Theyre great for protecting your feet. Located in the northern Adriatic, Losinj is a spectacular island with striking scenery, fascinating architecture, and picturesque bays. Jokester as he is, he said the only scuba diving he would sign up for would take place in his bathtub. ], traffic jams, celebrity appearances on the coast, and other stories that venture into the world of the bizarre. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Dont let me start on the crazy jet-skiers, who drive like they have a licence to kill. Dont try to move it or move closer to it, and wait at a safe distance until it moves out of your way. The last sighting of this type of shark in Croatia was back in 2020 in Central Dalmatia. 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. If you're planning a trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia, be aware of weather and COVID-19 advisories. Youll find the most unique, and generally, dangerous bears in the northern part of Croatia. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. 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. Conservationists track the early years of the pups around Croatias coast, and your excursion tour guide is sure to fill you in on everything there is to know about the lives of young dolphins in the Adriatic. In conclusion, you will likely find Croatia one of the most rewarding places to swim in Europe. Just to stress how silly those fears were, I give you the statistics. Are there sharks in Croatia that you should be scared of? 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 Also make sure you are comfortable with heights, as the main road connecting Dubrovnik to the airport goes alongside a steep cliff. The last attack happened in 2008. 2022 Royal Croatian Tours. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? A negative PCR test (taken 72 hours before arrival at the border) or an Antigen test (taken 24 hours before arrival at the border). 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. What is the Ideal 4-Day Itinerary in Croatia? How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. They arent particularly life-threatening either, since their venom is too weak to kill humans. 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. Its also one of the best places to see dolphins in Croatia and around 100 bottlenosed ones live in the waters around the island. There are a few species of poisonous snakes in Croatia, which all belong to the Viper family. Responsible for the highest number of fatal shark attacks in the world, this one has a reputation as the deadliest marine beast of all. 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). Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. Once you discover the countrys picturesque islands, bays, and coastal villages, the thought of historical encounters with sharks will be far from your mind! Its only the females that release their poison in their bites. WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. Carrying pepper spray, just in case, is also a good idea. WebDubrovnik has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the Croatia. The last attack happened in 2008. 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. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. 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. No, not the Jaws type with the fin and razor-sharp teeth but the American football type. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. Dont wear bright jewellery. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Portugal or Croatia? WebDubrovnik has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the 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. The pedestrianized central Placa in the old town is also paved with limestone and punctuated with boutiques and local eateries. Is There Sharks In Croatia? Try to remove the spine carefully if its still stuck in your foot without pricking your hand, clean the affected area, and remove any remaining spikes using tweezers. 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 The highest chance to spot one in Croatia is around Molat Island in the Zadar archipelago. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. What are some of the most beautiful places I can visit in Croatia? WebThe short answer is yes. The Adriatic Sea is considered very safe for swimming and millions of tourists revel in the warm azure sea every year. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. It has a pointed snout and seven fins in total. 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. Days would pass and he wouldnt take a swim. Sharks also have the ability to smell blood from over 15 meters, so its important to avoid swimming in deep water with a fresh wound. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. Tingling and numbness around the sting spot. 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. 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. From the tourist haven of Dubrovnik to remote Adriatic islands, these are the best places to spot them. 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. 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. While most holidaymakers never even get close to seeing a shark during their Croatian adventures, it doesnt mean that theyre not lurking beneath the surface of the seas. 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. You can also swim in marked areas on the Brijuni Islands and recreational water sports are allowed in designated parts of the park. Dont swim too far away from the coastline. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. 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. 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. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. Unfortunately, these notoriously dangerous spiders are common throughout Croatia, with their favorite habitats being the Primorje, Dalmatia, and Istria regions. 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. Could we soon see more American airlines flying to Croatia? It's not socially acceptable to walk around town in your swimwear, especially in the Old Town. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Lets get into it. As mentioned above, theyre not really dangerous to humans and nothing occurred as a result of said sighting. Plus, there are actually not many of them living in this part of the world. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. 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. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. Angel sharks can only grow up to seven feet long and weigh up to 77 pounds. Some forget to read up on entry restrictions, stay out in the sun too long, and forget essential items when packing. There are just a couple of scorpion species in Croatia, and the good news is that theyre not the life-threatening ones. Despite some 25 years of us children making fun of our elders fears, they remain wary of the water. Theyre also far less common in the northeastern part of the country, and unlikely to be spotted on Rab Island, Dugi Otok, or Mljet. If I'm going out during this time, I always make sure to throw a rain jacket or umbrella in my car. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. They have lighter sides that blend into white underneath. 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. Even so, you should definitely avoid stepping on these tiny, spiked, black, ball-shaped critters. Is Croatia home to sharks? 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. The fierce Bora blows the salty waters all across the inland meadows, scattering dry salt dust all over the island as a result. However, it's taken me years to get used to driving in Dubrovnik. Fear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark! The statistic that should be making headlines annually is that 100 million sharks are killed each year by humans. The potentially lethal Horned viper is found throughout the country. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. A List of the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia. The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. You can spend hours getting lost in the winding and steep narrow streets that are characteristic of this magical city. To prevent a sea urchin injury altogether, pick up a pair of water shoes! The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. My uncle was even more radical. Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark! Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. 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. As the name suggests, you can distinguish these sharks by their beautiful deep blue color, which appears on top of their bodies. Are there sharks in Croatia? 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. Be that as it may, you shouldnt panic too much if you do find yourself stepping on one. To get the best exchange rate, exchange Euros or US dollars inside any bank, or take out cash from a bank ATM. Croatia is home to many wild animals (including snakes, bears, sharks and scorpions to name a few). Sharks Arent the Real Killers On Croatias Coast. Thats why theyre often mistaken for a ray. That's why I always pack water shoes in my beach bag. The latest reported sighting of the blue shark in Croatian waters was in June 2021 off the north coast of Korcula Island. And in Zagreb, just to be sure. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. 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. Readers heading to Croatia, youre in luck. 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. Another thing that makes Silba so special is that the island is completely pedestrianized. 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. Unlike the previous two sharks, these arent really dangerous to humans, so there is no need to panic if you happen to see one. 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 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. 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. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. Is There Sharks In Croatia? This flavors the wild pastures and actually infuses sheeps milk with a distinct salty taste that can be recognized in the namesake, Pag cheese. ), mainly found along the coastline - their bites are painless, but deadly. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. Black widows are even more poisonous than many venomous snakes (although the males arent dangerous). 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. Next up, we have Scorpions. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. Youre most likely to approach them if you take a boat trip further away from the coast. 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. 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. All the same, its important to note that theyre a protected species in Croatia, so dont kill them if you come across one. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. Contact us today to start planning your custom-made Croatia tour! Having a car while in Dubrovnik is a great option if you plan to take day trips throughout Southern Dalmatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. Shortfin makos usually live in the deep waters far away from the coast. That said, its classified as endangered, so the chances of spotting one, let alone getting attacked by one in Croatia, are extremely low. I always make sure to carry cash in Dubrovnik. 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. A leisurely walk will take about 2 hours. What to do if youve been bitten by a Black Widow? 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. Look no further! WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. You can recognize spiny dogfish by their characteristic white spots. 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. Yes, unfortunately there are sharks in the Adriatic sea and many species of them too. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. Most recorded attacks by this specie have been provoked by divers or fishermen. 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. 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. These animals generally seek habitats in mountainous regions and seeing as Croatia has no shortage of incredible mountains and forests, it makes perfect sense that theyre indigenous to the area. Here is a list of a few specific vipers and where they can be found in Croatia. 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. The crystal clear waters are perfect for exploring Korculas marine life and deep sea diving is a big sport in Dalmatia. I also always make sure to wear a proper shirt and shorts or dress over my swimsuit. Blue Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. You can recognize them by their characteristic long, thin, and gently tilted teeth that are also visible when their mouths are shut. You can recognize them from other species by their color and shape think a dark grey back that can almost appear black and a contrasting whitish belly. This huge rock and cave straddle the Croatian-Bosnian border. The biggest shark that lives in Croatian waters is the basking shark. 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. 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. If there is any danger related to animals in Croatias coastal regions, it would be in the form of prickly sea urchins and jellyfish. 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. The Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen islets nestled off the coast of the Istrian Peninsula, offering untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. 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. 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).