That said, there are plenty of much smaller individuals that wont grow above 15 foot long. That said, they like both the open ocean and the coastal parts and often swim close to the surface. Great whites are extremely rare in Europe, but the Mako shark isnt a stranger to Croatias waters. These "sea porcupines," as they are called in Croatian, can get stuck in your foot and are a literal pain to remove. 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 most characteristic part of the common thresher shark is its tail fin. 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. Nevertheless, the word shark is something they dont want to hear even if they are a hundred metres from the water. Still, as wonderful as Croatia is, like everywhere in the world, it is home to a plethora of wild animals. 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. Many different species of bear can be found in Croatia, but the most dangerous is the Brown bear, which is the most widely distributed large terrestrial carnivore in Europe. Much of it comes from Croatian waters, with nearly 50 metric tons exported every year. Are there sharks in Croatia that you can eat? Or just fantasized about catching sight of them dipping and diving out of the water alongside your boat? in the Adriatic, but only two are actually dangerous - and attacks are extremely rare. 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. That said, Croatia holds only around one percent of the worlds spiny dogfish export share. 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. 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. Dolphin sightings are frequently reported off Silbas western shores, and its not uncommon for dolphin calves to be seen swimming alongside their mothers. Its a good idea to get be able to identify them if youre planning a Croatian retreat. in the water, close to the shore - theyll prick your feet, making it painful to walk for the rest of your vacation! In the last 25 years, only four people have been killed by bites and poison of viper in the area of Split-Dalmatia County. The short answer is yes, and that includes Shortfin mako shark. After watching it in cinemas during Yugoslav times, in sheer terror, their lives were changed forever. 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. Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Theres also no certainty behind their attacks, but weve all seen Jaws and know just how horrendous the result can be. Blue Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. To put things in perspective, in 2011 alone, 982 people died from accidents due to falling from heights. Blue Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. 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. ], traffic jams, celebrity appearances on the coast, and other stories that venture into the world of the bizarre. This is why I would suggest to my family and to everyone else visiting Croatia this summer: sharks may have thousands of sharp teeth, but restaurants, bars and a good many other things on the Adriatic coast may rip you apart far worse. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. 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. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. While cards are widely accepted, some bars or shops are often cash only. About the author Jamie As with most European countries, Croatias forests and gardens are no strangers to ticks. Even if you come by plane, the chances are that the taxi driver will rip you off. A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. Theyre also quite shy, so they swim away rather than attack. 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. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. 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. Tourists to Croatia should be more on the alert for non-shark-related dangers. 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. Most recorded attacks by this specie have been provoked by divers or fishermen. To get the best exchange rate, exchange Euros or US dollars inside any bank, or take out cash from a bank ATM. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Is There Sharks In Croatia? Somewhat of an undiscovered gem, this forested island is dotted with colorful Venetian villages, pebble beaches, and ancient history. 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. Only three bear attacks have been reported in the country in the last 20 years and none of them were fatal. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. 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. Put bana Josipa Jelacica 25, 20207, Brasina, Mlini. He would go fishing, but even then, was extra careful if he caught anything bigger than a sardine. 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. That's why as a Croatia travel advisor based in Dubrovnik, I help travelers navigate these logistics to ensure a smooth vacation. 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. 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. 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. Cyprus Road Trip: Your Epic 7 Day Itinerary, Croatia Hidden Gems: 9 Secret Spots to Visit, Beaches & History: The Ultimate Dubrovnik 5 Day Itinerary. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. 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. What to do if youve been bitten by a Black Widow? Speedboats are significantly more dangerous than sharks. Wear sunscreen and a hat, drink lots of water, and try to find shade when you can. 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. Whats more, the vast waters around Pag are also great for dolphin and whale watching. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark! Their diet is rich in squid, small, boneless marine animals, and many species of small fish and sharks. Tingling and numbness around the sting spot. Dont worry though, they dont present any danger to people. The short answer is yes, and that includes Shortfin mako shark. That said, its unlikely youll spot one around Croatia, since they arent common there at all. When is the best time to see dolphins in Croatia? Luka Malohodi | OIB: 58266458494 | IBAN: HR5824070001100032262 |. Judging by its historically rich, vibrant cities, idyllic beaches, and exceptional food and wines, it comes as no surprise. Common thresher sharks are known to live in Croatian waters but seeing one isnt an easy task. It's also legally required that you wear shoes. 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. Luckily, only two sharks in Croatias waters are considered dangerous, and coming across either is extremely unlikely. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. Luckily, most of them are harmless, and its extremely rare to ever see one there. 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. WebDubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. Yes, unfortunately there are sharks in the Adriatic sea and many species of them too. Theyre very slow and often hang around the surface of the water, which makes them an easy target for fishermen. The last sighting of this type of shark in Croatia was back in 2020 in Central Dalmatia. Sharks Arent the Real Killers On Croatias Coast. 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. Just to stress how silly those fears were, I give you the statistics. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. 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. 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. 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. 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. They usually stick to deep, offshore parts of the seas, rather than the shallow waters near the beaches. 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. Another thing that makes Silba so special is that the island is completely pedestrianized. 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. 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. When it comes to swimming, I'm never worried about dangerous fish, and there aren't sharks near the coast. Still, there are a few dangerous shark species that lurk in these waters, including the Mako and even the great white shark. Here I have put together a helpful guide showing which animals are dangerous, where they can be found in Croatia, what you should look out for, and what to do if you get bitten. 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. Korcula might be just seven kilometers wide, but with its long, narrow shape, it boasts almost 100 kilometers of dazzling coastline. 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. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? Croatia is home to a few species of venomous snakes, most of which belong to the viper family. Some rocks are unstable, and sometimes you can't see rocks under the surface of the sea. are the only poisonous species of snake in Croatia, and can be identified by the zig zag pattern on their backs. Not only is Dubrovnik filled with cobble-stoned streets, but there are also a lot of stairs, so packing comfortable shoes is essential. A leisurely walk will take about 2 hours. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. 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 last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! As empirical proof of the horror of sharks among ordinary Croatian families, I give you my family. Despite being depicted in the famous production Jaws as a vicious man-eating creature, scientists believe that great whites are not fond of human meat. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! Although they were once very common in the Adriatic, angel sharks are now critically endangered due to overfishing. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Yes, unfortunately there are sharks in the Adriatic sea and many species of them too. So, your chances of an unpleasant encounter with the great hunters of the seas are incredibly small. Yes, of course. I also try not to drive into town during the summer, as there is usually a lack of parking and frequent traffic jams. 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). 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 last attack happened in 2008. 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 or a fellow traveler get stung by a scorpion, you should clean the area well, apply a cool compress and take pain medication as needed. There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. There are even some dangerous types, which include the man-eating monster from Jaws, the great white shark. There are realistic chances that you will find someone else lying on your towel after you leave the water.