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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