Larger Marine Life = Cooler Deeper Waters ≠ Shore Diving
I was afraid I was going to get that answer. I know there is more to see than the bigger critters, but I rather see the bigger things. The last trip was tons and tons of small critters and coral, very beautiful but this next trip I want something different.
My husband is talking about just going back to Bonaire, or maybe Roatan. We haven't visited Roatan yet.
Well, you are going to be surprised by my answer.......
go on the Nekton liveaboard, one of the Bahamas trips! The boat is very stable, much more so than little boats that rock with every wave. It is like being on a small island out in the ocean. I was skeptical before my first trip, back in 2006, but it really is true. There is very little motion to the boat. Not that it doesn't move, it just is different than a little boat and once moored it doesn't really move at all. Check out my trip reports:
http://www.rnrscuba.net/NektonRorqual_TripReport.html
and
http://www.rnrscuba.net/NektonCaySal.html
We saw lots and lots of big critters - turtles and sharks everywhere!
Roatan is great, Cocoview Resort has excellent shore diving but there isn't the big life you are looking for. But it is great diving!
Other than that, my recommendation is to try different sea sick medications. Other things to consider: dehydration, too much sun, and fumes from the boat tend to cause seasickness in addition to the rocking boat. There are drugs to combat it but I find that most people are so sure they are going to get sick that they do! Instead of dwelling on "that feeling coming on" it is best to stay busy, talk to others on the boat, relax, breathe deep and stare at horizon (stable point) if necessary.
Years ago, I thought I had a seasickness problem for sure. Bobbing at the surface waiting for the boat to pick me up after a dive made me feel queazy. Then I got full blown barf time in the Keys when our boat sat (no cover, just blazing sun) with diesel fumes blowing in our faces, in 3' seas for a surface interval. I thought I was gonna die!!!!! The next year we went on the Nekton and I took a box full of Ginger Tablets, the kind sold at the dive shops for seasickness. Well, I took them a couple of times, but I was determined NOT to get seasick. I didn't and haven't since.
Here are rules I follow:
1. stay hydrated, drink lots of water
2. don't eat greasy or acidic foods - no coffee, OJ, or bacon at b'fast
3. stay out in the open air, fresh air helps, and stay out of fumes
4. stay busy - chat with others, double check your gear, whatever is necessary to keep you mind off being in a boat
5. As many people will tell you, seasickness isn't a lifelong affliction. Most people get over it eventually when you brain gets used to the feeling. Some people say that on a liveaboard they get used to it after a couple of days, others say it takes a few years. Just tell yourself that one day you will wake up and not be seasick again!
6. And if you must get sick, go ahead. But afterwards drink tons of water and start over with this list!
robin
