Theyre typically metallic blue-grey with whitish colors underneath. After the whale shark, its the second largest in the world. 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. That said, its unlikely youll spot one around Croatia, since they arent common there at all. Angel sharks are harmless to people but can still give a nasty bite if provoked. ), mainly found along the coastline - their bites are painless, but deadly. There are about 2030 species of sharks, but only two species of sharks that can rarely be seen in the Adriatic sea are dangerous to humans: the great white shark and the shortfin mako shark. 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. 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. As empirical proof of the horror of sharks among ordinary Croatian families, I give you my family. This may be wise for another reason. Dolphins are most active at the crack of dawn, from around 5 am, until 10 am, and then from 5 pm until dusk. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. However, it's taken me years to get used to driving in Dubrovnik. Luckily, unfortunate encounters are preventable for the most part, but to ensure you can wander through the magnificent Croatian woods and relax on the beach in peace, weve created a guide detailing exactly what to look out for. Lets get into it. Not only is Dubrovnik filled with cobble-stoned streets, but there are also a lot of stairs, so packing comfortable shoes is essential. Angel sharks can only grow up to seven feet long and weigh up to 77 pounds. Located in the northern Adriatic, Losinj is a spectacular island with striking scenery, fascinating architecture, and picturesque bays. Their venom might not be particularly potent, but a sting could still able to cause intense pain, burning, redness, swelling, and itching. Croatias waters are crystal clear (making it easier to spot any incoming sharks! Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. 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. Together with the great white, its one of the only two dangerous species that live in the Adriatic Sea. 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. Although Croatia is part of the European Union, they are still using Croatian Kuna until the end of 2022. The only time a bear is likely to attack unprovoked is if a mother bear is protecting her cubs. in continental Croatia - if you run into one, just play dead. The first story about sharks in the Adriatic in 2017 came unusually early on, on June 14, with an exclusive video of two men chasing away a 1.5-metre blue shark on a ski jet, poking it with a harpoon, which some saw as animal molestation, as spectators could be heard saying Poor thing! on the video. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. The old town is steeped in history and is home to the 15-century Church of St. George, which was part of Pags original defensive walls, and an archeological site with the ruins of a Franciscan monastery. He admitted his immense shark fear years ago, which could not be hidden, as he would freeze with the cigarette in his mouth when anyone started reading shark reports out loud. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. Before you even set foot in the Adriatic Sea, a bigger hazard is that you will likely spend about three hours in a queue on the border with Slovenia, or stuck in a traffic jam on the highway entrance to the St Rok tunnel. Sea urchins can dwell in shallow waters, and there is a chance that your foot could meet an urchins spiny back while walking on the seabed. Yes, of course. They might be one of the most dangerous animals in Croatia, but, fortunately, its unlikely that youll contract any infectious diseases like encephalitis or Lyme disease from them, but you still wouldnt want one under your skin. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. The sad reality is that shark populations have plummeted during the 20th century due to overall drops in fish populations and, therefore, the sharks food sources, mainly due to overfishing. A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. 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. Responsible for the highest number of fatal shark attacks in the world, this one has a reputation as the deadliest marine beast of all. Or just fantasized about catching sight of them dipping and diving out of the water alongside your boat? After watching it in cinemas during Yugoslav times, in sheer terror, their lives were changed forever. WebDubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. To start, Dubrovnik's rocky terrain makes it ideal for cliff jumping. Much less common in the northeastern part of the country, More common along the coast and have been seen on the islands, too, You probably wont find them on Rab Island, Dugi Otok or Mljet, Found in river lowlands of the Sava, Drava, Mura and Danube Rivers, Found in mountainous regions of Gorski Kotor, Found in meadows and long other freshwater shores. You dont need to hold back from enjoying the inviting Adriatic Sea, but it wouldnt be a bad idea to stick to swimming between the flags at the beach and avoid unallocated areas. PHOTO GALLERY Dubrovnik on the first weekend of March, VIDEO First March weekend in Dubrovnik come and take a stroll with us, Salaries of seasonal workers on Croatian coast exploding 3,200 euro a month for a grill master. Tourists have reported swimming with dolphins right off the coast from the sprawling city and bottlenosed dolphins have even been spotted at the top of the Ombla River in Dubrovnik. There are realistic chances that you will find someone else lying on your towel after you leave the water. Sharks Arent the Real Killers On Croatias Coast. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. The angelshark or angel shark is a more innocent representative of the shark family than the three listed above, so there is no need to worry if you happen to cross paths with one. This may be wise for another reason. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. You should also lookout for the vertical slits that form in their pupils. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. As opposed to the basking shark, the spiny dogfish is the smallest shark on this list. Yes, of course. Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. Look no further! No, not the Jaws type with the fin and razor-sharp teeth but the American football type. 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. Its quite common to find more of them on natural beaches that havent been cleaned (public beaches are often cleaned quite well of sea urchins). Are there sharks in Croatia? 