Health & safety

Are there sea urchins or jellyfish in the water around Santa Maria?

2 min read · Updated 30 September 2026

Updated September 2026 · 3 minute read

Quick answer

Yes.

The practical answer

Sea urchins are abundant around rocky outcrops and shallow reef beds in the Ponta Torres channel. Wearing hard-soled water shoes or booties is essential when wading or launching kayaks. Bluebottles (Portuguese man-o'-war) can occasionally drift ashore during strong onshore winter winds.

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