Beat Seasickness on the Bahamas Ferry
What actually works on Balearia's catamarans — timing, seat, and the ginger trick.
Last updated: May 24, 2026 · 5-minute read
Balearia sails the Florida–Bahamas routes with Jaume II and Pinar del Río, large high-speed catamarans of about 90 metres. They ride far more steadily than the small boats most people picture. The measures below cover timing, seating, food and medication.
The 60-second version
- Take Dramamine 30–60 min before boarding — not after symptoms start. Bonine if drowsiness is a problem.
- Pick a mid-ship seat on a lower deck, ideally near a window. Avoid the bow.
- Stay outside or watch the horizon. No reading, no scrolling — that's the #1 trigger.
- Ginger chews, ginger ale, or Sea-Band wristbands as backup. Skip the heavy breakfast.
- The Balearia catamarans are big and stable — sailings are cancelled in genuinely rough seas, so if you're going, conditions are workable.
Looking for the full reference? Read our seasickness guide — medication comparison table, dosing details, and FAQ in one place.
Six Rules That Reduce Seasickness
Timing
Take Dramamine 30-60 minutes BEFORE boarding — not once you start to feel queasy. Medication works better as prevention than as treatment.
Seat Position
Middle of the boat, lower deck = least motion. The bow (front) moves the most, so avoid it. Seats mid-ship near a window are the usual choice.
Eyes on the Horizon
Stay on deck with fresh air and watch the horizon. Do not read or scroll on your phone if you feel even slightly off. The inner ear needs a visual reference to match the motion it feels.
Ginger
Pack ginger candies, ginger ale (made with real ginger) or ginger pills as a backup to medication.
Breakfast
Toast and banana sit better than pancakes and bacon. Light, bland food is easier on the stomach; the big meal can wait until you are on the island.
Fresh Air
If you start to feel unwell, go to the outside deck right away. Fresh air and a view of the horizon help more than anything you can do inside.
Medication Options Compared
| Medication | When to Take | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dramamine Original | 30-60 min before | Most effective, OTC, proven track record | Can cause drowsiness |
| Dramamine Less Drowsy | 1 hour before | 24-hour protection, less sleepy | Not quite as effective |
| Bonine (Meclizine) | 1 hour before | Once daily, less drowsy | Takes longer to kick in |
| Scopolamine Patch | 4 hours before | 3-day protection, very effective | Prescription only, side effects |
Natural Remedies
Ginger Everything
Crystallized ginger candy, ginger tea, or ginger pills. Start munching 30 minutes before boarding.
Peppermint Power
Peppermint oil on your wrists or temples. The scent alone can calm your stomach.
Acupressure Bands
Wristbands that press on the inside of the wrist. They help some people and not others, and they cost around $10.
Stay Hydrated
Skip alcohol until you dock. Water and ginger ale are the better choice on board.
Seasickness FAQ
Yes — substantially. Balearia operates large high-speed catamarans (Jaume II and Pinar del Río) on the Florida–Bahamas crossings. The wide twin-hull design and ~90-metre length give a much steadier ride than a fishing or excursion boat. Crossings are also cancelled when conditions exceed safety limits, so you almost never sail through genuinely rough seas.
Take it as soon as you remember — it still helps, just not as well as a pre-board dose. Then head to a mid-ship seat on a lower deck, get outside air if possible, and watch the horizon. Avoid reading or looking at your phone. The terminal shop and on-board snack bar at Port Everglades Terminal 21 often carry ginger chews as a backup.
Often, yes. Trade winds and afternoon sea breezes typically pick up after midday, so the 9:00 AM departures from Fort Lauderdale on Balearia tend to feel calmer than later sailings. Conditions vary day to day — check the marine forecast (NOAA Offshore Waters or Windy) the night before.
Children's Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is FDA-approved for ages 2 and up, taken 30–60 minutes before boarding. Always follow the age/weight dosing on the package and consult your pediatrician for younger children. Non-medication alternatives — ginger chews, Sea-Band wrist bands, snack-and-horizon distraction — work well for many kids too.
Balearia generally sails the Florida–Bimini and Florida–Freeport routes in seas up to about 6–8 feet, and the catamarans handle that comfortably. When conditions exceed safety limits, sailings are cancelled and rebooked — you won't be put through anything genuinely dangerous. If a sailing is on, prevention basics (Dramamine, mid-ship seat, horizon, fresh air) are enough for nearly everyone.
Where to Stay on the Bimini Side
Bimini is small, so no hotel is far from the ferry dock or Radio Beach. Live Booking.com prices come first, then three options on North Bimini.
See all stays in Bimini Sponsored
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
Classic fishing lodge right in Alice Town. Walkable from the ferry, with its own dock.
Check AvailabilitySea Crest Hotel & Marina
The budget option — simple rooms a short walk from the ferry dock and the King's Highway shops.
Check AvailabilityRates vary by season and how far ahead you book. Disclosure: BahamasHopping may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Plan the Crossing
Compare Balearia fares from Fort Lauderdale and put these tips to work on your next crossing.