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. Like the majority of sharks, they are grey on top with whiter colors underneath. A leisurely walk will take about 2 hours. However, we locals know that you can't just do this anywhere. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. In fact, there have only been a handful of biting incidents that involved blue sharks in recorded history, and just four were fatal. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. Speedboats are significantly more dangerous than sharks. Still, there are also a number of sunset dolphin cruises on offer in Porec, which afford spectacular views of the citys light when you return to the harbor at nightfall. In easy reach from Losinjs Dolphin Way, its no surprise that Silba offers great opportunities for spotting some of Croatias largest pods of dolphins, but its own waters, closer to shore, are equally mesmerizing. Speedboats are significantly more dangerous than sharks. 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 They can also come close to the shore, especially as Korcula has some steep drop-offs along its jagged coast. And in Zagreb, just to be sure. WebDubrovnik has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the Croatia. The last basking shark sighting in Croatia was in 2015 near Linjan, not too far from Pula. No, not the Jaws type with the fin and razor-sharp teeth but the American football type. Jokester as he is, he said the only scuba diving he would sign up for would take place in his bathtub. 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. They were transformed from children carelessly taking a swim to terror-filled adults, always searching the water for a shark fin on the surface. Ivan is always searching for unique places and experiences to offer his guests and wants to share some of his findings through the blog. Here is a list of a few specific vipers and where they can be found in Croatia. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. 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. Dont let the arid landscape fool you, there is plenty happening on Pags beaches and Zrce Plaza, in the town of Novalja to the north of the island, is a party hub playing host to a number of international music festivals every year. WebAre there sharks in Croatia? VIDEO Breathtaking aerial video of Dubrovnik coastline, PHOTO GALLERY Dubrovnik on the first w, VIDEO First March weekend in Dubrovnik, Salaries of seasonal workers on Croatian, Could we soon see more American airlines, Inflation rate in Croatia drops for thir, Dubrovnik-Neretva County has expected st, Croatia's Modric donates World Cup shirt, Lastovo port to be completely reconstruc. Just two days after a video showing a shark swimming off the Dalmatian coastline on the Makarska Riviera comes news that the same shark was spotted yesterday near the island of Korcula. Despite being home to a few species of dangerous sharks, Croatias waters are very safe to swim in and the Adriatic is enjoyed by millions of tourists across Europe every year. Are there sharks in Croatia? When is the best time to see dolphins in Croatia? The last attack happened in 2008. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. It might not be a bad idea to seek medical assistance to be safe (especially if the sting happens to a child). There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. 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. Theyre usually smaller than that, though. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. 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. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. Fear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. The Adriatic Sea is still deemed very safe for swimming. few dangerous shark species that lurk in these waters, Cyprus Road Trip: Your Epic 7 Day Itinerary, Croatia Hidden Gems: 9 Secret Spots to Visit, Beaches & History: The Ultimate Dubrovnik 5 Day Itinerary. I also always make sure to wear a proper shirt and shorts or dress over my swimsuit. 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? Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Yes! Knowing which ones to avoid before heading to the Balkan nation is a good idea. These "sea porcupines," as they are called in Croatian, can get stuck in your foot and are a literal pain to remove. Get a pair of tweezers, pinch the tick as close to the skin as possible (getting as much of the tick as possible) and pull straight out (no twisting or turning), Make sure there arent any parts of the tick still left in your skin. There are around 30 species of these often-feared marine creatures in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of this European country. 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. It has a pointed snout and seven fins in total. Blue sharks are a large species that live across almost all seas and oceans, including in parts of the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia. For years now, these Croatian shark reports have not included any actual encounters with people, however; the last dramatic one was in 2008, when a great white almost bit off the leg of a Slovenian scuba diver off the coast of the island of Vis. Its true that in 2008 a diver was attacked by a suspected great white shark, but the incident was newsworthy for how unusual it was, rather than it representing any kind of the norm.From the relevant statistics, we can see that since 1900, there have been 25 shark attacks in Croatian waters, with 14 people killed; the last such incident was in 1974. The crystal clear waters are perfect for exploring Korculas marine life and deep sea diving is a big sport in Dalmatia. Dolphins can be found all over the Mediterranean and more than 200 bottlenosed dolphins are estimated to live in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. There were only 25 recorded attacks on humans in the last 100 years here, too, so there is little reason to panic when bathing in the warm blue waters between Pula and Split. As mentioned above, theyre not really dangerous to humans and nothing occurred as a result of said sighting. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? Be that as it may, you shouldnt panic too much if you do find yourself stepping on one. Most recorded attacks by this specie have been provoked by divers or fishermen. Shark menaces Dubrovnik beachgoers Tuesday 23 June 2020 15:29, UK 0:38 Everyone gets out of the water as a shark sweeps along the coastline in Croatia. Once you discover the countrys picturesque islands, bays, and coastal villages, the thought of historical encounters with sharks will be far from your mind! Are there any species of these marine creatures you should fear? Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. To enter, you'll need one of the following: A negative PCR test (taken 72 hours before arrival at the border) or an Antigen test (taken 24 hours before arrival at the border). Their needles might not be venomous, but they break easily and can get stuck under the skin, and the pain that ensues is no joke. Meadow vipers are fond of grassy, mountainous landscapes too, and are typically found in Southern Velebit, as well as the Dinara mountain range. Their diet is rich in squid, small, boneless marine animals, and many species of small fish and sharks. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch. Theyre long and slender and might grow up to 12 feet but rarely exceed nine. Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations. Look no further! The fierce Bora blows the salty waters all across the inland meadows, scattering dry salt dust all over the island as a result. My family from my mothers side has been going to the northern island of Rab for half a century. I also try not to drive into town during the summer, as there is usually a lack of parking and frequent traffic jams. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. Usually its people who step on them accidentally while walking barefoot. Another thing that makes Silba so special is that the island is completely pedestrianized. In Croatia, they can be found in the Istrian region, Primorje, as well as in Dalmatia. The short answer is yes, and that includes one of the most fearsome sea creatures out there: The great white shark. 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. Even if just to steer clear of rip currents and undertows which pose more of a threat than the sea creatures. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. All rights reserved. Cyprus Road Trip: Your Epic 7 Day Itinerary, Croatia Hidden Gems: 9 Secret Spots to Visit, Beaches & History: The Ultimate Dubrovnik 5 Day Itinerary. There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. Stay up to date with what you want to know. 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. Yes, unfortunately there are sharks in the Adriatic sea and many species of them too. You should also fill out this Enter Croatia form here. The biggest shark that lives in Croatian waters is the basking shark. The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. Thanks to their flattened bodies, they can camouflage themselves and wait for prey, which usually are small marine creatures. This gigantic marine beast can grow up to a whopping 30 feet in length and usually weighs around 4.65 tons! 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. Pebble and sand beaches define the shoreline, and the dry, rugged lands are actually the reason for Pags most famous export. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. 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. Some rocks are unstable, and sometimes you can't see rocks under the surface of the sea. Porec is a bustling summer resort in western Istria, best known for the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica complex you can find in its old town. They arent particularly life-threatening either, since their venom is too weak to kill humans. If I'm going out during this time, I always make sure to throw a rain jacket or umbrella in my car. 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. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. It was a surprising visit, considering how rarely you can see these creatures in the shallow waters near the shore. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? 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. Black Widows are typically found between boxes in storage spaces as well as shielded areas like attics and barns. Search for the words Croatias waters, and youre likely to find an array of photos displaying Croatias stunning natural beauty: clear, bright blue waters and pristine sandy beaches. The short answer is yes. WebDubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. Even if you come by plane, the chances are that the taxi driver will rip you off. Much of it comes from Croatian waters, with nearly 50 metric tons exported every year. We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. While cards are widely accepted, some bars or shops are often cash only. 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. Theyre also far less common in the northeastern part of the country, and unlikely to be spotted on Rab Island, Dugi Otok, or Mljet. In the category of extreme sports, there is the discipline of dining in the first restaurant you find on Dubrovniks main street, Stradun wallets are often declared missing after that and youre also double checking that kuna-euro currency ratio. 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. 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. Overtourism in Dubrovnik has been on the rise over the past decade. I generally avoid the Old Town in July and August during the day for this reason. You can recognize them by their characteristic long, thin, and gently tilted teeth that are also visible when their mouths are shut. There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. Could we soon see more American airlines flying to Croatia? The sea is also extremely clean, so I never worry about the quality of the water either. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! There have been 11 fatal attacks in the last 150 years, with the most recent occurring in 1974 near Omis, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt avoid aggravating these ocean giants. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. The statistic that should be making headlines annually is that 100 million sharks are killed each year by humans. Despite some 25 years of us children making fun of our elders fears, they remain wary of the water. So, they are familiar with the island and well aware how dangerous the Adriatic is. in the water, close to the shore - theyll prick your feet, making it painful to walk for the rest of your vacation! The slightest glimpse of what could possibly, potentially, in theory, be a shark fin on the blue horizon is what every newspaper prays for. If youre planning to visit Croatia between the months of May and June, you should be wary of these creatures, since the most dangerous ticks are active during this time. Most of the forest ticks arent infected by the more serious tick-borne illnesses, but those who are infected can mostly be found in the continental part of Croatia, around Zagreb, Koprivnica, Varazdin, Bjelovar, etc.