How to Prevent and Handle Seasickness During Your Diving Trip

Avoiding seasickness while diving can be a challenge for many people, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness or are diving in rough seas.

As a diver, you must have experienced seasickness when diving. We never know when we will get seasick if we plan to go diving in Bali, especially in Nusa Penida, Due to possibly high tides when traveling at Nusa Penida and using a speedboat the whole day. So, you have to prepare yourself to handle seasickness on a diving trip.

Think Seasickness Only Happens to Beginner Divers

Not really.

Many divers believe seasickness is something you only deal with in your first few dives. But in reality, even experienced divers can feel it, especially during rough boat rides.

It often happens on the way to some of the best dive sites, like Nusa Penida, where conditions can change quickly. You might feel completely fine on one trip, then suddenly feel uncomfortable on another.

That is normal.

Why Seasickness Can Still Happen

Your body reacts to movement in a way that is sometimes hard to control.

When you are on a boat, your inner ear senses motion, but your eyes may not see the same movement clearly. This creates confusion in your brain, which leads to nausea or dizziness.

There are also other factors that make it worse:

• Strong waves or unpredictable sea conditions
• Not drinking enough water
• Eating too much, too little, or the wrong food
• Lack of sleep before the trip
• Strong smells like fuel, cigarettes, or perfume

Even if you are an experienced diver, these small things can still trigger seasickness.

When and Where It Usually Happens

Seasickness often starts before you even enter the water.

Most divers feel it:

• During the boat ride to the dive site
• When the sea is rough or windy
• When sitting inside the boat cabin for too long

In Bali, this is more common on boat dives, especially around areas like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. These places are famous for their marine life, but the journey can sometimes be challenging.

Why It Matters for Your Dive

Seasickness is not just about feeling uncomfortable.

It can affect your dive in several ways:

• You lose energy before the dive starts
• Your focus underwater becomes weaker
• Your breathing may feel less controlled
• In some cases, you may need to skip the dive

Diving should feel calm and controlled. If your body is already stressed before entering the water, the experience becomes less enjoyable.

Here are some tips on How to Prevent Seasickness Before Your Trip :

A little preparation can make a big difference.

Here are simple things you can do before and during your trip:

• Eat a light meal before departure, not too full and not empty
• Stay hydrated, drink enough water before and during the trip
• Avoid alcohol before diving
• Get enough rest the night before
• Sit in an area with fresh air instead of inside the cabin
• Look at the horizon to help your body adjust to movement
• Avoid strong smells like cigarettes or fuel

Some divers also take motion sickness medication before the trip, especially for longer boat rides. If you are not sure, it is always better to prepare than to risk it.

What to Do If You Start Feeling Seasick

Even with preparation, it can still happen.

If you start feeling uncomfortable, do not ignore it.

• Tell your divemaster early
• Move to a more stable part of the boat
• Get fresh air and avoid staying inside
• Focus on slow, steady breathing
• Try to keep your eyes on the horizon

Your dive team is used to handling this situation. The earlier you say something, the easier it is to manage.

How Diving Can Actually Help

Interestingly, many divers feel better once they are in the water.

Underwater, there is no rocking motion like on the boat. The environment feels more stable, and your body can relax again.

That is why managing seasickness before the dive is important. Once you enter the water, the experience often becomes much more comfortable.

Make Your Dive More Comfortable

Seasickness is common, and it does not mean you are not a good diver.

It can happen to anyone, even after many dives.

The good news is, with simple preparation and awareness, you can reduce the risk and still enjoy your diving trip in Bali. A small effort before the boat ride can make your whole experience smoother, safer, and much more enjoyable.

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