Worried about seasickness on a Phuket boat tour? You are not alone, and the good news is that a few simple steps make a big difference. Choose the right tour for the season, eat a light breakfast, sit in the middle or towards the back of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon and, if you are prone to motion sickness, take a remedy before you board. This guide explains how to avoid seasickness on Phuket boat tours so you can enjoy the islands instead of counting the minutes.
Why seasickness happens on boat tours
Seasickness is a type of motion sickness. Your inner ear feels the boat moving up and down, while your eyes, fixed on the deck or your phone, tell your brain that you are standing still. That mismatch can cause dizziness, sweating, yawning and nausea.
Some people never feel it, others feel it on almost every boat. Children, people who get carsick and anyone who is tired, dehydrated or hungover tend to be more sensitive.
Which Phuket boat tours are calmer?
The sea around Phuket is not the same everywhere, and the route matters as much as the weather.
- James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay): the bay is sheltered by dozens of limestone islands, so the water is usually calm. The day also includes long breaks off the boat: sea canoeing at Koh Panak and Koh Hong, lunch at Koh Panyee and free time on Koh Yao. It is the best choice if you are worried about seasickness. See the James Bond Island tour.
- Phi Phi Islands: the speedboat crosses open sea for about an hour each way. On calm days it is a smooth, fun ride, but when the wind picks up it can be bumpy. If you are sensitive, take precautions before this tour. See the Phi Phi Island tour.
- Phuket City Tour: no boat at all. Promthep Cape, the Big Buddha and Phuket Old Town are all on land, so this is a perfect plan for anyone who prefers to stay on dry ground.
Still deciding between the two island trips? Read James Bond Island vs Phi Phi: Which Tour Should You Choose?
Before the tour: how to prepare
Check the season
The Andaman Sea is calmest from November to April. During the rainy season, from May to October, the open sea can be choppy, especially on the way to Phi Phi. Our guide to the best time to visit Phuket explains the sea conditions month by month.
Sleep well and eat light
Go to bed early the night before. In the morning, have a light breakfast such as toast, fruit or rice. Do not board on an empty stomach, but avoid heavy, greasy or spicy food and skip alcohol the night before and during the trip.
Take a remedy if you need one
If you know you get motion sickness, ask a pharmacist for advice before your trip. Pharmacies sell tablets, including versions for children, and other options such as patches and acupressure bands. Most tablets must be taken some time before you board, so read the instructions and take it at your hotel, not once you already feel unwell. Ginger, as sweets, biscuits or tea, helps some people too.
On the boat: what really helps
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sit in the middle or towards the back of the boat | The front of the boat, where the movement is strongest |
| Look at the horizon or a fixed island in the distance | Reading, scrolling on your phone or filming for a long time |
| Get fresh air and breathe slowly | Sitting in a closed cabin if you start to feel unwell |
| Sip water in small amounts | Large meals, fizzy drinks in big gulps and alcohol |
| Tell your guide if you feel sick | Waiting in silence until it gets worse |
Our crew sees seasickness every week and is happy to help. Let your English-speaking guide know early: they can move you to a better seat, bring you water or give you a bag if you need one.
Travelling with children
Kids often feel better when they are busy. Talk with them, sing songs or play “spot the next island” instead of giving them a tablet or phone to look at. Ask a pharmacist about remedies suitable for their age before the tour, and pack a spare set of clothes just in case. Our island tour packing checklist has the full list of things to bring.
What if the sea is too rough?
Safety always comes first. If a tour is cancelled because of the weather, you can choose a new date or receive a full refund. If you cancel yourself, it is free up to 48 hours before the tour, with a 50% refund between 24 and 48 hours and no refund in the last 24 hours. If you are worried about the forecast, message us a few days before your trip and we will help you choose the calmest option.
Frequently asked questions
Which Phuket boat tour is best if I get seasick easily?
The James Bond Island tour. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered, the boat rides are broken up by canoeing, lunch and beach time, and the water is usually much calmer than the open sea, even in the rainy season.
Where should I sit on the speedboat to Phi Phi?
Sit in the middle or towards the back, where the boat moves less, and keep your eyes on the horizon. Avoid the front seats, which bounce the most.
When should I take seasickness medicine?
Follow the instructions on the package or your pharmacist’s advice. Most remedies work best when taken before you board, so take yours at the hotel before the pick-up.
Enjoy the islands, not the waves
With the right tour, a light breakfast and a good seat, most guests forget about seasickness and simply enjoy the scenery. Ready to plan your day on the water? Browse all our tours or message us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose the best trip for you and the sea conditions on your dates.