Box jellys in Bonaire now

[seaducer]

Just got home from a trip to Bonaire. Just posting a warning to anyone at or headed to the Island, I got hit by a banded box jelly Thursday night snorkeling. Hurt really bad and I still have quite a mark, but nothing more than that.

Make sure you are wearing at least a dive skin. I was just in a bathing suit that night.

All in all I saw two that night, the second one I almost ran face first into, so they are there.

Just an FYI. I wouldn't let it stop me from diving, but be on the lookout.

 

[boat sju]

Was that you staying at the GRI last week? Never thought to ask if you were on SB.

 

[seacreatures]

"Box Jellies" are also called "Sea Wasps" and are all over the world in one verity or another, although the Caribbean version will leave a welt, it is not as dangerous as the South Pacific verity! A blast from your reg before exiting the ride will bubble them away

 

[fire_diver]

I've heard that irukandji may have even spread to the Caribbean.

 

[skydiver30960]

I've heard that irukandji may have even spread to the Caribbean.

Yep. They piggy-backed in on the lionfish!

Ike aka "sorry for the one-liner, couldn't resist"

 

[morayeel]

Yeah I snorkelled with them but didn't realise they were dangerous until afterwords! They are pretty rare so you're lucky to have seen them (although less lucky to be stung!) Watch out for the Portugese Man of War which is more dangerous - my mums friend almost died after being stung when swimming (not diving - doing laps in the sea).