Some 50 kilometers up the coast from the Brijuni Islands, the waters off the coast of Porec can also offer great dolphin watching opportunities. 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). Also make sure you are comfortable with heights, as the main road connecting Dubrovnik to the airport goes alongside a steep cliff. My uncle was even more radical. The archipelago is separated from the west coast of Istria by the narrow Fazana Strait. However, we locals know that you can't just do this anywhere. However, the quaint old town of Korcula has been dubbed Little Dubrovnik thanks to its red-tiled roofs, local houses, medieval squares, and charming churches. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. Always dreamt of swimming with dolphins? in the water, close to the shore - theyll prick your feet, making it painful to walk for the rest of your vacation! Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. Meadow vipers are fond of grassy, mountainous landscapes too, and are typically found in Southern Velebit, as well as the Dinara mountain range. To get the best exchange rate, exchange Euros or US dollars inside any bank, or take out cash from a bank ATM. This flavors the wild pastures and actually infuses sheeps milk with a distinct salty taste that can be recognized in the namesake, Pag cheese. 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. They are responsible for the most unprovoked attacks on people, though, so are certainly ones to be cautious of. Angel sharks can only grow up to seven feet long and weigh up to 77 pounds. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? Seeing this monstrous marine creature with its huge, open mouth can be a terrifying experience. I also always make sure to wear a proper shirt and shorts or dress over my swimsuit. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. Their timid nature means getting close enough to observe is often a challenge. After watching it in cinemas during Yugoslav times, in sheer terror, their lives were changed forever. This may be wise for another reason. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. There are only two dangerous species of shark (Mako and Great White), and attacks are extremely rare. Still, there are a few dangerous shark species that lurk in these waters, including the Mako and even the great white shark. Ombla is one of the shortest rivers in the world, with the source being less than five kilometers from the rivers mouth in Dubrovnik, located at the foot of the Golubov Kamen massif. Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. 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). Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. are the only poisonous species of snake in Croatia, and can be identified by the zig zag pattern on their backs. Currently, as of publishing, Croatia removed mask mandates. Known for its lusted locations and Mediterannean lifestyle, Croatia has steadily increased in popularity in recent years. I always make sure to carry cash in Dubrovnik. Readers heading to Croatia, youre in luck. All of Croatias marine animals have been protected by law since the 1980s. You can recognize them by their characteristic long, thin, and gently tilted teeth that are also visible when their mouths are shut. If I'm going out during this time, I always make sure to throw a rain jacket or umbrella in my car. No, not the Jaws type with the fin and razor-sharp teeth but the American football type. 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. This means leaving your backpack on, lying flat on your stomach, covering your neck by clasping your hands together behind your head, and staying as still as possible while you wait for the bear to leave. Together with the great white, its one of the only two dangerous species that live in the Adriatic Sea. Blue Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. It might sound surprising but spiny dogfish is commonly sold as food in many countries across the world, especially in the UK, France, and the US. Theyre usually smaller than that, though. 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. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. 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. It was a surprising visit, considering how rarely you can see these creatures in the shallow waters near the shore. Overfishing has caused a decline in their population, so spotting one around Croatia is extremely rare. The ancient greeks called the island Black Korcula because of the dense, dark woodland that dominates much of the landscape. 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. Contact us today to start planning your custom-made Croatia tour! If youre the unfortunate victim of a snake bite try to avoid moving too much to prevent the poison from spreading, and seek immediate medical assistance. In conclusion, you will likely find Croatia one of the most rewarding places to swim in Europe. The most characteristic part of the common thresher shark is its tail fin. do exist in Croatia, but if they sting you, their poison isnt strong enough to be life threatening. The short answer is yes, and that includes Shortfin mako shark. Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. 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. Should a snake cross your path, the best course of action would be to try to stay calm and avoid giving the snake a scare. The majority of Croatian forest ticks arent infected by serious tick-borne illnesses, but those which tend to seek habitats in the continental parts of Croatia, around Zagreb, Koprivnica, Varazdin, and Bjelovar. They have pointed snouts and crescent-shaped tales. Are there sharks in Croatia? 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. It might be surprising, but there are around 30 species of sharks in Croatian waters. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. That said, Croatia holds only around one percent of the worlds spiny dogfish export share. 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. 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. However, it's taken me years to get used to driving in Dubrovnik. The whole area is encompassed by the Brijuni National Park, established in 1983, and the waters are a protected conservation area. You can also get a special cream from the pharmacy that will help the splinters come out on their own. The last attack happened in 2008. 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 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. The last attack happened in 2008. 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. