Taking a Ferry for the First Time. What You Need to Know
For many travellers, the ferry ride is the part of an island trip they worry about most.
Not because travelling by boat is inherently dangerous, but because so much of the experience feels outside your control — the waves, the departure time, the weather, and even where you end up sitting.
This guide covers the things worth preparing before your first ferry trip, along with a few simple tips that can make the journey much more comfortable.
Ideally, your first ferry ride should be memorable because of the island waiting at the other end not because of what happened on the way there.
Before the Day of Travel
Book Ahead During Busy Periods
During high season, public holidays and long weekends, popular ferry departures can fill up quickly. Turning up at the pier and buying a ticket on the day may work during quieter periods, but it can be riskier than expected when demand is high. If your travel dates are fixed, booking in advance gives you one less thing to worry about.
Check the Ferry Schedule Again Before You Leave
Ferry timetables can change depending on the season, weather and operating conditions.The departure you saw online a month ago may not necessarily be the service running today. Check your latest departure information shortly before travelling, especially during the monsoon season or around seasonal timetable changes.
Avoid Taking a Ferry and an Important Flight on the Same Day
If there is one piece of advice that can save a lot of stress, it is this:
Do not build an important flight connection around a ferry arriving exactly on time.
If sea conditions become unsafe and your ferry is delayed or cancelled, you do not get to choose when the weather improves. Whenever possible, leave some extra time between returning to the mainland and catching your flight home.
Arrive at the Pier with Time to Spare
Many ferry terminals require passengers to check in and hand over large luggage before departure. Arriving at the last minute creates unnecessary stress and may also leave you with fewer seating options. Give yourself enough time to find the correct check-in counter, deal with luggage and board without rushing.
Seasickness: Prevention Works Best Before You Feel Sick
Motion sickness happens when the movement your inner ear senses does not match what your eyes are seeing.
That is why some of the most effective ways to reduce seasickness involve helping your body and eyes agree on what is happening.
Take Motion Sickness Medication Before Boarding
If you plan to use motion sickness medicine, take it according to the instructions before the journey begins, rather than waiting until you already feel nauseous. Many medicines need time to start working.
Some can also cause drowsiness, so always read the label carefully or ask a pharmacist if you are unsure which option is suitable for you.
Sit Near the Middle of the Boat
The middle section of a boat generally experiences less noticeable pitching than the very front or rear.If you are prone to seasickness, try to choose a seat closer to the centre of the vessel. On larger ferries, lower decks can also feel more stable than upper levels.
Look at the Horizon
Looking at a stable point in the distance can help your brain make sense of the boat's movement. Try not to spend long periods reading or looking down at your phone when the sea is rough. For some people, ten minutes of scrolling is all it takes to turn a perfectly good ferry ride into a much longer-feeling journey.
Get Some Fresh Air
If the boat has a safe outdoor seating area, fresh air can make a big difference.Strong smells and warm, enclosed cabins can sometimes make nausea feel worse.
Eat Something Light Before Boarding
Travelling with a completely empty stomach is not necessarily better than travelling after a heavy meal. A light meal or snack beforehand is often the most comfortable option. Avoid overeating immediately before the journey.
Ginger May Help Some Travellers
Ginger sweets, ginger tea or other ginger products can help some people manage mild nausea. They are also an easy thing to keep in your day bag. If you do begin to feel unwell, sit still, rest your head against something stable, close your eyes if that feels better and breathe slowly. Walking around unnecessarily while the boat is moving can make the sensation worse.
What Should You Keep in Your Carry-On Bag?
You do not need to bring half your suitcase onto your seat, but a few items are worth keeping within reach.
Waterproof Bag or Zip-Lock Pouches
Keep your phone, passport, wallet and other important items protected from water. Sea spray can travel surprisingly far, particularly on smaller boats, and some island arrivals involve stepping through shallow water.
A Light Jacket
Air-conditioned ferry cabins can become surprisingly cold. Meanwhile, outdoor decks can be windy even when the weather feels hot on land. A thin jacket or windbreaker is usually enough.
Water and Snacks
Not every boat has food and drinks available for sale.Bring a small bottle of water and something easy to eat, especially on longer journeys.
Essential Medication
Keep any medication you may need during the trip in your carry-on bag. Do not leave it inside a large suitcase that may be stored in a luggage area you cannot access during the journey.
Cash
Cash is still useful when travelling between smaller islands. You may need it for national park fees, local long-tail boat transfers, small shops or services that do not accept cards.
Shoes That Can Get Wet
Not every island has a concrete pier. In some destinations, passengers may need to step into shallow water when boarding or getting off a boat. Sandals or footwear that you do not mind getting wet can make life much easier.
