Feeling uneasy about motion sickness is one of the most common reasons people hesitate before booking a boat trip. There is no guaranteed way to prevent seasickness, because it depends on the individual, the sea conditions, and the length of the trip. What you can do is prepare sensibly beforehand, choose a trip format that suits you, and know when it is worth speaking to a pharmacist or doctor before you travel.
This guide covers general, non-medical preparation tips, how trip length and format might factor into your decision, and when professional advice is the right next step.
Who gets seasick, and why
Seasickness happens when your inner ear, eyes, and body send conflicting signals about movement, and it affects people differently. Some guests never notice the motion at all; others are more sensitive, especially on their first trip or in choppier conditions. Prior experience on boats, general travel sickness history, and how you feel on the day (tired, hungover, or on an empty stomach) can all play a part.
Sea conditions off South Tenerife vary with wind, swell, and season, and no operator can promise flat water on any given day. Your crew will always use their judgement about conditions and route, but they cannot guarantee a completely smooth ride.
General preparation tips (non-medical)
These are widely known, common-sense steps people take before a boat trip. They are general practical advice, not medical guidance, and they will not work the same way for everyone.
- Rest well the night before. Fatigue tends to make motion sensitivity worse for many people.
- Eat a light meal beforehand. Going out on an empty stomach, or overly full, is generally unhelpful; a plain, moderate meal a couple of hours before departure is a common recommendation.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water before and during the trip rather than relying on it only if you start to feel unwell.
- Avoid excess alcohol the night before and on the morning of your trip. Alcohol can affect balance and hydration.
- Choose a position with a clear horizon view. Many people find it easier when they can see the horizon, rather than looking down at a phone, book, or screen.
- Get fresh air and stay toward the open deck if possible, rather than in an enclosed cabin, where movement can feel more pronounced.
- Keep an eye on the coastline or horizon rather than fixed close-up points, particularly if you start to feel unsettled.
None of these steps guarantee comfort. They reflect general public knowledge about preparing for motion sensitivity, and results vary from person to person.
When to speak to a pharmacist or doctor
If you have experienced seasickness before, get motion sick easily on other transport, or want more than general preparation, it is worth speaking to a pharmacist or doctor before your trip. Over-the-counter remedies, wristbands, and prescription options exist, and a pharmacist or GP can advise on what may be suitable for your circumstances, including timing and any interactions with existing medication.
Tenerife Fishing Experts does not provide medical advice, and this page is not a substitute for guidance from a qualified pharmacist or doctor. If you have a relevant medical condition, are pregnant, or are travelling with children who may be prone to motion sickness, checking with a healthcare professional in advance is a sensible step.
Does trip length or format make a difference?
Trip length and route are practical factors worth considering when you book, even though they do not guarantee how you will feel.
- Shorter trips generally mean less time at sea, which some guests find easier to manage than a longer offshore session.
- Coastal and sheltered routes can feel calmer than routes further offshore, depending on the day's conditions.
- Morning versus afternoon timing can affect sea state on a given day; see our morning vs afternoon fishing guide for more on how timing affects a trip.
If you are unsure which format suits you, our team can talk through the options when you enquire. Browse the Fishing Tours hub to compare shared and private trip formats, or read about the private charter option if you would prefer a smaller group and more flexibility around pacing and stops.
A note on families and first-timers
If you are planning a trip with children or as a first-time angler, general preparation and a realistic expectation of sea conditions matter just as much as the tips above. Our fishing with kids guide covers what to expect and how to prepare as a family. Our what to bring on a fishing tour guide also covers practical packing suggestions.
Key takeaways
- Seasickness varies by person and cannot be guaranteed against.
- General preparation (rest, light meal, hydration, horizon view, fresh air, avoiding alcohol beforehand) is common practical advice, not medical treatment.
- Speak to a pharmacist or doctor in advance if you want more than general preparation, or have a relevant medical history.
- Trip length and route are practical considerations, not guarantees of comfort.
FAQs
Is there a way to guarantee I won't get seasick? No. Seasickness depends on the individual and on sea conditions, which vary by day and season. General preparation can help some people, but no method works for everyone, and no trip can be guaranteed smooth.
Should I take medication before a fishing trip? That is a decision for you and a pharmacist or doctor, based on your history and circumstances. We are not able to recommend or supply medication, and this page is general information only, not medical advice.
Are shorter trips easier for people prone to motion sickness? Many people find less time at sea easier to manage, and calmer, more sheltered routes can also feel gentler than longer offshore trips. This is a practical consideration, not a guarantee, since conditions still vary by day.
What if I start to feel unwell during the trip? Let your crew know. They are used to guests feeling unsettled and can offer practical suggestions, such as moving to fresh air or a position with a clearer horizon view. If you have ongoing concerns, discuss them with a pharmacist or doctor before booking.
Ready to plan your trip?
If you are still deciding which trip suits you, our team is happy to talk through the options, including trip length and route, when you enquire. Visit our Fishing Tours page to explore available formats, or check our FAQ page for more booking questions.
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