A routine beach-flag update in Puerto Vallarta came with an extra warning Thursday after jellyfish were reported at Playa Flamingos. Civil Protection listed the beach under both yellow and purple flags, signaling moderate sea conditions and the presence of potentially harmful marine life. Other monitored beaches were also marked with yellow flags, but Flamingos carried the additional caution. Authorities advised beachgoers to avoid contact with the animals and follow lifeguard instructions while the warning remains in place.
Jellyfish warning issued at Playa Flamingos
Puerto Vallarta Civil Protection and Firefighters issued a preventive alert Thursday for the presence of jellyfish at Playa Flamingos, where the latest beach-flag report showed both yellow and purple flags.
The report was dated May 21, 2026. Authorities said the yellow flag indicated moderate sea conditions, while the purple flag warned of marine wildlife that could pose a risk to people in the water.
Civil Protection urged people at Playa Flamingos to avoid contact with jellyfish and to follow instructions from lifeguards working in the area.
Other beaches remain under yellow flags
The same report listed several other monitored beaches under yellow flags. Those included Palmares, Conchas Chinas, Los Muertos, Camarones, Holly, and Playa de Oro.
A yellow flag does not close the beach, but it signals that people should exercise caution before entering the water due to conditions such as moderate waves or currents.
At Playa Flamingos, the additional purple flag indicates that the warning extends beyond sea conditions. It reflects the reported presence of jellyfish, locally known as aguamalas.
Authorities ask beachgoers to follow flag warnings
The beach-flag system is used to communicate changing conditions along the coast. In Puerto Vallarta, yellow indicates swimmers should enter with caution, while purple indicates potentially harmful fauna is present.
Officials asked people to respect posted signs and follow lifeguard instructions. No injuries were reported in the available information.
