Seasickness on Napali boat tours?

Question

My wife would like to take one of the Napali boat tours while we are in Kauai in December. We have watched a few YouTube videos showing various boat tours, and I am concerned that that ride will be rough and choppy in December, and therefore likely to result in me being seasick. Any advice on this? Thank you!

Answer

The Na Pali Coast boat tours in Kauai are incredibly scenic, but you're right to be cautious about seasickness. The waters around the Na Pali Coast can be rough, especially in the winter months like December, when ocean swells are larger and conditions can be choppier. While many people enjoy the tour, others do experience seasickness, especially on the smaller boats that are often used for these tours.

Here are some tips to help you avoid or manage seasickness on the Na Pali boat tour:

Choose the Right Tour: Some tours are on larger boats, which are typically more stable in rough water than smaller boats. If you're concerned about seasickness, it may be worth choosing a tour that uses a larger, more stable vessel. Some operators also offer calmer options, like morning tours, which tend to have calmer seas compared to afternoon tours.
Take Seasickness Medication: Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine, Bonine, or prescription patches like Scopolamine can be very effective at preventing seasickness. It’s a good idea to take the medication about 30–60 minutes before the tour starts. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about which medication is right for you.
Eat Light: Avoid heavy, greasy meals before your tour, as they can make seasickness worse. Eating a light meal or snack, such as crackers or fruit, can help settle your stomach.
Stay in the Right Position: If you’re already on the boat and start to feel queasy, try to sit near the center of the boat, where there’s less movement. Focusing on the horizon and getting fresh air can also help calm your stomach. Avoiding the back of the boat, where the movement is often more pronounced, can make a big difference.
Bring Ginger or Peppermint: Ginger and peppermint are natural remedies known to help with nausea. You can bring ginger candies, ginger tea, or even ginger ale on the tour. Some people find that sucking on mints or chewing gum with peppermint can also help with nausea.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make seasickness worse, so drink plenty of water before and during the tour. Just make sure to avoid too much alcohol or caffeine, as they can have the opposite effect.

It's also worth noting that weather and ocean conditions can vary, so while some days may be calmer, others may be rougher. You can always check with the tour operators about the conditions in advance. Many of them are used to people with seasickness concerns and will be happy to share information about what to expect on the day of your tour.

While the Na Pali Coast boat tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, if you’re still unsure, there are other ways to explore the coast, such as by hiking the Kalalau Trail or taking a helicopter tour, which are both fantastic alternatives without the potential for seasickness.

I hope this helps! Enjoy your trip to Kauai, and I hope you have a great time on the tour if you decide to go!