We will be on Bonaire the first week in May. Usually, this is a time in other areas of the Caribbean that thimble jelly larvae are at their stinging worst.

Is this a problem in Bonaire? Am I apt to sustain hits at that time? Thanks for any help you can give. I get serious reactions, so need to be prepared, but hope I won't have to use the epi-pen. Epinephrine really messes up my blood sugar, so forewarned is forearmed.

Ah, the dreadful sea itch, also known as sea lice (a misnomer, since as you said, it is the larvae of the thimble jellyfish). We had a week on Little Cayman Island a few years back when they were really bad, but in seven trips to Bonaire (including a few in May), I've never come across them. I'm sure other BT-er's will add their experiences.....

Hey Cat! Just returned from an awesome week in Bonaire. I did encounter the larvae, but they were not much of a problem. I did wear a full 3mm wetsuit, and only got a little something a couple of times on my hands. On both ocassions, I was at 30 ft or less. You may want to wear a full suit, or at least a skin. If you're that sensitive, perhaps a hood, or they may even grant you permission to wear gloves. I'm not sure what the process to obtain the permit is though. I was told by the locals that it's during late March and April that the jellies are most abundant. Perhaps someone can confirm this. Have fun! Coach Izzy

In our 12 trips to Bonaire over the last 8 years (with the trips scattered between late April and the end of October), the only time we encountered the sea itch was on the last dive this past October, diving at Rappel. We both were only wearing lycra skins and we both noticed patches of very warm water at about 10 - 15 feet near the undercuts on our return to the boat. And later that day we both noticed the rash and itch associated with "sea lice". Don't know if the warm water was the indication of the jelly fish larvae or just a coincidence. Although rare, it can happen. Don't know if anyone else on the boat was affected, but we both were.

Sounds like they're not as common in Bonaire as they are in Coz and Caymans in May. I'll keep my fingers crossed! If there is even one in the water, it will find me. I am very sensitive to them, and have tried all available products to no avail. Also, have slathered on sunscreen and worn full suits and hoods. Still got hit. So having never been to Bonaire before (but will be going yearly now, since we bought at the Divi) I was hoping they were less common down there. Thank you to those who wrote these very helpful - and appreciated - posts.

Cat,

Sea lice are caused by the larvae of several species of jelly, not just the brown thimble jelly (Linuche). If you use the search engine of BT you will find several threats about sea lice and jellies on Bonaire. Outbreaks of sea lice, also called "Caribe" and pica pica around the Caribbean, on Bonaire are rare.

Here in Florida we are tormented by sea lice (Cnidarian larvae/C. larvae is now being used to describe them) for several months in spring and summer. There are dive resorts in the Bahamas that were shut down by outbreaks last summer. The recent National Geographic story on Cuba had a section on Caribe and sea wasps.

Bonaire has its share of stinging jellies and hydroids so bringing an epi with you is a good idea. Sea lice are unlikely though. I have been involved for several years testing jelly stings and continue to do so. This winter has been fun with some very potent Man-o-war which have been the bane for the Florida lifeguards (at least until all the packs of sharks showed up last week...woow). There are some enzyme-based first aid products that you can carry with you should you be stung. Never use fresh water. Rinse with salt water. You are welcome to join our jelly sting study as I have offered BTer's. For you and other BTer's, we are planning to do the July Jelly Jam II back on Bonaire this summer as well.

Bud

Bud, do you know the names of the enzyme-based products, and where to get them?

Thanks!
c.

Bud, I would like to know the names and availability of the enzyme-based products, as well. I've probably tried them already!

Thanks for your information about jellies around Bonaire. Since the C. larvae are rare around Bonaire, that's encouraging.

We just moved to SE FL, and I've observed the posted warnings about man of war. I had been told that C. larvae are a big problem here in the spring/early summer months. Although we really want to get diving down here, it's likely that we'll wait at least until DH has a job with health insurance before we do, as I can't afford to get nailed again.

Thank you for the invite to join the study, but the idea of taking a hit by plan is something I'd have to be nuts to do! Sounds fascinating, however, and I hope that you'll be discussing your findings here.

--Cat

I think he's talking about cactus juice Cat.

Cheryl, Cat,
and Hi Seb.

There are only 2 proteolytic enzyme-based products
I have tested and can recommend. One is Sting Thing which I left some on island at Bonaire Adventure (Jerry L) and with Serge at Divi Flamingo dive. I left a box at Trans World Radio for the jelly jam study (Swansons and Lusses). TWR folks have used ST successfully a few times after nasty sea wasp stings. ST is also recommended by the FL Lifeguard Assoc., whom we did clinicals with some years ago. Google StingThing for online orders. I am not part of the company.

The other product is Marine Sting that I am testing now. It does not have the defoliating pad but does have 2 enzymes and Lidocaine. ST is my first choice, since I have minimal exposure to MS. But I will keep you informed, particularly if the results are promising.

Seb mentions an interesting product set from Cactus Juice, that I am field testing for various purposes. So far the anti-insect (non-DEET) products have a superior track record, even in Iraq with biting sand fleas. They also have a combined SPF and insect (outdoor) protectant that works well in a variety of environments. Too many to name here. A different product from Cactus Juice is their Miracle Gel that works for burns, bites, and now jelly stings. The jelly sting testing started in early winter. I am just starting test on sea lice, C. larvae. So far, so good. Cactus Juice is at www.cactusjuicetm.com for good info. This product is based on the chemistry and medicinal value to the prickly pear cactus. It is an aftercare, aftersting product.

Again, I welcome anyone who wants to join the jelly sting study, to let me know. If you are in S. FL I will just give you product to test. BT is a valuable tool for science purposes and the least I can do is provide samples for the testers and those in need.

Bud Gillan

Thanks for jumping back in Bud!

Thanks Bud that sting thing looks like a great product. Here's a link to Amazon.

Thanks for the info, Bud. Tried Amazon, but it would appear that they don't stock the marine version, only the one for flying insects. Tried the links on the ST website, and only one carried the marine version, and they wanted more for shipping than for the product! Guess I'm going to bite the bullet and pay for it. Trouble is, I've done that before, paid exorbitant sums for things that don't work. I sure hope this one does! Where do you get yours, Bud?

Cat,
Where are you in S FL? I am in Boca Raton.
The regs on the sting study are simple. I will provide test product for you. You provide objective results. With sea lice, or C. larva season upon us you may need it here.
Email me an address if you are interested.

Happy diving,
Bud

Do you feel a sting when they "attack" or does it occur later? I snorkeled at the end of March wearing a skin. I never felt anything sting me, but developed a red, slightly itchy area around my neck where the top part of the neck of my skin ended.. . . or does that sound like something else? Last year, we were there in early April and the jellyfish made snorkeling kind of miserable ...I hate getting stung in the face.

Carol, for the most part, I don't feel them when they occur. I have felt a slight prickling sensation a few times, but generally I don't feel anything until later. That sounds exactly like what got you. April is prime season.

Here's a nice link to read on the subject.
http://www.fau.edu/safe/sea-lice.html

Bud

I will be in Bonaire in late September...I would be willing to try anything to prevent sting/bite aggrivation

Bob,
Thanks for posting the FAU website on sea lice. Actually, I referenced it in the early days of BT.
A friend and fellow jelly buddy, Dr. Mary Russell, posted the content and excellent sting pics. Actually we worked together on the original jelly sting testing in the late '90's for the testing of enzymes for sting relief and nematocyst debridement. Her presentation, Mr. Itchy, is sure to make anyone squirm.

Happy snorkeling and diving,

Bud