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! 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. Common thresher sharks are known to live in Croatian waters but seeing one isnt an easy task. WebDubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. And in Zagreb, just to be sure. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Their venom might not be particularly potent, but a sting could still able to cause intense pain, burning, redness, swelling, and itching. The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. Croatia is home to many wild animals (including snakes, bears, sharks and scorpions to name a few). Theyre long and slender and might grow up to 12 feet but rarely exceed nine. Silba is located 30 kilometers from mainland Croatia, in the Zadar archipelago, southeast of Losinj, and nestled between the islands of Premuda and Olib. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. Lets get into it. Hop from island to island in a country that can boast 2,843 hours of sunlight annually and feel the revitalising effects of getting out into nature. Prepare also for hours of searching for a parking spot next to popular beaches, a danger to your nerves from which you may never recover. It might not be a bad idea to seek medical assistance to be safe (especially if the sting happens to a child). 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. From the tourist haven of Dubrovnik to remote Adriatic islands, these are the best places to spot them. Theyre really fast, which makes them capable of injuring and killing people, but they dont usually target humans. Over 1.9 million tourists visited Dubrovnik in 2019 alone, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Sharks Arent the Real Killers On Croatias Coast. Be that as it may, you shouldnt panic too much if you do find yourself stepping on one. Traffic signs can be confusing, the roads are narrow, and parking is often limited, causing traffic. 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. Overtourism in Dubrovnik has been on the rise over the past decade. Over the past 25 years, it has been responsible for four fatalities, but bites are still rare. WebDubrovnik is probably one of the safest places in the world. Oh, and there is also a good chance are that strong winds will stop the ferryboat line from some island, causing you to miss your booked flight. If you do come across a bear while walking, hiking, or camping, the best course of action would be to play dead. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. 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. While cards are widely accepted, some bars or shops are often cash only. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. 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. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. But does one of natures scariest animals swim just beneath the surface of the water? That said, its unlikely youll spot one around Croatia, since they arent common there at all. The short answer is yes, and that includes one of the most fearsome sea creatures out there: The great white shark. The statistic that should be making headlines annually is that 100 million sharks are killed each year by humans. In fact, there have only been a handful of biting incidents that involved blue sharks in recorded history, and just four were fatal. Cover your neck by clasping your hands together behind your neck, Stay as still as possible and wait for the bear to leave. WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. 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. Dont wear bright jewellery. 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. What to do if you get stung by a scorpion? as well as other partner offers and accept our. Even if you come by plane, the chances are that the taxi driver will rip you off. Simply stay mindful of your surroundings while travelling and you are unlikely to experience any unpleasant encounters the most significant safety precaution you must take is suncream!But if the thought of rare shark sightings is enough to keep you from dipping your toes in the waters, why not consider taking one of our Majestic Sunset Dubrovnik Boat Tours our expert guides take you out onto the azure waters of the Adriatic to admire the most magical sites in the Dubrovnik region. 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. 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. The last basking shark sighting in Croatia was in 2015 near Linjan, not too far from Pula. Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark! Just to stress how silly those fears were, I give you the statistics. Adorned with mosaics and housing an atrium, bishops palace, baptistery, and sacred relics from the 4th century, the basilica will fascinate even the least historically inclined visitor. Sign up for notifications from Insider! 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. The Adriatic Sea is still deemed very safe for swimming. With more and more conservation efforts in Croatia, there is also a possibility of spotting the common dolphin, which, despite its name, is a much rarer species. ), their temperature mild, and there will be plenty of opportunities to explore secluded bays and coves. 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. What to do if youve been bitten by a Black Widow? There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. I generally avoid the Old Town in July and August during the day for this reason. It wont usually exceed three feet in length, but sometimes you might be lucky to see larger individuals. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. 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. 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. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. Nevertheless, the word shark is something they dont want to hear even if they are a hundred metres from the water. The short answer is yes, and that includes Shortfin mako 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. According to the club the Sharks had a photo and video shoot in the Old City as part of future project. They are common in the Dinara mountain range, They generally like to live in grassy parts of the mountains at higher altitudes (1000m +), If you see a snake, stay calm and dont move any closer, Slowly walk away from the snake and give it space, Wait at a safe distance for the snake to move (if its in the way of your path), otherwise, slowly walk far around it, Stay calm and try to keep the bitten limb as still as possible to prevent the poison from spreading further.