Galapagos | How to avoid seasickness on a Galapagos Cruise?

How to avoid seasickness on a Galapagos Cruise?

2017-03-13

Considering their position some six hundred miles into the mighty Pacific off the Ecuadorian coast, the waters around the Galapagos Islands are actually relatively calm. A cruise aboard a vessel like the Galapagos Eden Yacht will hopefully be a calm and relaxing experience.

However, there’s no getting around the fact that this is a vast body of water, susceptible to currents and weather conditions. So, while getting seasick is not inevitable if you cruise the Galapagos Islands, it is a possibility. So it’s worthwhile being prepared and knowing what to do should the waters be a little choppy.
 

When to visit Galapagos?

As a general rule, the waters of the Galapagos Islands are calmest between November and May. This is the warmer season but also the time of year when it rains the most. And although the water is warmer, it is less clear and there are less fish to see. From June through to November the Humboldt Current brings nutrient-rich cooler waters from the south meaning better diving conditions. However, it is also windy and the seas are rougher, meaning there is a greater risk of seasickness.
 

Get outside

If the boat does begin to rock when you cruise the Galapagos Islands then the first thing you need to do is get outside. Fresh air helps, and plenty of it. Plus fixating on the horizon as a reference point for your brain reassures it that you are actually moving. If you can’t go outside then close your eyes, as this will reduce the conflicting signals being sent to your brain by your eyes and inner ear.
 

Put the book down

There might be nothing better than a good book, but reading or concentrating for extensive periods when moving up and down is a sure fire way of getting seasick. The same goes for viewing the world through a camera lens or binoculars.
 

Manage your diet

Avoid eating anything too spicy or fatty before and during your cruise. Also, try and steer clear of too much alcohol if the passage is a little rough. Try adding lots of ginger to your food and drink peppermint tea as these are thought to be great natural remedies for seasickness.
 

Stay out the sun

You need to keep your body cool so stay out of direct sunlight and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
 

Medicinal remedies

Speak to your doctor before you set off on your cruise if you are concerned. They may be able to prescribe you some medication to help manage your seasickness. Dramamine and Bonine are common remedies, as are PSI wristbands and Transderm Scop patches. These all have varying effects for different people but are designed to prevent the symptoms of nausea. Always consult your doctor before using these medications.
 

If you do get seasick when you cruise the Galapagos Islands then don’t worry or feel embarrassed. You won’t be the first or the last to suffer from it on a cruise. And the chances are that everything will be fine and no amount of rough waters will spoil the incredible experience of a Galapagos cruise.
 

Take a look of these tour programs:

1. Galapagos Cruise Itinerary: Amazing Nine Days East & Central Islands Boat Journey
2. Cusco Tour: Cusco and Sacred Valley Tour
3. Inca Trails Tour: The Incas Trail Tour
4. Amazon River Cuise in Ecuador:  Amazon River Cruise Journey
5. Galapagos & Machu Picchu Tour: Galapagos & Machu Picchu 12 Days Voyage

 

Check our galapagos cruises:

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