Info on sea wasps

[Mossman]

gee, thanks :tongue: nah, i haven't figured out what we're doing yet, cuz from the moon phase it looks like we're going to be hitting Bonaire the requisite 8-10 days after the full moon.

Anyone know how long the jellies hang out after the 8-10 days?

I'm seeing full moons on August 16 and September 15, 2008. If you're there the first week of September, you'll be two weeks after the full moon and fine as far as moon schedules go. Since I'm there 9/6-9/13, it looks like I'll be lucky as well. Hopefully the jellies stay on schedule this year.

Apparently they only stick around for three days or so. While it's not the Caribbean, I did find a useful box jelly calendar for Hawaii:

September Box Jellyfish Arrival Calendar for Hawaii 2008

Hawaiian jellies seem to be on the same schedule (adjusted for time change), so the calendar should be applicable to the Caribbean as well.

 

[avlena]

cool, thanks! I must have mis-read the lunar calendar I was looking at.

 

[beachcomber]

Thank you for all the responses. I think my best bet is to dive in pantyhose.

 

[dogenia]

Uhm what about a full suit iso the pantyhose?

 

[Mossman]

Uhm what about a full suit iso the pantyhose?

The pantyhose goes over the head like a bank robber. Poke a hole for the reg and your eyes. If the mask doesn't seal well, cut out a window in the pantyhose for the mask to fit through.

My OW instructor was nailed on the cheek and had to be hospitalized when his neck swelled and blocked his airway. He was wearing a hood and full suit. Had he worn the pantyhose, he would have been fine.

I wonder, can we wear pantyhose on our hands since we can't wear gloves?

(Me, I'll be sitting on my balcony at DL, videotaping all the pantyhose-wearing divers from DL and SD entering the water)

 

[Bonairetrip]

They are real but out of probably more than 100 night dives on Bonaire, I have never been stung. From time to time I might see a jelly (day or night) and I just swim around them.

Also, be careful of vinegar you might buy on Bonaire -- my understanding is that they have both a US strength and some super strong stuff. Avoid the latter.

 

[Hawk]

If you don't want to wear pantyhose, you can also use Safe Sea. It was mentioned on the first page of this thread. It is not a repellant, it is a protectant. You put it on exposed skin in advance of getting in the water. It needs enough time to dry and form a thin barrier, which is all you need. The stuff works really well and is available almost anywhere people dive.

It works well on your hands also. You will get it on them when you apply it to your face, neck, ears. etc. anyway.

If you find yourself in a group of sea wasps and can't swish them away, simply turn off your light and they will go away. The light is what attracts them.

Later, Hawk.

 

[driftwood]

I wonder, can we wear pantyhose on our hands since we can't wear gloves?

Be careful, the Bonaire glove Nazi's will be over you! Yes, I really do understand their reasoning, but it is a real touchstone of their religion and there is no hope of educating them.

 

[LaiLaiDiver]

Hmmmmm... so does 8-10 days after the full moon mean starting at the full moon and lasting 8 days (that makes the most sense to me), or beginning 8 days after? I'll be in Bonaire August 16-31, and the full moon is on August 16.

 

[Storm]

So if we are there between the 5 and 19th pf December, and the full moon is on the 12, I take we should avoiding the most likely time for these critters?