What Are These Blue Ovals?
These creatures are commonly known as by-the-wind sailors (scientific name: Velella velella). Despite their simple appearance, they are fascinating marine organisms related to jellyfish and corals. Each individual consists of a flat, oval-shaped body with a gelatinous underside and a rigid, triangular “sail” on top.
This sail allows them to catch the wind and drift across the surface of the ocean. Depending on wind direction and ocean currents, large numbers can be blown ashore at once, creating the striking scenes you witnessed.
