Our boat rides out from Paso Nuevo to the dive sites around Isla Fuerte are short, but open water can still bring on seasickness in some people, and few things spoil a great day of diving faster. The best approach is entirely preventive: seasickness is far easier to stop before it starts than to cure once it has taken hold. A little planning the night before and the morning of your trip usually keeps it away completely.
Why it happens
Seasickness comes from a mismatch between what your inner ear senses and what your eyes see. On a rocking boat your balance organs feel constant motion while your eyes, fixed on a nearby deck or gear, tell your brain you are still. That conflict is what makes you feel queasy.
Understanding this points straight to the fixes: give your eyes a stable reference, and keep your body as settled and comfortable as possible.
Prepare the night before
Good preparation starts before you even reach the dock:
- Get a solid night's sleep, since tiredness makes seasickness much worse
- Go easy on alcohol the evening before
- If you are prone to motion sickness, take your medication with enough time for it to work, often an hour or more before boarding
On the morning of the trip, eat a light meal rather than diving on an empty or overfull stomach, and drink water steadily.
On the boat
Once you are aboard, a few simple habits keep the feeling at bay:
- Look at the horizon or a distant point on land to give your eyes a stable reference
- Stay out in the fresh air rather than in a stuffy cabin
- Sit toward the center of the boat, where the motion is gentlest
- Avoid reading, phones or fiddling with small gear during the crossing
Getting into the water often relieves symptoms quickly, so if you feel off, let your guide know and we can help you gear up sooner.
We look after you
Our crossings are short and our crew is used to helping divers who feel queasy, so there is no need to feel embarrassed. Tell us in advance if you know you are prone to seasickness, and we will position you well, keep an eye on you and make the ride as smooth as possible.
Feeling good on the boat means a better dive on arrival. Check what awaits you in our courses and dives, and read more guides to prepare for your day on the water.
Important
This is general educational information, not medical advice. Always complete the medical questionnaire honestly, dive within your training and, if in doubt, consult a diving physician or contact DAN (Divers Alert Network). In an emergency in Colombia, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Coveñas.
