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Madeira Boat Tours

Tier 2 logistics

Seasickness on Madeira Boat Tours

Madeira boat tours are mostly fine — most people are fine. But the Atlantic off Madeira is a real ocean, not the Mediterranean, and the wrong combo (long trip, big swell, no medication) ruins your day. Here's what works.

By Pedro Andrade, licensed skipper · Last updated

Quick rule of thumb

If you've ever felt seasick — even once, even on a calm day — take medication one hour before departure. Don't wait to see how you feel. By the time you feel it, the medication won't work.

Which Madeira trips are roughest

  • Worst: Desertas Islands day trip (9 hours, 50 km open-water, larger boat that rolls).
  • Bad in chop: Porto Santo ferry on a windy day, full-day catamaran cruises with extended offshore time.
  • Moderate: 2-3 hour whale-watching trips — south coast is mostly sheltered.
  • Mildest: 1-2 hour coastal sunset cruises hugging the Funchal coast.
  • RIBs: faster, choppier ride but shorter — net effect is usually less seasickness because you spend less time at sea.

Medication that works

  • Cinnarizine (Stugeron): the standard in Portugal — over-the-counter at any pharmacy. €4-7. Take 30-60 min before departure. Most reliable for mild-to-moderate cases.
  • Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine): US/UK standard. Works similarly. Causes drowsiness in some.
  • Scopolamine patch (Scopoderm): prescription-only — apply behind the ear 4 hours before. Best for severe cases or multi-day trips.
  • Ginger (capsules or candy): mild benefit, useful as a complement.
  • Acupressure bands (Sea-Band): cheap, no side-effects, helps some people. Worth packing.

What doesn't work reliably: ginger ale alone, "fresh air at the bow", staring at the horizon (helps once you're already sick — too late).

On-board behaviour

  • Sit mid-ship, low — least motion. Avoid the bow and the stern.
  • Stay outside on deck if possible. Indoor cabins amplify the rolling sensation.
  • Look at the horizon, not at your phone, not at the deck, not at someone else who looks ill.
  • Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before — empty stomach is worse, not better. Avoid dairy, alcohol, greasy food.
  • Stay hydrated. Sip water, don't gulp.

When to bail

If the morning forecast shows 25+ knot wind, swell over 2m, or a "bad chop" warning from the marina, and you're prone to seasickness, don't go. Most operators let you reschedule for free if cancelling 12+ hours before departure. Better than being trapped on a 9-hour Desertas trip wishing you weren't.

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