Info on sea wasps

[k8brandt]

Sea Safe is your best bet. Follow the instructions and apply at least ten minutes before you dive. Apply where the wet suit ends and your skin begins, as well as over exposed skin.

It's not the jellies, it's the larvae that get crushed against your skin that will sting you. We ran into some in Roatan, the one time I didn't apply it was when I got it bad. I would scratch with HOT rag and then apply anti-itch stuff.

You can get the stuff on-line before you go, but any dive shop that knows they are out there will stock it.

 

[sasscuba]

Got hit by one off Sand Dollar's dock. Only sting in 26 years diving and I don't ever want another one! I got hit on the surface with my light on...lesson learned, turn it off before entry and exit.

 

[LaiLaiDiver]

Still, can someone please clarify the timing for me - is it beginning on the full moon and lasting 8-10 days, or just a few day period 8-10 days following the full moon?

 

[RTW]

We were on island September 06 and 07, during the full moon and 8-10 days after the full moon respectively, and saw no jellies.
(We were warned during orientation to turn off dive lights on entry and exit.)

Night diving Bonaire on a full/near full moon is hard to beat.:mooner:

 

[ClayJar]

Still, can someone please clarify the timing for me - is it beginning on the full moon and lasting 8-10 days, or just a few day period 8-10 days following the full moon?

With the full moon on August 16th, the "8-10 days" rule means that extra care should be taken from about August 24th through August 26th (although jellies can be anywhen). You may not see many, or you may see quite a few, but reserve a bit of extra attention, just in case.

(By the way, if you're flying Continental through Houston, my group will be flying back on the plane on which you just arrived. We're there August 8/9th through 16th.)

 

[LaiLaiDiver]

Clay - I WILL be arriving on that flight! I'll leave you some treats in the seat-back pocket!

Thanks for finally clarifying the timeframe - that's exactly what I was looking for!

 

[cubozoan]

Avlena, and dive buddies.
I've been studying the Caribbean banded box jellies, et al, on Bonaire for 11 years. We are working on the genetics of this "new" species. We have recorded ~25 sightings of the CBBJ. Also pics off St. Lucia and Roatan. They are quite rare, but quite toxic. Please report any sightings to STINAPA.
On the clear (Carybdea) common box jelly, also called sea wasps, they are rare except in their lunar, reproductive window, but are certainly around the entire Caribbean. It is there home.
Bonaire waters offer very safe diving year round 24/7. UVA/B is much more dangerous.
Have a great trip.

 

[avlena]

Thanks cubozoan, if we see any we'll let you know!!