Not Just the Man O’ War: Meet the Jellyfish Drifting Ashore in Los Cabos!
Hey Cabo lovers! 
If you’ve ever tiptoed across Médano Beach and spotted a shimmering blob on the sand, you’re not alone.
Our turquoise waters are home to some seriously cool, and occasionally stingy … jellyfish.
I already spilled the tea on the Portuguese Man O’ War — that electric-blue balloon that can ruin your vacay faster than a bad margarita 
(kidding — sort of). But it’s not the only drifter in town. Let’s meet the full squad from the “meh” stingers to the “ouch, really?” ones, and go over what to do if you meet one up close.
1. Sea Nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens)
Vibe: Think orange Jell-O with a bad hair day. Long, flowy tentacles trailing from a bell that glows from clear to sunset-orange.
When you’ll see ’em: Late summer into fall, when Pacific waters warm up and go glassy.
Sting level: Medium spicy 
. Red welts, burning, maybe some nausea. Not dangerous … just dramatic.
Fun fact: They pulse like tiny hearts … mesmerizing until you step on one barefoot.
2. Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
Vibe: The chill cousin with translucent saucers with four purple clover-shaped rings in the center.
When you’ll see ’em: Spring through early summer, especially in calm bays of the Sea of Cortez.
Sting level: Barely a tickle. Most people don’t even notice.
Fun fact: Sea turtles love them so if you see a swarm, it’s turtle buffet time. 
3. Box Jellyfish / Sea Wasp (Carybdea spp.)
Vibe: Tiny cube of doom that are nearly invisible, like a stealth ninja with long, whip-like tentacles.
When you’ll see ’em: Mid-to-late summer after a stretch of calm, clear days. Rare, but they do show up.
Sting level: OOF 
. Sharp, fiery pain lasting hours. Not the Aussie nightmare version, but still ER-worthy if it’s bad.
Local note: There’s actually conflicting information about these in Los Cabos, while some reports mention Carybdea (sea wasp–type) sightings, others suggest misidentification. Either way, best to stay cautious.
Fun fact: They have eyes that sense light and shadow ….. basically little swimming security cameras.
4. By-the-Wind Sailor (Velella velella)
Vibe: Mini blue sailboats! Not true jellyfish but colonies of tiny animals working together.
When you’ll see ’em: Spring, when northwest winds push millions ashore, turning beaches into blue confetti.
Sting level: Usually none. Maybe a mild itch if you rub your eyes.
Fun fact: Left-sailers drift one way, right-sailers the other … it’s nature’s regatta! 
5. Cannonball Jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris)
Vibe: Bowling ball meets mushroom — firm, milky-blue domes up to a foot wide.
When you’ll see ’em: Summer and fall in the Sea of Cortez.
Sting level: Super mild. Fishermen in the Gulf even eat them (dried and spiced!).
Fun fact: Their bounce makes them the “crunchy” jellyfish; kids love poking the stranded ones (from a distance).
6. Upside-Down Jellyfish (Cassiopea spp.)
Vibe: Lazy sunbathers. They flip upside-down in shallow lagoons, pulsing gently with frilly, algae-filled arms.
When you’ll see ’em: Year-round in protected lagoons near Cabo, especially in spring/summer.
Note: Based on regional studies, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter upside-down jellyfish in the Los Cabos area. Cassiopea specimens in Baja appear genetically distinct from Caribbean species — suggesting a possible different or misidentified type.
Fun fact: The algae give them energy from sunlight … they’re basically jellyfish houseplants. 
7. Thimble Jellyfish / “Sea Lice” (Linuche unguiculata larvae)
Vibe: Invisible gremlins — you won’t see the adults, but their microscopic babies get trapped in swimsuits.
When you’ll see ’em: Peak summer, especially after jelly blooms.
Sting level: Itchy red rash under clothing (“sea bather’s eruption”). Feels like sand flea bites, lasts 3–7 days.
This was a facebook post I originally posted on November 11th if you’d like a more shareable info-post, and please note, we haven’t seen jelly’s since! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16y7V712hN/
Fun fact: Not lice … just baby jellies! Rinse suits in vinegar, not freshwater. 
Stung? Here’s Your Cabo Jellyfish First-Aid Kit
Get out of the water. Calmly.
Rinse with vinegar for 5 minutes (neutralizes unfired stingers).
No freshwater or urine — both make it worse.
Scrape tentacles off with a credit card or stick (not your hands).
Soak in hot water (as hot as you can stand, 20 minutes).
Use hydrocortisone cream + an oral antihistamine for itching.
Seek medical help if swelling spreads, pain is intense, or dizziness kicks in (especially for box jellies).
Local Tip
In Los Cabos, white beach flags = Medusas warning (jellyfish in the water or onshore).
If you spot a line of blue “sails,” it’s By-the-Wind Sailor season — step carefully, but go ahead and grab that photo. They’re harmless and gorgeous up close. 
Which medusa have you spotted in Cabo? Drop a 
in the comments (or tag me on Facebook/IG — I’ll share some of your pics!). I’m also open to other tips or corrections as I’m always learning! 
Stay sting-free, amigos … and Live Cabo.
Whether it’s for the weekend, a season, or for life,
Live Cabo. 
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