Let’s face it: jellyfish in Malta can disturb your vacation. But fear not! By arming yourself with the right information and a little planning, you can greatly reduce the risk and enjoy a worry-free holiday on Malta’s beaches.
Jellyfish in Malta: The Species
Jellyfish: brainless, bloodless, boneless, and oh-so-fascinating! These mesmerizing creatures have been part of our marine ecosystem for millions of years. While their stings may concern, they play a vital role in the aquatic food chain. Let’s dive into some jellyfish species you might encounter while swimming in Malta’s warm waters.
Meet the Mauve Stinger, a common sight with its pink mushroom-shaped head and long tentacles. This species migrates to warmer waters for reproduction, so they are common in spring and summer.
Credit: Photo by Jane Ta on Unsplash
Next, say hello to the Compass Jellyfish, easily identifiable by its yellowish head adorned with compass-like markings.
As summer ends, in September, keep an eye out for the Fried Egg Jellyfish. This species is easily recognisable by its unique fried egg-like appearance. The good news? Its sting is mild, barely affecting humans, and you might even see small fish sheltering beneath it.
The elegant By-the-Wind Sailor is a blue, oval-shaped jellyfish that gracefully floats on the sea’s surface, carried by the wind. While storms often wash them ashore between January and May, their sting is only mildly irritating.
Don’t be fooled by the Upside-Down Jellyfish, which lives inverted on the sea floor. Its fiery blue tentacles resemble dancing flames, but be cautious as it has a mild sting.
Lastly, watch out for the Portuguese Man o’ War, a more dangerous species resembling the By-the-Wind Sailor. Its venom remains potent even after death, so alert authorities if you come across one and keep your distance.
Choosing the Safest Beaches in Malta
Relax! Despite the variety of jellyfish in Malta’s waters, you can plan beach days without worrying. Malta’s diverse coastline offers a number of jellyfish-free beaches, allowing you to fully enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
Remember, jellyfish’ presence is influenced by tides and winds, so it’s about being in the right place at the right time. Thankfully, Malta’s coast boasts beaches facing different directions, increasing your chances of finding a spot free of jellyfish. So get ahead, and dip into Malta’s blue waters without worrying about unexpected stings.
To help you navigate the jellyfish situation, several online resources list jellyfish-free beaches in Malta and Gozo. I usually check the “Recommended Bays” section on malteseislandsweather.com for daily updates. These resources ensure you stay well-informed about jellyfish conditions before packing your beach bag.
Travel Timing: Jellyfish Activity Peaks
Timing is everything for jellyfish activity in Malta. Based on years of observation, the Mauve Stinger, a prevalent jellyfish species, tends to appear as the temperature rises in April and cools down in September. You can expect their presence to peak in June. As the waters warm up, these fascinating creatures often retreat to deeper areas where temperatures are cooler.
But remember, each summer brings its own unique conditions. Let’s look at the peculiar case of 2022 when jellyfish numbers took an unexpected leap. This surprising surge was linked to a drop in sea temperatures during March. Normally, the Mauve Stinger, with its one-year lifespan, reproduces and releases its eggs between December and March. However, with cooler waters in March 2022, these jellyfish developed differently. As a result, a significant jellyfish bloom occurred later in the year.
Jellyfish in Malta: Staying Safe
When it comes to safety, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Daily online checks will help you identify jellyfish-free beaches, and remember to bring a snorkelling mask. Not only does it allow you to spot and avoid jellyfish, but it also lets you marvel at the beautiful fish swimming beneath the surface.
In the unfortunate event of a jellyfish sting, here’s what to do:
- Exit the water and reach dry land for your safety.
- Rinse the affected area with seawater, avoiding fresh water as it can worsen the sting.
- If available, apply vinegar to neutralise the venom.
- Safely remove any tentacles using tweezers and rinse the area again.
- To alleviate itching and swelling, consider using hydrocortisone cream or taking an oral antihistamine.
- If the sting causes an open wound, keep it clean, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage.
- Seek immediate medical attention if severe allergic reactions occur, if the sting covers more than half an arm or leg, or if it is from a Portuguese Man o’ War.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy Malta’s beach experience. So, embrace the calm confidence of a well-informed traveller and focus on creating lasting memories during your holiday.
Don’t forget to check out the Malta Beaches Map Guide for a comprehensive resource on stunning beaches. In addition, check out my post on Secret Beaches in Gozo for some hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Happy beach hopping!
