Floating Blue Sea Creatures Velella Return to Goleta and Santa Barbara Beaches

If you are taking a stroll on Santa Barbara and Goleta beaches, chances are you will stumble upon a swarm of small, floating animals that look like tiny blue rafts with a sail on top. At first glance, one might confuse them with plastics, but don’t worry, the beaches are not washed up with plastic.

These small ocean animals are none other than Velella velella, currently appearing along the coast. While Velella velella, also known as “by-the-wind sailors,” do not arrive on a yearly schedule, they show up often when spring winds and ocean conditions push them onto beaches. This year, Santa Barbara and Goleta beaches have been filled with them.

They were last spotted on Santa Barbara beaches in April 2025.

What is Velella Velella?

Velella velella might look like jellyfish, but in reality, they are free-floating hydrozoans known to live on the surface of the open ocean. They belong to the Porpitidae family and measure about 4 to 5 centimeters.

They are known for their distinct look, which includes a deep blue color and a small, stiff sail that helps them travel with the wind over the surface of the sea. However, under certain wind conditions, they are prone to be stranded by the thousands on beaches.

All over the Goleta and Santa Barbara beaches the Velella have returned. Its only known species is Velella velella, a widely-distributed free-floating colonial animal that lives on the surface of the ocean. It is commonly known by the names by-the-wind sailor, or simply Velella. pic.twitter.com/dioFj2y0OS

— John Palminteri (@JohnPalminteri) April 21, 2026

These ocean animals completely lack locomotion. Some Velella have sails that are angled one way and others the opposite. This causes them to drift in different directions with the wind.

Each organism is a colony of specialized polyps that share nutrients through an internal canal system. Velella are carnivores and are known for using their stinging tentacles to capture copepods, fish eggs, and small fish at the ocean surface.

What Does Velella Strandings Indicate?

One might think that velella’s strandings are a routine phenomenon. However, there is more to the strandings of these creatures that are left entirely at the mercy of prevailing winds.

In 2021, researchers at the University of Washington identified patterns in mass strandings of by-the-wind sailors after analyzing 20 years of data collected by thousands of citizen scientists.

They found that large numbers of velellas washed ashore at the same time from northwest Washington down to California’s Mendocino coast, especially during years with warmer-than-average winters.

Not only that.

KQED reported in 2025 that the surge in California strandings could be a result of human-caused climate change.

NOAA Fisheries also confirmed that mass strandings of velella happen more in years that experience warmer-than-average winter sea surface temperatures.

Beach Etiquette During Velella Strandings

Velella might be a unique sight for beachgoers. However, concerns over their safety are bound to arise.

Scientists note that by-the-wind sailors are not harmful to people, and their sting is very mild. Still, marine biologists say it is best not to touch them since they can cause slight skin irritation.

If you are strolling down the beach with your dogs, make sure you keep your furry companions away from velellas as eating them can make pets sick.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, velella’s strandings on beaches is a natural sign of spring.

If you see them, feel free to take photos. Scientists encourage to share photos since it helps them track ocean and climate patterns.