Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

Are There Jellyfish In Jamaica?
Are They Dangerous?

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

start_here_if_new_image_link

New! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 140,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!

Are There Jellyfish In Jamaica | (Photo Credit: Jamaica Gleaner)Are There Jellyfish In Jamaica | (Photo Credit: Jamaica Gleaner)

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

It is no secret that Jamaica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Those of us who live here on this tropical island don’t ever get bored or “used to” going to the beach. It is still one of the go-to places for many of us.

New! How much do you love Jamaica?

Join our growing list of well-thinking Jamaica-loving folks who are demonstrating what a friendly, helpful and fun Jamaican community looks like. Click Here to learn more.


And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!


Many travellers all around the world add Jamaica to their bucket list just so they can experience our beaches and culture. But have you ever wondered what lurks in our sea, besides the few tiny fishes we usually see at the beach, especially at night?

I am a lover of going to the beach at night, the cool air and warm seawater are a combination I live for. But I am always very apprehensive every time I go, because what creatures are in our waters?

We have already established that very few sharks roam around these areas and not only aren't they particularly dangerous but they don’t come close to shore either.

Over the years, the shark attacks in Jamaica could be counted on one hand, from that we can conclude that we are pretty safe from sharks. What about another sea animal though? Are there Jellyfish in Jamaica, how much of a danger do they pose?

Are There Jellyfish In Jamaica?

Yes, there are jellyfishes in Jamaica. Some might find this news unbelievable because they may have lived in Jamaica or visited Jamaica for years and never encountered one, while others are not shocked at all because they see them regularly.

What Kind Of Jellyfish Can Be Found In Jamaica?

Now that we have established that there are definitely jellyfishes in Jamaica, of course, you want to know what kind and how dangerous they are. Well, don’t be afraid. The only jellyfishes reported to be found in Jamaica are Thimble Jellyfish.

The thimble jellyfish (Linuche unguiculata) is a cnidarian that can be found in the Caribbean and the temperate West Atlantic Ocean. It's a little jellyfish with a flat-topped, straight-sided bell. Its presence in a given location is determined by factors such as the presence of prey, water temperature, salinity, and oxygen saturation.

They are mostly found in deep waters and when they do come to shore, it is usually due to factors such as high winds or rainfall.

How Dangerous Are The Thimble Jellyfish?

The Thimble Jellyfish are not dangerous. If you get in contact with one and just happen to get stung, you can expect to feel what some describe as a sharp burning sensation or sudden pain that lasts no longer than 10 minutes.

Although there have been reports from people who didn't feel any pain at all. You might also experience itchiness and rashes in the area.

The larvae from Thimble Jellyfish might actually be even more irritating and bothersome than an actual sting from a jellyfish.

When a cloud of larvae gets in contact with you, it will stick to your clothing and hair, causing a very uncomfortable rash called sea bather's eruption.

Where In Jamaica Are You Most Likely To Find Jellyfishes?

Jellyfishes can be found in the deep waters surrounding the island. Jellyfish sightings, interactions and accidents have been frequently reported specifically in the tourist towns of Montego Bay and Negril.

If you intend to go deepsea diving or snorkelling, you have a high chance of running into some jellyfishes. You might see some along the shore too, but the chances of that are pretty slim.

What To Do If You Get Stung By A Jellyfish?

If you get stung by a thimble jellyfish, in most cases you won’t have anything to worry about and won’t even require treatment. But if you need to ease the discomfort, there are a few things that you can do.

Of course, if you ask any “old school” Jamaican or fisherman they might tell you that the best remedy is to just pee on it, but before you resort to that, here are a few less messy ways you can combat the effects of the sting:

  • Get out of the seawater immediately and run fresh water on the area.
  • Use a mixture of vinegar and water to wash the area.
  • Use rubbing alcohol to gently soothe the sting.
  • Take a dose of ibuprofen or aspirin for pain relief. 
  • Apply a topical cream such as hydrocortisone.

But as with all things, there are exceptions to the rule. So, if you do suffer experience extreme symptoms treat it as an urgent matter and seen medical attention immediately. Some jellyfish can cause death.

So, are there jellyfish in Jamaica? Yes. Do you need to worry about jellyfishes in Jamaica? For the most part no, but if you exhibit extreme symptoms, do not take them lightly.

On the off chance that you get stung by a jellyfish, hopefully the irritation will pass in no time and will not have a severe impact on your island getaway.

Watch out for sea urchins too, remember to pack your water shoes.

You might like these

  • Does Ocho Rios or Montego Bay have better beaches? Both are major tourist hubs on the island but choosing where to vacation may come down to their beaches.

    Does Ocho Rios or Montego Bay have Better Beaches?

    Does Ocho Rios or Montego Bay have better beaches? Both are major tourist hubs on the island but choosing where to vacation may come down to their beaches.

  • Booby Cay Island Jamaica is the perfect location for a relaxing getaway or a fun excursion of snorkelling and scuba diving.

    Booby Cay Island Jamaica

    Booby Cay Island Jamaica is the perfect location for a relaxing getaway or a fun excursion of snorkelling and scuba diving.

  • From scuba diving, snorkelling and even through glass bottom boat rides, many have done various activities just to see the beautiful coral reefs in Jamaica.

    Coral Reefs in Jamaica

    From scuba diving, snorkelling and even through glass bottom boat rides, many have done various activities just to see the beautiful coral reefs in Jamaica.

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)


If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Jamaican Animals from Are There Jellyfish In Jamaica?
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Are There Jellyfish Jamaica?

References & Sources For Are There Jellyfish In Jamaica

  1. Top 5 Beaches Around the World With the Most Jellyfish)https://www.safesea.store/most-jellifish
  2. What kind of jellyfish are in Jamaica? – Greedhead.net, https://greedhead.net/what-kind-of-jellyfish-are-in-jamaica/

Are There Jellyfish In Jamaica | Written: April 28, 2022

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!


P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.


copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how
.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy