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. The short answer is yes, and that includes Shortfin mako shark. Practice caution when outside in the summer, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest. Luxury Tour and Travel Agency in Croatia This can be fatal to children, the elderly, and the sick. Blue Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. Are There Sharks in Croatia In conclusion, you will likely find Croatia one of the most rewarding places to swim in Europe. Theyre more of an annoyance than anything else. Encounters with sharks are rare and theyre usually not aggressive. Is Croatia home to sharks? 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. And yet as someone who has lived here for over four years, and originally came here seven years ago to study abroad, I still see a lot of tourists making common mistakes. Still, as wonderful as Croatia is, like everywhere in the world, it is home to a plethora of wild animals. ), mainly found along the coastline - their bites are painless, but deadly. Theyre really fast, which makes them capable of injuring and killing people, but they dont usually target humans. Is There Sharks In Croatia? The weather can change from clear skies to downpours in a matter of hours. All the same, its important to note that theyre a protected species in Croatia, so dont kill them if you come across one. 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. This may be wise for another reason. Bringing along a good insect repellent and wearing full-length clothing when outdoors comes highly recommended. In my experience, unlike other destinations in Europe, petty theft and crime are very rare. 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). Plus, there are actually not many of them living in this part of the world. 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 Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? Black Widows are typically found between boxes in storage spaces as well as shielded areas like attics and barns. You should also fill out this Enter Croatia form here. While the waterway can be busy with traffic, to the north of Brijuni and its national park, are some of the best dolphin spotting waters in the country. The only way to reach the Brijuni Islands is by ferry from Fazana on the mainland to the biggest island of Veliki Brijuni. A leisurely walk will take about 2 hours. Dubrovnik 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. Wear sunscreen and a hat, drink lots of water, and try to find shade when you can. Dolphins are most active at the crack of dawn, from around 5 am, until 10 am, and then from 5 pm until dusk. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? After watching it in cinemas during Yugoslav times, in sheer terror, their lives were changed forever. Shark menaces Dubrovnik beachgoers Just to stress how silly those fears were, I give you the statistics. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Visiting the Elaphiti Islands and BOWA Restaurant. Contact us today to start planning your custom-made Croatia tour! Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! 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. Local Fishing Experience - Maritimo Fishing 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. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. The islands of Croatia promise sun and relaxation. Are there any species of these marine creatures you should fear? Angel sharks can only grow up to seven feet long and weigh up to 77 pounds. Together with the great white, its one of the only two dangerous species that live in the Adriatic Sea. Could we soon see more American airlines flying to Croatia? The whole area is encompassed by the Brijuni National Park, established in 1983, and the waters are a protected conservation area. 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. That said, its unlikely youll spot one around Croatia, since they arent common there at all. The Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen islets nestled off the coast of the Istrian Peninsula, offering untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. So, they are familiar with the island and well aware how dangerous the Adriatic is. 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. Are there sharks in Croatia 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. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. As with most European countries, Croatias forests and gardens are no strangers to ticks. Shark Attack Data Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. You should also lookout for the vertical slits that form in their pupils. Carrying pepper spray, just in case, is also a good idea. Pods dive through the air in the Korcula channel and boat tours that head out in the early morning have the best chance of spotting them in action. Join us today at Rewind Dubrovnik Boat Trips as we answer that question.And while youre here, be sure to take a look at our Dubrovnik Private Boat Tours: our expert local guides take you out onto the azure waters of the Adriatic to uncover the most magical sites around the picturesque city of Dubrovnik. Speedboats are significantly more dangerous than sharks. A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. Unlike the previous two sharks, these arent really dangerous to humans, so there is no need to panic if you happen to see one. Even if you come by plane, the chances are that the taxi driver will rip you off. It's not socially acceptable to walk around town in your swimwear, especially in the Old Town. While cards are widely accepted, some bars or shops are often cash only. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. 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. Most beaches in Dubrovnik are rocky, which can make it tricky to get in and out of the water. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. 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. And in Zagreb, just to be sure. 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. 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. Yes, of course. Strong currents and waves pose more of a threat to swimmers than sea creatures in Croatia, but these can still also be avoided by swimming in protective bays that are flagged and patrolled by lifeguards. 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). A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate, Proof of recovery and the first dose of vaccine. 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. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. 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. Well, despite what you might think, you dont have to venture as far as the beaches of Bali to do so. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. 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. 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. Dubrovnik A leisurely walk will take about 2 hours. The early hours of the morning are the best time to spot dolphins when the water is most calm. However, you can tour the islands by boat with a number of operators from nearby Pula, the unofficial capital of the Croatian Istrian region. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. They can be recognized by the zigzag pattern on their backs, and if you get close enough to look into their eyes, youll notice their pupils form a vertical slit. Some rocks are unstable, and sometimes you can't see rocks under the surface of the sea. The Adriatic Sea is still deemed very safe for swimming. It wont usually exceed three feet in length, but sometimes you might be lucky to see larger individuals. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. That's why I always pack water shoes in my beach bag. the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia 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. Silba is located 30 kilometers from mainland Croatia, in the Zadar archipelago, southeast of Losinj, and nestled between the islands of Premuda and Olib. Ivan is always searching for unique places and experiences to offer his guests and wants to share some of his findings through the blog. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. Black widows are even more poisonous than many venomous snakes (although the males arent dangerous). Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. WebAre there sharks in Croatia? There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife 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. 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. Just a stones throw from Hvar and the Dalmatian coast, Korcula is Croatias sixth-largest island, covered in pine forests and with a jagged shoreline, punctuated by idyllic swimming spots and pebble beaches. Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. 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. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. What to do if youve been bitten by a Black Widow? Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. Look no further! Be that as it may, you shouldnt panic too much if you do find yourself stepping on one. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. Look no further! Dont wear bright jewellery. Somewhat of an undiscovered gem, this forested island is dotted with colorful Venetian villages, pebble beaches, and ancient history. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. Days would pass and he wouldnt take a swim. This may be wise for another reason. 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. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Portugal or Croatia? Similar to some whales, they use their mouths to filter all that from the water. Croatia is home to many wild animals (including snakes, bears, sharks and scorpions to name a few). Is There Sharks In Croatia? Try not to step on these, as the spikes will stay in your skin and it will be painful to walk on. 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. Yes, of course. About the author Jamie There are even some dangerous types, which include the man-eating monster from Jaws, the great white shark. 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). Ask locals for safe places to jump. Traffic signs can be confusing, the roads are narrow, and parking is often limited, causing traffic. His jump into the water from the stern and retreat back to the boat was surely a world record were literally talking seconds here. Besides press clippings from the papers featuring the keyword shark, the thing that built up their shark paranoia was Steven Spielbergs 1975 classic movie Jaws, still considered the best in the shark genre. 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. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Shortfin makos usually live in the deep waters far away from the coast. 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. In the last 25 years, only four people have been killed by bites and poison of viper in the area of Split-Dalmatia County. And so on, and so on. Usually its people who step on them accidentally while walking barefoot. You can recognize spiny dogfish by their characteristic white spots. Their diet is rich in squid, small, boneless marine animals, and many species of small fish and sharks. We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Shark spotted near the island of Korcula Yes, of course. 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. Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark! Put bana Josipa Jelacica 25, 20207, Brasina, Mlini. Are there sharks in Croatia that you should be scared of? There are a few species of poisonous snakes in Croatia, which all belong to the Viper family. Even so, you should definitely avoid stepping on these tiny, spiked, black, ball-shaped critters. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. are the only poisonous species of snake in Croatia, and can be identified by the zig zag pattern on their backs. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. When is the best time to see dolphins in Croatia? 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. Dont let me start on the crazy jet-skiers, who drive like they have a licence to kill. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. This may be wise for another reason. Dont worry though, they dont present any danger to people. Dubrovnik in the water, close to the shore - theyll prick your feet, making it painful to walk for the rest of your vacation! Scientific Reports magazine stated that between 2000 and 2015, Croatia (despite its large bear population), is at the bottom of the list in terms of number of attacks, with only three non-lethal attacks recorded throughout the survey period. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. To get the best exchange rate, exchange Euros or US dollars inside any bank, or take out cash from a bank ATM. 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. Its also one of the best places to see dolphins in Croatia and around 100 bottlenosed ones live in the waters around the island. Croatia is home to a few species of venomous snakes, most of which belong to the viper family. 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. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? 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. As the name suggests, you can distinguish these sharks by their beautiful deep blue color, which appears on top of their bodies. 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. 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. If you do rent a car, make sure you are okay with all the above. 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. These creatures tend to be very aggressive, especially when nursing their cubs, or when theyre hungry. 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. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. If you do come across a bear while walking, hiking, or camping, the best course of action would be to play dead. Or just fantasized about catching sight of them dipping and diving out of the water alongside your boat? They can also come close to the shore, especially as Korcula has some steep drop-offs along its jagged coast. 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 has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the Croatia. Royal Croatian Tours - Our Blog, Read for Travel Tips! - Luxury Tour Located in the northern Adriatic, Losinj is a spectacular island with striking scenery, fascinating architecture, and picturesque bays. 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. Dont swim too far away from the coastline. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. After the whale shark, its the second largest in the world. Local Fishing Experience - Maritimo Fishing Its a good idea to get be able to identify them if youre planning a Croatian retreat. Still, there are a few dangerous shark species that lurk in these waters, including the Mako and even the great white shark. Two Sharks spotted in Dubrovnik My uncle was even more radical. 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. If you find a tick attached to your skin or clothing, you should grab a pair of tweezers, pinch the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out without twisting or turning, then dispose of it. To put things in perspective, in 2011 alone, 982 people died from accidents due to falling from heights. 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.