We will be going to San Francisco at the end of the month, and would like to take several of the tour cruises to Alcatraz, Muir Woods, etc. My question is, do many people have trouble with seasickness on the ferries, or is it fairly smooth? If it were a fairly short trip, like to Alcatraz, would we probably be OK?

I get seasick every time i've been on a sailboat or dive/snorkel boat. I often get motion sickness in the car when driving curvy roads. However, i've never gotten sick on any of the ferries i've taken. They're pretty big and relatively stable so I think you'll be okay. I've taken a couple of cruises around the bay, and have also done the ferry to Sausalito quite often, with no problem.

Suggestion: use one 25 mg. dramamine, half strength of normal 50 mg., taken 30 minutes before departure. And watch your diet that day. The trip to Alcatraz - perhaps 20 minutes, Sausalito 30 minutes. It shouldn't be rough at all however, on most days.

I'm prone to seasickness also, but didn't have any trouble eith the ferry to Alcatraz - I didn't take any meds, either. Good luck!

My husband is prone to motion sickness. He did fine on the city tour, but on the Muir Woods tour, there are some very curvy roads that you think are never going to end (especially when you're sick) and our Gray Line tour bus driver was flying around them. My husband made it, but felt like death until he was able to get to the restroom, then was o.k. But do be prepared. He was perfectly fine with the ferries. It's not that easy to walk around on them, but you should be o.k. since it's not far to Alcatraz or Sausalito

I get seasick but never on the ferries. The water in the Bay is much calmer than the open ocean, kinda like halfway between a lake and the ocean. As far as driving, if you get carsick do not try to drive to Point Reyes on Hwy 1. Muir Woods should be fine if you're not in a bus with a crazy driver like the previous poster.

I, too, get seasick even thinking about a boat (I know some of it is in my mind, not just the part of my brain and inner ear that controls motion sickness). However, I had no problem at all on way to Alcatraz and it was a rather windy, rough day.

Nice to know I'm not the only one... I get sick by looking at the boats only. Took boats to Alcatraz and Sausalito without any meds, these are very short rides. Muir Woods - don't know. If you're hesitant there are tour companies taking you to Muir Woods by bus.

I tried Ginger, and it worked perfectly for all-day bus tours. Same effect as dramamine only without drowsiness. I'm taking 2 pills the night before a bus trip and then 2 pills every 2 hours. Maybe it's too much but I did not dare to take less

Thank you very much. I feel much better about taking the ferry now!