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. 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. The weather can change from clear skies to downpours in a matter of hours. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. 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. Their diet is rich in squid, small, boneless marine animals, and many species of small fish and sharks. Dont let me start on the crazy jet-skiers, who drive like they have a licence to kill. It is people, though, that take advantage of these marine creatures. 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. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. 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. Their venom might not be particularly potent, but a sting could still able to cause intense pain, burning, redness, swelling, and itching. Just to stress how silly those fears were, I give you the statistics. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. 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. A leisurely walk will take about 2 hours. are the only poisonous species of snake in Croatia, and can be identified by the zig zag pattern on their backs. The last attack happened in 2008. 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). Not only is Dubrovnik filled with cobble-stoned streets, but there are also a lot of stairs, so packing comfortable shoes is essential. That said, they like both the open ocean and the coastal parts and often swim close to the surface. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. They have lighter sides that blend into white underneath. WebDubrovnik has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the Croatia. The short answer is yes, and that includes Shortfin mako shark. We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. They like deep waters and rarely visit the shoreline, so the chances of spotting this creature while bathing by the coves are, again, very low. We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. Common European vipers favor habitats in mountainous regions, meadows, and other freshwater shores like the lowlands of the Sava, Drava, Mura, and Danube Rivers. Black Widows are typically found between boxes in storage spaces as well as shielded areas like attics and barns. As mentioned above, theyre not really dangerous to humans and nothing occurred as a result of said sighting. That said, there are plenty of much smaller individuals that wont grow above 15 foot long. 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. Unlike the previous two sharks, these arent really dangerous to humans, so there is no need to panic if you happen to see one. Theyre also far less common in the northeastern part of the country, and unlikely to be spotted on Rab Island, Dugi Otok, or Mljet. Yes, of course. A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. Sharks According to the Shark Research Institute, over the last 150 years (which is when record-keeping of shark attacks began), there have been 11 attacks that led to death in Croatia. Dont worry though, they dont present any danger to people. All the same, its important to note that theyre a protected species in Croatia, so dont kill them if you come across one. 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. Dolphin sightings are frequently reported off Silbas western shores, and its not uncommon for dolphin calves to be seen swimming alongside their mothers. Croatias waters are better known for their great sporting opportunities and fantastic clarity for snorkeling and dolphin watching, but there are also around 45 species of shark that live in the Adriatic. In 50 years of enjoying the sea, their casualties are down to one: my grandfather was slightly stung by a jellyfish although an independent family commission never properly investigated the case. However, you do have to wear masks in medical institutions. You can easily distinguish it from other species by the long and pointed upper part of the tail, which is often nearly as long as the rest of the sharks body. You can spend hours getting lost in the winding and steep narrow streets that are characteristic of this magical city. Yup, its a giant. The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. They also have a tendency to attack when their environment is interfered with. They tend live on the sandy bottom in the relatively shallow parts of the sea. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. 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. Try not to step on these, as the spikes will stay in your skin and it will be painful to walk on. The last basking shark sighting in Croatia was in 2015 near Linjan, not too far from Pula. Pag is also strategically close to Losinj, and the 100 or so dolphins that population Losinjs waters often make their way down to Pags shores. WebAre there sharks in Croatia? According to the Shark Research Institute, over the last 150 years (which is when record-keeping of shark attacks began), there have been 11 attacks that led to death in Croatia. The highest chance to spot one in Croatia is around Molat Island in the Zadar archipelago. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. Most beaches in Dubrovnik are rocky, which can make it tricky to get in and out of the water. Thanks to their flattened bodies, they can camouflage themselves and wait for prey, which usually are small marine creatures. The most poisonous spider in Europe is the black widow, which can be recognized by its black body and red spots on their backs. Readers heading to Croatia, youre in luck. 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. Sign up for notifications from Insider! There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. Losinj is known for its lush vegetation and laid-back vibe. People have been known to suffer nausea, muscle aches, and strained breathing due to paralysis of the diaphragm after being bitten. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch. Theyre really fast, which makes them capable of injuring and killing people, but they dont usually target humans. 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. It's not socially acceptable to walk around town in your swimwear, especially in the Old Town. Dont wear bright jewellery. Theyre great for protecting your feet. You should also fill out this Enter Croatia form here. 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. WebDubrovnik has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the Croatia. Scorpions can be found in Croatia mainly on the Adriatic Coast, not as much in continental regions. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. The short answer is yes. in the water, close to the shore - theyll prick your feet, making it painful to walk for the rest of your vacation! To put things in perspective, in 2011 alone, 982 people died from accidents due to falling from heights. 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. The Adriatic Sea is considered very safe for swimming and millions of tourists revel in the warm azure sea every year. Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark! 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. They typically favor habitats in unpolluted environments, so if youre surrounded by these creatures, at least you can bet that youre swimming in pristine water. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? 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. My family from my mothers side has been going to the northern island of Rab for half a century. They arent particularly life-threatening either, since their venom is too weak to kill humans. WebThe short answer is yes. The last fatal attack took place in 1974 near Omis in Dalmatia, just before Spielbergs film kicked in. Is Croatia home to sharks? Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? Sea urchins are prominent in the Adriatic Sea. 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. Seeing this monstrous marine creature with its huge, open mouth can be a terrifying experience. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. Cyprus Road Trip: Your Epic 7 Day Itinerary, Croatia Hidden Gems: 9 Secret Spots to Visit, Beaches & History: The Ultimate Dubrovnik 5 Day Itinerary. 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. Even so, you should definitely avoid stepping on these tiny, spiked, black, ball-shaped critters. My uncle was even more radical. Even so, bear attacks are rare, and of the three recorded attacks from 2000 to 2015, none were fatal. Portugal or Croatia? Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? If there is any danger related to animals in Croatias coastal regions, it would be in the form of prickly sea urchins and jellyfish. Carrying pepper spray, just in case, is also a good idea. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. 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. They usually stick to deep, offshore parts of the seas, rather than the shallow waters near the beaches. Theyre long and slender and might grow up to 12 feet but rarely exceed nine. Practice caution when outside in the summer, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest. You can recognize spiny dogfish by their characteristic white spots. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. in the Adriatic, but only two are actually dangerous - and attacks are extremely rare. Only three bear attacks have been reported in the country in the last 20 years and none of them were fatal. Nobody has to get bitten or eaten, nor does it have to be a dangerous species, or longer than a metre; just as long it is a real shark. Its only the females that release their poison in their bites. 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. Overtourism in Dubrovnik has been on the rise over the past decade. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. Youre most likely to approach them if you take a boat trip further away from the coast. There are only two dangerous species of shark (Mako and Great White), and attacks are extremely rare. This may be wise for another reason. Speedboats are significantly more dangerous than sharks. Sharks According to the Shark Research Institute, over the last 150 years (which is when record-keeping of shark attacks began), there have been 11 attacks that led to death in Croatia. You can also swim in marked areas on the Brijuni Islands and recreational water sports are allowed in designated parts of the park. 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. All of Croatias marine animals have been protected by law since the 1980s. If you're planning a trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia, be aware of weather and COVID-19 advisories. It has a pointed snout and seven fins in total. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. Well, despite what you might think, you dont have to venture as far as the beaches of Bali to do so. 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. Nevertheless, we encourage sticking to the recommended routes when hiking and taking a guide with you if you plan to go off the beaten track. Two of my aunts, even when went for long swims, now always did so taking small routes, and only at a depth at which they could still stand. The only way to reach the Brijuni Islands is by ferry from Fazana on the mainland to the biggest island of Veliki Brijuni. Dolphin-watching trips achieve regular sightings, and you could even stumble across a pod by accident if youre cruising the ocean at the right time. Luckily, most of them are harmless, and its extremely rare to ever see one there. Yes, of course. Ask locals for safe places to jump. It lives in shallow waters, so its among the most likely sharks to see while bathing in those crystal-clear Croatian waters. 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. This may be wise for another reason. When is the best time to see dolphins in Croatia? That said, there is no need to be scared because theyre totally harmless to people. There are around 30 species of these often-feared marine creatures in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of this European country. If it doesnt, retreat slowly and choose another route, just to be on the safe side. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. 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. That's why I always pack water shoes in my beach bag. May, June, September, or October are all great alternative months when the weather is still sunny and warm and the crowds are far fewer. As luck would have it, they have terrible eyesight and catch prey, like flying and climbing insects, through vibrations in their web, so you should be fine as long as you dont stumble through them. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. 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 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. It's also legally required that you wear shoes. 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. The short answer is yes, and that includes one of the most fearsome sea creatures out there: The great white shark. 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. Or just fantasized about catching sight of them dipping and diving out of the water alongside your boat? Unlike many other species of shark, common threshers have relatively small teeth, which means they only pose a minimal threat to humans. So, can sharks be found in Croatias waters? WebDubrovnik is probably one of the safest places in the world. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. Is There Sharks In Croatia? If you come across a bear as youre walking, hiking or camping in the woods, you should simply play dead. However, there are precautions to take as a traveler. 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 one of the most dangerous animals in Croatia, but bear sightings are a rarity and they tend to dwell in remote forest areas. Dolphin tours leave daily from Dubrovnik and much of the journey around the nearby islets that flank Dubrovniks shores. 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.