly rare.

If you’ve ever felt queasy on a cruise ship or a deep-sea fishing charter, you might be hesitant to book a sailing tour. However, sailing with Cocoa Beach Catamaran is a completely different experience. Because of the unique design of our boats and the specific areas where we sail, the vast majority of our guests—even those who are highly prone to motion sickness—enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride without any issues.

How Calm Are Cocoa Beach Waters?

When people think of boating in Florida, they often picture boats bouncing over large ocean swells. That is not what we do.

Our Dolphin Adventure Sail, Sunset Catamaran Sail, and Island Adventure Sail take place entirely within the protected, inland waters of the Indian River Lagoon. This massive estuary is shielded from the open Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands.

Because we sail in these protected waters, we avoid the large, rolling ocean waves that are the primary cause of seasickness. The water inside the lagoon is typically flat, calm, and peaceful. Even on breezy days, the waves remain small and manageable, providing a relaxing experience that feels more like gliding across a lake than riding on the open ocean.

The Catamaran Advantage: Built for Stability

The second reason seasickness is so rare on our tours is the boat itself.

Traditional single-hull boats (monohulls) tend to rock side-to-side, creating a pendulum motion that can quickly upset your stomach. Our vessels are twin-hull catamarans. Because a catamaran has two hulls spread wide apart, it sits flat on the water and dramatically reduces side-to-side rolling.

This incredible stability means you can comfortably walk around the deck, take photos, and relax without constantly trying to keep your balance. It is the perfect vessel for families, older adults, and anyone who might be nervous about getting out on the water.

Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

Even though seasickness is rare on our tours, if you know you are highly susceptible to motion sickness, here are a few tips to ensure you have a great time:

Look at the Horizon: Keeping your eyes fixed on a stable point in the distance helps your brain reconcile the motion your body is feeling.
Stay Above Deck: Fresh air works wonders. Stay outside in the breeze rather than going down into the enclosed areas of the boat.
Avoid Heavy Meals: Eat a light, bland meal before your trip. Avoid greasy, spicy, or highly acidic foods.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during your sail. Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine right before boarding.
Sit Near the Middle: The center of the catamaran experiences the least amount of motion.

Who Is Most Susceptible?

While anyone can experience motion sickness under the right (or wrong) conditions, it tends to be more common in children ages 2 to 12, pregnant women, and individuals prone to migraines. If you fall into one of these categories, or if you frequently get carsick on winding roads, taking simple precautions before your Private Charter or public sail can give you peace of mind.

Best Medications and Natural Remedies

If you prefer to take preventative measures, there are several options available:

Over-the-Counter Medications: Dramamine and Bonine are popular choices. Important: For these to be effective, you must take them 1 to 2 hours before getting on the boat. Once you feel sick, it is usually too late for pills to work.
Acupressure Wristbands: Sea-Bands apply gentle pressure to a specific point on your wrist and are a great drug-free alternative, especially for children.
Ginger: Ginger candies, ginger ale, or ginger supplements are natural remedies known to soothe the stomach.
Prescription Patches: For severe cases, a doctor can prescribe a scopolamine patch that goes behind the ear.

What Happens If Someone Feels Sick?

In the very rare event that someone in your group does start to feel unwell, our captains are experienced and ready to help. We will provide cold water, direct you to the most stable part of the boat, and ensure you get plenty of fresh air. Because we sail in the Indian River Lagoon, we are never far from land, and the scenery itself provides a wonderful distraction.