Meals the night before a morning boat
You want a meal that keeps everyone settled before an early boat, without a queasy stomach.
Eat a familiar, not-too-heavy dinner early, and plan a light breakfast or a packed one for the morning. The aim is simple: nobody should be hungry, and nobody should feel unwell on the water. Leave the big, rich meal for when you reach the island.
If this is your first boat trip, our page on what to do if you get seasick on island transfers is a good companion. For the whole journey, see how the trip fits into four legs.
What should dinner look like?
Dinner is about being comfortable, not about trying something new. Pick food your stomach knows.
- Plain rice, noodles, soup or a simple grilled dish.
- A moderate portion that leaves you full but not stuffed.
- Water with the meal, and more before bed.
- Little or no very spicy, deep-fried or alcoholic food.
Eat early enough that you can digest before sleep. If you are travelling with children, keep dinner at their usual time and avoid sugary drinks late in the evening.
A new food on the night before a boat is a small risk with a large cost. If someone in your group is sensitive, choose the plainest option on the menu.
What about breakfast on the day?
Breakfast needs the most planning, because early hours differ from town to town. Do not assume a stall near the hotel opens before the boat.
- Ask the hotel the evening before whether breakfast starts early.
- If not, ask for a packed breakfast or arrange to collect one.
- Keep a plain backup in your bag, such as biscuits or bread.
- Carry water, not only sweet drinks.
Eat lightly, and sit down while you do, rather than rushing. Our page on how early to arrive at the jetty helps you fit this around the boat clock.
What should you ask the hotel or the restaurant?
Message the hotel before you arrive, and ask the restaurant when you order.
- What time does breakfast start, and is a packed one possible?
- Is there a fridge for milk, fruit or medicine?
- Can the kitchen make something plain for a child or someone unwell?
- What time does the nearest shop open in the morning?
- Is there drinking water I can fill a bottle from?
If the answers are unclear, buy a few simple items the night before. Our page on arriving the night before with children lists more parent-focused questions.
What food is worth leaving for the island?
Save the following for when you land and settle in.
- Heavy or very rich dishes, which can sit badly on a rocking boat.
- Anything you have not eaten before.
- Large drinks that mean a toilet stop before the boat.
Your island meals may already be part of your package. Before you plan extra food, check what a package includes so you do not pay twice.
A better fit if…
A light, early dinner may be a better fit if:
- anyone in your group gets seasick or carsick.
- you have children who are fussy or unsettled by new food.
- the boat leaves early and you want a calm start.
A larger dinner may be a better fit if your boat is late in the morning, nobody is prone to feeling unwell, and you have time to rest after eating. Either way, set your plan against the boat time and keep it simple.
Common questions
What should I eat the night before a morning boat?
Choose something familiar and not too heavy or oily. Plain rice, noodles, soup or grilled food that your stomach knows is a safe choice. Eat early enough to digest before bed, and keep a bottle of water by the bed.
Should I skip breakfast if I get seasick?
An empty stomach does not suit everyone. Many people feel better with a light, plain breakfast such as toast, biscuits or plain rice rather than a big or greasy one. If you take seasickness medicine, read its label for timing and food.
What if the hotel does not serve an early breakfast?
Ask the evening before for a packed breakfast, or buy plain snacks and water at a shop near the hotel. Check that a shop or stall near the jetty is open before the boat, because early hours differ by town.
Can I bring food on the boat?
Ask the operator. Keep food simple, dry and in a sealed bag, and carry water. Strong smells can bother people who feel unwell on the water. Leave heavy meals for when you arrive.