Find out everything you need to know about jellyfish in Mallorca and if they will affect your holiday.

Seeing jellyfish in the beautiful turquoise-blue sea that surrounds Mallorca can be a huge disappointment if you are coming here on holiday. 

But this article will outline how likely these pests will hamper your holiday, where you could see them, and what to do if you get stung by a jellyfish.

Are there Jellyish in Mallorca?

Yes there are jellyfish in Mallorca.  You will find jellyfish in the seas around Mallorca, along with sharks all other forms of sea life that inhabit our seas.  

That is not to say though that jellyfish or any other considered dangerous forms of sea life will ruin your holiday. 

I’ve been living in Mallorca since 2005 and some years are worse than others with jellyfish populations drifting into calas, coves and beaches. 

Summer has arrived in 2023 following a period of unsettled weather with storms and seas that we have been rougher than we are used to at this time of year. 

These rougher seas have also brought jellyfish populations into the waters around Mallorca’s favourite holiday resorts.

Jellyfish are more likely to get caught in the calas and coves.  As the sea dies down from the storm, they are not as easily washed back out to sea again.

When is Jellyfish Season in Mallorca?

Jellyfish season is normally in Spring, however, you can see jellyfish year-round in Mallorca.

They are most commonly sighted early on in Spring with changes in seasons and in areas as we go through the Summer.

However, I have also seen jellyfish in the autumn and winter, particularly after stormy weather.

My advice is to always check the water before taking a dip whatever time of the year.

Which Resorts have Jellyfish?

Reported in my video at the end of June 2023, jellyfish have been sighted on the East coast in Cala D’Or, Calas de Mallorca and Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa.

I have received comments on my Youtube channel that viewers have either seen the jellyfish or have been stung.

One subscriber said, “Just come back from Cala d’Or and got stung while in the sea at Cala Gran beach.”

Another said, “There were a lot of compass jelly’s in the waters of Alcudia and Puerto Pollença 2 weeks ago.”

On 27 June, I swam off the beaches from Illetas and saw jellyfish warning flags had been placed on both Cala Xinxell and Cala Comtesa, which are just West of the capital Palma de Mallorca.

It’s fair to say this Summer in 2023 has got off to a rocky start with the appearance of these sea pests.

It’s also worth noting that jellyfish in Mallorca may not be limited to just these beaches, so beware.

How do you know if there are jellyfish on the beach in Mallorca?

Look out for these white flags with jellyfish symbols

You will see these flags next to the swimming flag on the beaches. 

In this case,  you can see the green flag (which means it’s safe to swim) with the jellyfish warning flag.

If the situation with jellyfish in Mallorca was so severe, then swimming would not be possible then you would see the red flag. 

Also, listen out for anyone shouting “medusa” which means jellyfish in Spanish.  And move rapidly away from the area.

You can also download the Medusa Jellyfish app from here which will tell you of recent jellyfish sightings.

Can I Swim in the Sea with Jellyfish in Mallorca?

You will see by the video playing on this page that although the jellyfish flags were out, many people were swimming. 

The water tends to be very clear so you can normally see if there are any jellyfish.  

Just stay away from them though if you do see them.

It’s also very important that children do not play with them or try and scoop them out of the water with buckets and spades. 

I’ve seen children play with jellyfish on Mallorca’s beaches and even though they were not directly touching the jellyfish, the children somehow had a nasty reaction which needed medical treatment. 

If you are visiting Mallorca on holiday then the chances are you will be swimming from a resort beach that is lifeguarded.

So if you do run into problems then it is easy to get treatment as lifeguards have access to medical supplies.

Be extra careful on non-lifeguarded beaches and also if you are visiting these remote beaches alone.

I have seen there is a sunscreen with added jellyfish repellant available which I have added to my Amazon holiday shop which you can also buy here.

How to Treat a Jellyfish Sting

Lifeguards in Mallorca normally carry medical supplies and can easily treat jellyfish stings. 

However, here are some basic tips to bear in mind if you get stung but please use all with caution, and seek medical advice.

1. Don’t believe the popular myth and pee on a jellyfish sting.  This will actually make it worse.   This myth featured in the TV series ‘Friends’ in the 1990s and seems to have become a legitimate way to treat a jellyfish sting. 

2. Instead wash the sting with sea water.

3. Remove any spines with tweezers if you have any stuck in your skin.

4. It’s believed that washing the area in vinegar can help too as does soaking the area in hot water as you can stand around 45ªC for 20 minutes.

Again, please take care not to burn yourself and if you are treating children, then be extra careful. Do this at your own risk.

5. Go to the pharmacy where they can give you 0.5% to 1% hydrocortisone cream.

6. It may also be worth picking up a tube of Neosayomol cream to leave in your beach bag if jellyfish are a problem in the area you are staying. I’ve heard great reports about the effectiveness of this cream.

7. If you experience severe symptoms such as breathlessness then please do seek medical help. 

Are Jellyfish in Mallorca Dangerous?

Usually, no, jellyfish in Mallorca do not tend to be life-threatening.  

However, they can still leave nasty stings and can sometimes scar the area they have stung. 

You are more likely to find pink jellyfish and compass jellyfish in Mallorca.  

These jellyfish are purple and translucent in colour and often get caught around shorelines or rocks.  

You will also find the Purple Sailor Velella / Medusa Velero which although they are not technically jellyfish, are referred to as jellyfish.

These sail in on currents – you can see them by their purple sails which sit on the surface of the water.

They wash up on the sand too. They are technically not harmful to humans. However, with all sealife, I recommend only interacting with your eyes, which is an important lesson to teach children.

Sadly their natural predators – turtles – are not as prevalent as they used to be due to overfishing.

Also climate change has been attributed to warmer seas leading to a rise in jellyfish populations. 

Things to Do if there are Jellyfish in Mallorca

If you are reluctant to visit the beach with jellyfish in Mallorca then I would recommend the following activities which are 100% jellyfish-free but also fun and something cool to do. 

Mallorca is home to three fantastic waterparks.  

Book tickets to Aqualand in Arenal here.  This is the largest waterpark set in acres of gardens with both adult and children’s rides. 

There is also a fantastic picnic area allowing you to take your own food.

Check availability here:

Alternatively, visit Western Waterpark in Magaluf.   This is an extremely popular waterpark with fantastic slides which is also ideal for children, families and adults.

Check availability here.  

Finally, if you are based in the North East of Mallorca, then get tickets here for HidroPark. 

This waterpark in my opinion is the best for families with small children. 

The park is small and friendly with an area especially catering for smaller children, with slides and pools. 

Check availability here.

Finally please don’t worry too much about jellyfish in Mallorca if you are visiting this Summer. 

Jellyfish can be washed away as quickly as they have been washed up on the beaches.