The ancient greeks called the island Black Korcula because of the dense, dark woodland that dominates much of the landscape. Fear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. The port might be popular with ferries and fishing boats, but the lack of automated transport on the island helps keep pollution to a minimum, helping the diverse flora and fauna to thrive. Youll find the most unique, and generally, dangerous bears in the northern part of Croatia. My uncle was even more radical. The interesting part is, I am not talking about my generation, the children in the family, but about our parents. It might be surprising, but there are around 30 species of sharks in Croatian waters. The population sits at less than 300, but several thousands of tourists flock to its shores every summer for the sun, the sea, and the marine life. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. According to the Shark Research Institute, over the last 150 years (which is when record-keeping of shark attacks began), there have only been 11 attacks leading to death in Croatia. The cathedral complex is one of the oldest of its kind and best-preserved examples of Byzantine Christian architecture and art remaining in the modern world. The last attack happened in 2008. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. Yes, unfortunately there are sharks in the Adriatic sea and many species of them too. as well as other partner offers and accept our. About the author Jamie The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. Look no further! Dubrovnik is most famous for the huge 16th-century stone walls than encircle the town, but it also plays host to a selection of well-preserved ancient buildings. There has been one case of a great white attacking a spearfisherman off the coast of Croatia near the remote island of Vis in the last decade, however, no fatal attacks have occurred in the last fifty years. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider There are realistic chances that you will find someone else lying on your towel after you leave the water. The fierce Bora blows the salty waters all across the inland meadows, scattering dry salt dust all over the island as a result. The Museum of Apoxyomenos is also located in the town center and here youll find a bronze statue from the 1st or 2nd century BC that was recovered from the sea. Sharks are present in the Croatian Adriatic whether we like to think about them as we dip our feet in it during sweltering summer days or not. Is There Sharks In Croatia? Strong currents and waves pose more of a threat to swimmers than sea creatures in Croatia, but these can still also be avoided by swimming in protective bays that are flagged and patrolled by lifeguards. Despite the common misconception that sharks are bulky with a characteristic triangular, dorsal fins, this one has an unusually flattened body. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. Why you can trust Sky News Watch Next 'I'm remembering and crying' Couple rescued after 12 days under rubble 'UK will support others to send jets' Lost dog rescued on US freeway Dolphins might be a big part of the tourism draw in Croatia, but it is prohibited to disturb populations in any way, this means swimming and even sailing closely beside pods. Cyprus Road Trip: Your Epic 7 Day Itinerary, Croatia Hidden Gems: 9 Secret Spots to Visit, Beaches & History: The Ultimate Dubrovnik 5 Day Itinerary. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. Yet, Pag is much more than its agriculture. The pedestrianized central Placa in the old town is also paved with limestone and punctuated with boutiques and local eateries. Dolphin tours can take you close to areas where dolphins dwell and give you a good chance of sightings, but you have to keep your distance and you shouldnt knowingly get in the water with them. The Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen islets nestled off the coast of the Istrian Peninsula, offering untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. In fact, there have only been a handful of biting incidents that involved blue sharks in recorded history, and just four were fatal. If you want to avoid this scenario entirely, your best bet is to pick up a pair of protective water shoes. The potentially lethal Horned viper is found throughout the country. Even so, you should definitely avoid stepping on these tiny, spiked, black, ball-shaped critters. Stay up to date with what you want to know. The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. Look no further! With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. Nevertheless, the word shark is something they dont want to hear even if they are a hundred metres from the water. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. Just to stress how silly those fears were, I give you the statistics. With over 1,000 miles of beautiful coastline, turquoise waters, and plenty of sunshine, its no surprise that Croatia is one of the most popular European holiday destinations. The Great White is probably the most dangerous but there have only been 11 deaths in 150 years from Shark attacks at the waters are deemed very safe for swimming. That said, they like both the open ocean and the coastal parts and often swim close to the surface. After watching it in cinemas during Yugoslav times, in sheer terror, their lives were changed forever. Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Most recorded attacks by this specie have been provoked by divers or fishermen. Speedboats are significantly more dangerous than sharks. If, by comparison, we look at the number of shark attacks in the US or Australia during the same period, well see that they have had 1,999 and 1,237 attacks, respectively. This gigantic marine beast can grow up to a whopping 30 feet in length and usually weighs around 4.65 tons! This guide will answer the question are there sharks in Croatia by talking you through the seven species you might just find in the home of Dubrovnik and truffle-topped pasta. Our Facebook Travel Group is the perfect place for you to connect with other travelers from around the world and start planning your next adventure. They might be popular tourist destinations for snorkeling and relaxation, but the Brijuni Islands are uninhabited, which has given marine life great opportunities to thrive. The next shark headline followed on July 3, with a spectacular catch of a 2-metre-long mud shark by some fishermen on the northern island of Vir. In many cases, I've needed it. From the red hourglass markings on their abdomens to their jet black bodies, these spiders truly are a beauty to behold but dont be fooled, their venom packs a powerful punch. The great white, in particular, ranks among the top three shark species most likely to attack humans, but deadly encounters are rare, and globally there are only about five per year. Sharks tend to populate very deep waters and drop-offs and keep their distance from humans, and dolphins can actually be a deterrent for sharks. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. The most recent attack that ended in death took place in 1974 near Omis, and the last known recorded attack happened in the water near Vis, in 2008. They have lighter sides that blend into white underneath. These creatures are found primarily in the Adriatic coastal area of Croatia, and the chances of you having an encounter with one of these dangerous arthropods are actually fairly slim. You should also lookout for the vertical slits that form in their pupils. Join us today at Rewind Dubrovnik Boat Trips as we answer that question.And while youre here, be sure to take a look at our Dubrovnik Private Boat Tours: our expert local guides take you out onto the azure waters of the Adriatic to uncover the most magical sites around the picturesque city of Dubrovnik. Dolphins are most active at the crack of dawn, from around 5 am, until 10 am, and then from 5 pm until dusk. The last sighting of this type of shark in Croatia was back in 2020 in Central Dalmatia. Seeing this monstrous marine creature with its huge, open mouth can be a terrifying experience. Their diet is rich in squid, small, boneless marine animals, and many species of small fish and sharks. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. The strait between Pag and Vir is a popular dolphin spotting territory and lively pods make appearances for sunset cruises all throughout the high season. So, they are familiar with the island and well aware how dangerous the Adriatic is. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. Or just fantasized about catching sight of them dipping and diving out of the water alongside your boat? The real thing to remember when coming to Croatia is how magnificent the countrys seas truly are. Still, Korcula is no stranger to dolphin sightings and the creatures have even been known to join swimmers in the populated bay of Kneza on the island. Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. Theyre more of an annoyance than anything else. A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. So, where can you see dolphins in Croatia? To start, Dubrovnik's rocky terrain makes it ideal for cliff jumping. From the tourist haven of Dubrovnik to remote Adriatic islands, these are the best places to spot them. The pristine waters around the Pag archipelago are perfect for dolphins, who only live in very clean seas. So keep your eyes peeled when youre looking out to sea while enjoying that morning coffee. do exist in Croatia, but if they sting you, their poison isnt strong enough to be life threatening. The mighty Bora winds, which can reach hurricane speeds of 170 kilometers per hour, come in from the Velebit Mountain and whip across the narrow strait that separates Pag from mainland Croatia. I've seen tourists get sunstroke by spending too much time in the sun and not drinking enough water or wearing sufficient sunscreen. Dont swim too far away from the coastline. Dolphins are also warm-blooded animals and prefer temperate waters so their populations are most rife in Croatia from May until September, but you could spot them any time of year if youre lucky. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. This may be wise for another reason. The short answer is yes, and that includes Shortfin mako shark. In the last 150 year, there were 11 registered fatal shark attacks off Croatian waters, starting with one off Trieste in 1868, back when Croatia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. are the only poisonous species of snake in Croatia, and can be identified by the zig zag pattern on their backs. While Dubrovnik's local government is trying to combat this problem by restricting the number of cruise ships per day, tourist crowds in peak summer season are still a problem. If you're set on a prime July or August visit, I recommend staying outside of the city center in areas like upa or Cavtat, where you'll not only save money on accommodations, but you'll also be able to escape the crowds for a more relaxed stay. Still, if its the waters youre more interested in, Porec is also a big sporting destination with windsurfing, sailing, and paddle boarding among the popular recreational activities that tourists can enjoy on its beaches. WebDubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. In Croatia, they can be found in the Istrian region, Primorje, as well as in Dalmatia. They arent particularly life-threatening either, since their venom is too weak to kill humans. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? In the last 25 years, only four people have been killed by bites and poison of viper in the area of Split-Dalmatia County. Dolphin sightings are frequently reported off Silbas western shores, and its not uncommon for dolphin calves to be seen swimming alongside their mothers. Visiting the Elaphiti Islands and BOWA Restaurant. The three most dangerous species are the Horned viper, Karst Meadow Viper, and Common European viper, which can be distinguished by the zigzag patterns on their backs. When is the best time to see dolphins in Croatia? Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! According to the Shark Research Institute, over the last 150 years (which is when record-keeping of shark attacks began), there have only been 11 attacks leading to death in Croatia. There are only two dangerous species of shark (Mako and Great White), and attacks are extremely rare. Located in the northern Adriatic, Losinj is a spectacular island with striking scenery, fascinating architecture, and picturesque bays. They can be found in different places - in the bushes, under rocks, mainly places where there isnt a high volume of traffic. And in Zagreb, just to be sure. With a lack of serious politics to discuss, the media in Croatia, a country heavily reliant on tourism for the last 20 years, tend now report on the tourist season itself starting with the heat [well, you didnt see that one coming, did you? All the same, its important to note that theyre a protected species in Croatia, so dont kill them if you come across one. Yup, its a giant. There are plenty of dolphin-watching tours to sign on to, and the southern part of Losinj, connecting the eastern and western coasts, is even aptly named Dolphin Way because of the abundance of playful dolphins that live there. in the Adriatic, but only two are actually dangerous - and attacks are extremely rare. That's why as a Croatia travel advisor based in Dubrovnik, I help travelers navigate these logistics to ensure a smooth vacation. Known for its barren, almost lunar landscape, Pag is a sprawling and unique island in the Adriatic, located just a few kilometers off the mainland coast of northern Dalmatia. Brown bears are dispersed across Eastern Europe and they have healthy populations in the Balkans, but they usually mind their own business and avoid humans. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Unlike the previous two sharks, these arent really dangerous to humans, so there is no need to panic if you happen to see one. The temperature can get up to 40 Celsius in the summer and the sun itself is extremely strong. You can recognize spiny dogfish by their characteristic white spots. May, June, September, or October are all great alternative months when the weather is still sunny and warm and the crowds are far fewer. Sneakers or sandals that are durable are ideal, but if you do want to pack heels for a night out, I would opt for a block-heel or wedge over thin stilettos. Are there sharks in Croatia? Be that as it may, you shouldnt panic too much if you do find yourself stepping on one. They tend live on the sandy bottom in the relatively shallow parts of the sea. Sharks are present in the Croatian Adriatic whether we like to think about them as we dip our feet in it during sweltering summer days or not. This flavors the wild pastures and actually infuses sheeps milk with a distinct salty taste that can be recognized in the namesake, Pag cheese. The short answer is yes. Are there sharks in Croatia that you can eat? If I'm going out during this time, I always make sure to throw a rain jacket or umbrella in my car. The latest reported sighting of the blue shark in Croatian waters was in June 2021 off the north coast of Korcula Island. Portugal or Croatia? The shortfin mako shark is also known as the blue pointer or bonito shark and can grow up to 13 foot long and weigh no more than 1,300 pounds. The sea is also extremely clean, so I never worry about the quality of the water either. Cover your neck by clasping your hands together behind your neck, Stay as still as possible and wait for the bear to leave. They arent very dangerous because their poison isnt very strong, however, if you get stung, you could have the following symptoms: Some swelling, redness and itching around the sting spot. Still, as wonderful as Croatia is, like everywhere in the world, it is home to a plethora of wild animals. Stepping on a sea urchin is more of a nuisance than anything to be seriously worried about, so dont panic if you do step on one, just follow the steps below: Try to remove it carefully if its still stuck in your foot (but try not to prick your hand while doing so), Remove any spikes that can be reached with tweezers (some will be too deep to remove), Apply cream (go to the pharmacy, and the pharmacist will give you a special cream that will help the spikes come out on their own). Luka Malohodi | OIB: 58266458494 | IBAN: HR5824070001100032262 |. The distinctive walls are accessible, all 1,940 meters can be walked, providing views of glittering rooftops, private courtyards, meandering streets, or local fisherman swimming out to retrieve their nets. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. WebAre there sharks in Croatia? Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. The short length of the Ombla means much of the river is actually sea water, making way for a diverse mix of marine life. Only three bear attacks have been reported in the country in the last 20 years and none of them were fatal. Scientific Reports magazine stated that between 2000 and 2015, Croatia (despite its large bear population), is at the bottom of the list in terms of number of attacks, with only three non-lethal attacks recorded throughout the survey period. Angel sharks can only grow up to seven feet long and weigh up to 77 pounds. Meadow vipers are fond of grassy, mountainous landscapes too, and are typically found in Southern Velebit, as well as the Dinara mountain range. Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark!