We are getting ready for 2 Bonaire trips (yeah...I know.....lucky lucky). One starts this coming weekend (october 4th-13th), the other half november (nov 15th-25th). I was told by someone that october/november is 'sea wasp season'. Is this true? Should we worry about it? I dove in Bonaire this spring in a shorty....can we do that again?

Thanks for any advice you can give us!

Bas.

We've been going to Bonaire in Oct. for about 5 years and I have never seen them. They were out in abundance this past May. A shorty is fine. The water temp is very high now compared to spring. (see other message boards regarding water temp).

Thanks for the advice. Indeed I have read the postings about water temp. The reason I was asking was because of the possible sea wasps. I thought it might be necessary to wear a full suit because of them. Temperaturewise I definitely prefer a shorty....in spring too.

The most you would need is a dive skin under your shorty. Very few stingy-thingy's can get thru even the thinest of dive skins, the only Bonaire exception is a bristle worm.

Sea Wasps Info:

Bas,
Sea wasps (Carybdea alata) are not really a seasonal phenomenon. Worldwide they are monthly problem is certain locations, particularly 8-10 after a full moon when they swarm. Periodically when the winds, tides, and currents are headed in a particular direction the swarms end up in specific locales. This is quite infrequent along Bonaire's coast, though it does happen.

Sea wasps can also be found throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Florida day or night just like any jelly. They are pretty rare.

If you are interested in joining a field sting study I left jelly first aid treatment with Jake.

FYI. It has already been a painful season for Man-O-War here in Florida. It seems across the tropical and sub-tropics there have been a significant increase in stings from several species, including siphonophores. Folks at DEMA had some amazing stories of jellies. Bonaire, though is fortunate, as jellies are not a common problem there.

Bud Gillan