Jellyfish in Mallorca: Essential Tips for Families

Did you know there are around 300 species of jellyfish in the Mediterranean? Fear not! Only about eight are regularly spotted around the Balearics, usually after stormy weather. The occasional sting is typically from one type: the purple-hued Pelagia Noctiluca.

This purple jellyfish – its name derived from Greek for ‘Sea Night Light’ (it glows in the dark!) grows to approx. 6-10cm in diameter but its tentacles can reach a whopping 10metres are are almost invisible water. It can deliver a painful sting (similar to a bee sting) but is not usually dangerous. Reactions however can be diverse and warning signs, see below, should be treated seriously. 

Five simple steps to take if you or the kids are stung by a jellyfish in Mallorca

1. Get out of the water

Take a break from your splashing or snorkelling adventures and get out of the sea. Use the edge of a credit card (unless you have tweezers on hand) to remove any tentacles still attached to the skin. Do NOT scratch or rub the wound with your hands.

2. Wash the wound

This is KEY – wash the wound with sea water. Do NOT use fresh water (no showers!), you may trigger stingers still attached to the skin

3. Relieve pain

To relieve pain, apply a well sealed ice-pack for 10-15 mins (do NOT apply ammonia, urine or alcohol! And do NOT use ice). Suitable over-the-counter pain relief can be used. Check with the lifeguard for other solutions on hand (vinegar and baking soda are both reported but with mixed advisory)

4. Watch for warning signs

If experiencing any warning signs such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache, generalised reactions or un-wellness, go directly to a hospital or call 112. If possible identify the type of jellyfish and advise the doctor.

5. Tell the kids:

• Do not touch dead jellyfish, OR fragments of them, their venom can last up to 24 hours, even in dry conditions
• Look out for the ‘Bandera de Medusa’ (Jellyfish flag). If the flag is flying, jellyfish have been reported on the beach.
• Notify the lifeguard if you spot a jellyfish or are stung.