Sanctuary Cruises - Year-Round Whale Watching and Special Charters
Home
Whale Watching
Special Charters
Captains and Crews
Our Vessels
Reservations
Information and Directions
Talk to Us
Captain's Log
Conservation

Information > Worried about seasickness? Big news!

"I was so seasick, I didn't dare move... Happily, this trip was completely different. I took your advice on taking Bonine the night before, as well as the morning of the cruise. This, with the Relief Band turned up high, seemed to be the magic combination, since I had no difficulties."
Erin Hayes

Seasickness is an imbalance in the inner ear. Some people never experience sea sickness, a rare few always do and many people do at one time or other, but not always.

Relief Bands are the only devices we know of that can stop seasickness once it's started. Many passengers have purchased their own after renting ours. Developed by NASA for airsick astronauts, the Relief Band works on the same principle as the sea bands which go on your wrists and exert gentle pressure. The difference is Relief Bands emit an electronic pulse, which is far more effective. You wear one like a watch, but with the face on the inner aspect of the wrist. It's FDA approved for use with pregnant women and chemotherapy patients. It's approved for over-the-counter use to prevent travel sickness.

We have rented Relief Bands for over ten years now and we remain very impressed, but there are limitations. Nothing works for everyone. Wearers need to pay close attention to the directions and the device must be turned up strong enough to be felt. No one is exactly sure HOW it works; they only know that it does. We rent the device for $7.00 a cruise. We have a good amount of them, but it's wise to reserve one in advance. We will add it to your cruise charge. For extra protection, you can take Bonine or Dramamine (below) along with using a Relief Band.

Other helpful hints if you're concerned about queasiness: Take an over-the-counter preparation such as Bonine or Dramamine the night before and morning of the cruise. Although the instructions say take the medication one half hour before departure, we find it's best to take it the night before the cruise and then the next morning. Some people take half the dosage in the morning, after the full dose the night before. The non-drowsy formulas don't seem to be as effective as the regular formulas.
It's a waste of time to take any of these medications just prior to the cruise, as they need time to get into your system.

Stay outside where you get fresh air. Don't read. Look forward or stare at a fixed point on land so your inner ear can re-balance. Eat something bland and starchy like saltine crackers. Black tea, ginger ale, Coke and 7-Up can all have a calming effect on the stomach and are available in our snack bar. Sodas can make you burp; this is a good thing. Antacids such as Tums, Tagamet and Pepcid AC also help.

Also try these suggestions: Eat a bland meal such as oatmeal or toast and tea before the cruise. Avoid coffee and rich and spicy foods.

You'll be happy to know that we don't allow smoking on our boat. Why? Because smoke eddies on a boat, regardless of where the smokers are.
For people who are already feeling queasy, the smell of the smoke can be enough to push them over the edge.

Where we are; How to get here; Where to park
What to wear & bring; How to prepare
Favorite Places: Whale Watching Packages for Lodging, plus Restaurants & more

Home | Whale Watching | Special Charters | Captains & Crew
Our Vessel | Reservations | Info/Directions | Talk to Us | Captain's Log
Conservation | School Programs
Humpback Whales
Orcas
Blue Whales
Gray Whales
More Whales
Dolphins
Other Creatures