jellyfish

Jellyfish surge hits Mallorca’s waters as beachgoers warned to take extra care

Published

2 hours ago

August 11, 2026

admin

Now this would put a sting in your swim…
Credit: Shutterstock/Michaela Holubova

Beachgoers in Mallorca are being urged to keep an eye on the water this August after authorities recorded an increase in jellyfish around the Balearic Islands during the height of the summer season.

The rise was detected by the Balearic Government’s coastal clean-up operation during July, when crews collected around 10 kilograms of jellyfish of different species from bathing areas.

While jellyfish are a familiar summer visitor to Mallorca, their numbers can change dramatically depending on sea temperatures, currents and wind conditions, meaning one beach can be affected while another nearby remains completely clear.

Crucially, no Portuguese man-of-war were detected or collected by the service during July, according to figures reported from the regional coastal operation.

Why are more jellyfish appearing?

Jellyfish sightings around Mallorca are not unusual during the warmer months, particularly between July and September.

Their arrival close to beaches is strongly influenced by conditions at sea. Currents can push jellyfish towards the coastline, while winds and rising water temperatures can also affect where concentrations develop.

Some of the species found around the Balearics are relatively harmless, while others can deliver painful stings.

Among those regularly reported in the region is the Pelagia noctiluca, sometimes called the mauve stinger, which can cause a painful reaction. Other Mediterranean species include the distinctive fried egg jellyfish, Cotylorhiza tuberculata, and the barrel jellyfish, Rhizostoma pulmo.

Beach conditions can change quickly, however, so swimmers are advised to pay attention to warning flags and information provided by lifeguards rather than assuming conditions will be the same throughout the day.

Mallorca tops clean-up figures

The jellyfish findings emerged as part of a much wider operation to remove rubbish and debris from Balearic waters.

During July, the regional coastal clean-up service removed approximately 7.1 tonnes of waste from the sea and coastline.

Mallorca accounted for the largest share, with around 3.4 tonnes, compared with 1.8 tonnes in Menorca, 1.4 tonnes in Ibiza and 388 kilograms in Formentera.

A fleet of 23 vessels was involved, including 15 boats operating around beaches and eight covering coastal waters.

Plastic remained the biggest problem, accounting for more than 48 per cent of everything collected, while wood represented almost 33 per cent. Vegetation, organic material and other rubbish made up the remainder.

Crews encountered considerably larger objects too. In Mallorca alone, workers recovered an engine, a chair and several logs, while assistance was also given to three vessels that had been left adrift.

What to do if stung

Anyone heading into the sea should avoid touching jellyfish, including specimens washed onto the sand, as tentacles can potentially remain capable of stinging.

If a sting occurs, guidance recommends leaving the water and not rubbing the affected area. The skin should be rinsed with seawater or saline rather than fresh water, while visible tentacle fragments can be carefully removed without touching them directly.

Cold wrapped in a cloth can then be applied to the affected area. Beachgoers should seek help from lifeguards where available.

More serious symptoms, including breathing difficulties, dizziness, severe pain or a significant allergic reaction, require urgent medical attention.

Check before taking a dip

For holidaymakers and residents, the increase does not mean Mallorca’s beaches are suddenly off limits.

Jellyfish often arrive in localised groups and their presence can change rapidly as winds and currents shift. Most encounters are temporary rather than island-wide events.

The Balearic coastal clean-up campaign will remain active until September 30, continuing to patrol beaches and coastal waters during the busiest part of the tourism season.

With August temperatures sending thousands of people into the Mediterranean every day, the simplest advice is to check the beach flags, listen to lifeguards and take a quick look at the water before diving in.

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Málaga Is Seeing Fewer Jellyfish This Summer

Published

2 weeks ago

July 30, 2026

Lottie Verrier

malaga-is-seeing-fewer-jellyfish-this-summer

Málaga is seeing fewer jellyfish this summer (but things could change) Credit: Shutterstock/SAGStock

If you’re heading to Málaga’s beaches this summer and love a good dip in the ocean, there’s some reassuring news that means you won’t feel the dreaded sting when you swim. Despite another hot Mediterranean season, jellyfish numbers along much of the Costa del Sol have so far remained surprisingly low.

The reason lies offshore rather than on the sand.

Marine experts say unusual sea currents in the Alborán Sea are currently acting as a natural barrier, making it much harder for jellyfish drifting in open water to reach Málaga’s coastline. While other parts of the Mediterranean have experienced periodic jellyfish sightings, conditions off Málaga have largely kept them away from the beaches where thousands of locals and tourists are swimming each day.

That means, for now at least, beachgoers have a better chance of enjoying a sting-free dip.

The invisible barrier protecting the coast

Scientists point to a large circular current known as the western Alborán gyre.

Created as Atlantic water flows through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean, this rotating current effectively traps floating material offshore rather than allowing it to drift towards the beaches.

As long as the current remains stable and weather conditions stay relatively calm, it acts like a natural shield, preventing many jellyfish from reaching the Costa del Sol. According to experts, this is why current forecasts show only a low probability of significant jellyfish arrivals along Málaga’s coastline over the coming days.

It is a reminder that jellyfish are largely passengers rather than powerful swimmers. Their movements depend far more on winds and currents than on where they choose to go.

Why that could change quickly

Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean Málaga is guaranteed a jellyfish-free summer.

A change in weather can rapidly alter conditions at sea. If winds shift direction or marine currents weaken, jellyfish that have been held offshore can suddenly be pushed towards the coast.

Historically, prolonged easterly or Levante winds have been one of the biggest triggers for jellyfish appearing on Costa del Sol beaches, even after weeks of relatively clear water.

For that reason, marine experts stress that beach conditions should be checked daily rather than assuming the coast will remain jellyfish-free for the rest of the holiday season.

Not every jellyfish is dangerous

Several jellyfish species found in the waters around Málaga are relatively harmless and cause only mild irritation if touched.

Others, however, can deliver much more painful stings.

Among the species occasionally seen off the Costa del Sol is Pelagia noctiluca, often recognised by its pinkish-purple colouring. Beachgoers may also encounter larger species, while the Portuguese man o’ war, although not technically a jellyfish, deserves particular caution because its long tentacles can inflict severe stings.

Even jellyfish washed up on the beach should never be touched, as their tentacles can continue to sting long after the animal has died.

How to stay safe at the beach

The easiest way to avoid problems is to pay attention to beach safety information before entering the sea.

Lifeguarded beaches display coloured flags indicating bathing conditions, and many will also post notices if jellyfish have been spotted nearby.

If you see a jellyfish in the water, avoid sudden movements and calmly swim away rather than splashing towards it. Children should also be warned not to pick up stranded jellyfish or fragments washed onto the sand.

If you are stung:

Rinse the affected area with seawater, not fresh water.
Do not rub or scratch the skin, as this can release more venom.
Carefully remove any visible tentacles using tweezers or while wearing gloves if available.
Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to ease pain.
Seek help from lifeguards or medical professionals if pain is severe, symptoms spread, or breathing difficulties develop.

For now, Málaga’s beaches are benefiting from a fortunate combination of marine currents that are keeping many jellyfish at bay. But with winds and sea conditions capable of changing within days, visitors should continue checking local beach warnings before taking to the water. A little awareness could help keep an otherwise perfect summer beach day that way.