Milford Sound Cruises: Will I Get Seasick?
Updated: Sep 4
Cruises are often a highlight for travellers during a trip to Milford Sound, but seasickness can be a concern for some. This guide covers what to expect on the water, how likely you are to feel seasick, and what you can do to reduce the chances of it happening.
Key Takeaways
Milford Sound cruises occur within the sheltered waters of the fiord, where the water is typically calm.
Most cruises venture briefly into the Tasman Sea, where conditions can be more unpredictable.
Most travellers report little to no seasickness on Milford Sound cruises.
Taking anti-motion sickness medication, such as Sea-Legs, at least an hour before your cruise is one of the most effective preventions for seasickness.
Fresh air, keeping your eyes on the horizon, and staying hydrated all help.
Choosing a medium or large boat offers more stability on the water, which can make a difference if you're prone to motion sickness.
Understanding Seasickness
Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that occurs while travelling on water, causing nausea and, in some cases, dizziness and vertigo.
It happens when there's a conflict between what your eyes see and what your inner ears sense. If your inner ear detects the motion of the waves but your eyes don't see it, such as when you're inside a cabin without a view of the horizon, you can start to feel unwell.
Milford Sound Sea Conditions
Milford Sound is a fiord, meaning it's a narrow arm of the sea bordered by steep cliffs. The waters inside the fiord are often calm and almost mirror-like.
The fiord opens up into the Tasman Sea, where conditions can be more unpredictable with long sea swells. Most cruises venture just far enough into the Tasman to offer a view back towards the mouth of the fiord, which usually takes about 30 minutes or less.
In very rough weather, cruises don't venture out into the Tasman to maintain passenger safety and comfort.
Likelihood of Getting Seasick
Most travellers report little to no seasickness on Milford Sound cruises.
Because the cruises take place within the sheltered waters of the fiord, the boats don't sway excessively.
Sensitivity to motion sickness varies from person to person. If you're prone to it, you might feel some discomfort during the short section of the cruise that ventures into the Tasman Sea.
How Boat Size Can Help
If you're prone to motion sickness, choosing a medium or large cruise boat over a small boat may help reduce seasickness.
Larger vessels are more stable in the water, which means there's less movement felt on board.
This is particularly noticeable when the cruise heads out towards the mouth of the fiord and into the Tasman Sea, where smaller boats can feel more of the swell.
Preventing Sea Sickness
Before the Cruise
If you know you're prone to seasickness, taking anti-motion sickness medication such as Sea-Legs is one of the most effective preventions. These non-prescription medications work best when taken at least an hour before you set sail.
It's also a good idea to avoid a heavy meal before your cruise. A full stomach can increase the chances of feeling nauseous, so opt for a light meal or snack instead, and avoid alcohol.
During the Cruise
Once on board, a few simple things can help:
Choose a good spot: Sit in the middle of the boat where movement is at its minimum. If you're inside, try to sit near a window so you can maintain a visual connection with the horizon.
Get fresh air: If you start to feel queasy, head outside for fresh air.
Focus on the horizon: Fixing your gaze on the horizon helps your brain reconcile the motion your body feels with what your eyes see.
Avoid reading: Reading tends to make motion sickness worse.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as dehydration can make nausea worse.
While seasickness can be a concern for some travellers, there are plenty of ways to reduce the chances of it affecting your Milford Sound cruise.
With a little preparation beforehand and a few simple strategies on board, you can feel more confident about your time on the water and focus on enjoying the scenery around you.
