Jellyfish appear around Mallorca from time to time, most often after windy weather. Knowing which ones you’re likely to see, and how to handle a sting, makes beach days far less stressful.
There are around 300 species of jellyfish in the Mediterranean, but only a small handful are regularly seen around the Balearics. Most stings reported locally come from just one type.
The jellyfish you’re most likely to see
The most common species around Mallorca is Pelagia noctiluca, recognisable by its purple-pink colour and faint glow in the water.
- Bell size: around 6–10cm
- Tentacles: can stretch several metres and are often hard to see
- Sting: painful, similar to a bee sting, but not usually dangerous
Reactions vary, which is why knowing what to do matters.
Five simple steps if you or the kids are stung by a jellyfish in Mallorca
1. Get out of the water
Leave the sea straight away.
Use the edge of a credit card (or tweezers if you have them) to gently remove any tentacles still attached.
Do not rub or scratch the area, and don’t use your hands.
2. Rinse correctly
This is key.
Rinse the area with sea water only.
Do not use fresh water or showers, this can activate remaining stingers.
3. Ease the pain
Apply a well-sealed ice pack for 10–15 minutes.
Do not apply ammonia, urine or alcohol.
Do not place ice directly on the skin.
Age-appropriate pain relief can be used if needed. Lifeguards may also have treatments available.
4. Watch for warning signs
Go straight to hospital or call 112 if there is:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Headache
- Generalised reaction or feeling unwell
If possible, identify the jellyfish and share this with medical staff.
5. A few rules for kids
- Don’t touch jellyfish, even dead ones or fragments. Venom can remain active for up to 24 hours, even out of water.
- Look out for the Bandera de Medusa (jellyfish flag). If it’s flying, jellyfish have been reported.
- Tell the lifeguard if you spot a jellyfish or if someone is stung.
Why jellyfish appear more often some years
Scientists link rising jellyfish numbers to a combination of:
- Warmer sea temperatures
- Water pollution
- Overfishing of natural predators, including sea turtles
This may also explain why species not previously common around the Balearics are now appearing.
Official advice
For clear, up-to-date guidance, you can download the official jellyfish information leaflet from the Balearic Government (GOIB), which covers identification, flags and first aid.
