Shared boat seating and sea comfort
You or your child gets seasick, and you want to know where to sit and what to expect.
Sea comfort on a shared boat comes down to where you sit, how you prepare and how the day’s conditions are. No seat can promise you will not feel unwell, but a few simple choices can make the crossing calmer for children and older parents. The most useful step is to ask the operator about seating, check-in time and the crossing before you travel.
Our guide on choosing an island package covers the wider picture. If the wait before the boat worries you, read shared transfer waiting times at the jetty.
How long is the crossing?
The crossing is short on the main east-coast routes, but it can feel long if you are unwell. Reported times are about 45 minutes from Merang to Redang [2] and about 35 to 45 minutes from Kuala Besut to Perhentian [1].
Waves and weather change how it feels more than the clock does. Ask the operator for the crossing time on your date, and for what happens if the sea is too rough to sail.
Where should you sit?
Seating on a small speedboat is usually simple, and comfort varies by person. This table shows common choices and what people tend to notice.
| Seat | What it may feel like | A better fit if |
|---|---|---|
| Middle, low | Less up and down for many people | You get seasick |
| Back | Engine noise and spray | You enjoy the breeze |
| Front | The most bouncing in waves | You like the view and are not sensitive |
| Aisle or edge | Easy to move, easy to see out | You need air or a quick exit |
Treat this as a hint, not a rule. Ask the crew where they suggest, since they know their boat.
How do you prepare for children and older parents?
A calm start helps more than any single fix. Try these:
- Eat a light meal, not a heavy or greasy one, before the boat.
- Keep water within reach and sip slowly.
- Look at the horizon, not at phones or books.
- Bring a small bag for sickness, wipes and a spare shirt.
- Sit together, so a parent or adult is beside a child.
We do not give medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about options that suit your family, and test them before the trip. For older parents, see private tours vs package tours for older parents.
What should you ask the operator?
Send these questions:
- Can our family sit together, and are seats assigned?
- What time should we check in to get good seats?
- Is there a covered or sheltered area on the boat?
- How many passengers does the boat carry, and how crowded is it?
- Can a private boat be arranged for a family with a seasick child?
Also read luggage limits on shared boats, because bags can take seating space.
A better fit if…
A shared boat is a better fit if:
- the crossing is short and your family manages well on boats.
- you can arrive early for seating and want the lower price.
A private boat is a better fit if:
- someone gets very seasick or is nervous on boats.
- you want a calm schedule, with breaks if needed. See private boat for a family.
Plan the ride with care, and the crossing becomes the shortest part of a good day.
Common questions
Where is the best seat if I get seasick?
Many people feel better toward the middle and low in the boat, looking at the horizon, though comfort varies by person and boat. Ask the crew where they suggest, and board early if seats are first come. We cannot promise any seat prevents seasickness.
Can I reserve seats for my family?
Sometimes not, since shared boats often seat on arrival. Ask whether a family can sit together, whether seating is assigned, and whether a child can sit between adults. Arriving early often helps, so ask the check-in time.
Should we take seasickness medicine?
We do not give medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about options that suit your age and health, especially for children, and try them before the trip. Many people also avoid heavy meals before the boat.
How long is the crossing?
Reported crossings are about 45 minutes from Merang to Redang and about 35 to 45 minutes from Kuala Besut to Perhentian. Waves and weather change how it feels. Ask the operator about the crossing time on your date.
Sources
- FerryScanner and homeiswhereyourbagis.com (accessed 2026-10-16)
- redang.com.my FAQ (accessed 2026-10-16)