Hat and Sunscreen
Sun exposure at sea can feel stronger than expected because of reflected light from the water. Even on cloudy days, sunscreen is worth using.
What Happens to Your Luggage?
Large suitcases and backpacks are often collected together and stored in a designated luggage area, sometimes toward the front or rear of the vessel. You may not have access to them during the journey.
For that reason:
Keep valuables, travel documents and medication in your carry-on bag.
Add a luggage tag or something distinctive so your bag is easy to recognise.
A backpack can be more convenient than a wheeled suitcase on islands with sandy paths, uneven roads or limited paved infrastructure.
A plain black suitcase can suddenly become much harder to identify when twenty other passengers own exactly the same one.
Staying Safe on Board
Know Where the Life Jackets Are
When you board, take a moment to notice where the life jackets are stored. You may never need one, but knowing where the safety equipment is located is a good habit whenever you travel by boat.
Young Children Should Wear Life Jackets
Children should use appropriate safety equipment throughout the journey, even when the sea appears calm. Follow the instructions given by the boat crew.
Be Careful on Wet Floors and Steps
One of the easiest places to slip is not in the middle of the sea. It is while boarding or leaving the vessel. Piers, boat decks and steps can become wet and slippery, so take your time and use handrails where available.
Avoid Standing While a Speedboat Is Moving Quickly
Speedboats can hit waves unexpectedly. Even a single hard impact can make someone lose their balance. Stay seated whenever instructed by the crew, especially while the boat is travelling at speed.
Travelling with Young Children or Older Travellers
If you have a choice between a larger ferry and a speedboat, a larger ferry may be more comfortable for families and older passengers. Large ferries generally have more space, move less sharply in moderate waves and may allow passengers to walk around more easily. Try to choose seats closer to the middle of the vessel and bring familiar snacks, drinks or anything else that helps children stay comfortable. Give yourself extra time for boarding and getting off the boat so nobody has to rush. For older travellers, contact the operator in advance if assistance may be needed when boarding or disembarking. It can also be wise to avoid relying on the final ferry departure of the day. If anything goes wrong with the last service, there may be no later boat available as a backup.
What If Your Ferry Is Cancelled?
Ferry cancellations can happen, particularly during the monsoon season when sea conditions become unsafe.
If your departure is cancelled:
Contact the operator or booking provider immediately and ask about rescheduling, alternative departures or refund conditions.
Check whether another pier or route is operating.
Inform your accommodation if you are going to arrive later than planned.
Keep your booking records and cancellation evidence in case you need them for a travel insurance claim.
Travel insurance that includes delays and transport disruption can be particularly useful for itineraries involving several ferry connections.
The important thing to remember is that a ferry cancellation is usually made for safety reasons. It may disrupt your plan, but trying to maintain some flexibility in your itinerary makes these situations much easier to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Ferry and a Speedboat?
A ferry is generally larger, slower and more stable, with more space for passengers and luggage.
A speedboat is considerably faster but can feel much more intense when the sea is rough because the vessel responds more sharply to waves.
Travellers who are particularly sensitive to seasickness often find a larger ferry more comfortable when both options are available.
How Early Should I Arrive at the Pier?
Give yourself more time than you think you need.
During high season, check-in lines can be longer, and large bags may need to be processed before boarding.
You should also include the travel time from your accommodation to the pier rather than calculating only from the ferry's scheduled departure.
Always check the operator's recommended check-in time for your specific service.
I Get Severe Seasickness. What Should I Do?
Choose the shortest practical route and, when possible, a larger vessel rather than a small speedboat.
Sit near the middle of the boat, avoid reading or staring at your phone, and take any motion sickness medication according to its instructions before travelling.
Morning departures may sometimes experience calmer conditions on certain routes, but this is not guaranteed, so current weather and sea conditions should always be considered.
Can I Bring a Pet on a Ferry?
Pet policies vary between ferry operators.
Some services allow pets under certain conditions, while others do not.
Always contact the operator before booking and ask whether a carrier, cage, vaccination documents or any other equipment is required.
Never assume that a pet will automatically be accepted simply because the ferry has outdoor space.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Your first ferry trip does not need to be complicated.
Book ahead when necessary, arrive with enough time, keep important belongings close to you and prepare for seasickness before the boat leaves the pier.
Most importantly, avoid planning an itinerary so tightly that one weather delay creates problems for the rest of your trip.
The sea does not always follow the schedule.
Give yourself a little flexibility, get on board, find a comfortable seat — and then you are on your way to the island.
Popular ferry routes
