Portugal or Croatia? The short answer is yes, and that includes one of the most fearsome sea creatures out there: The great white shark. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. 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. A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. 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. 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. 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. are the only poisonous species of snake in Croatia, and can be identified by the zig zag pattern on their backs. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! Dubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. They can also come close to the shore, especially as Korcula has some steep drop-offs along its jagged coast. You should also fill out this Enter Croatia form here. They tend live on the sandy bottom in the relatively shallow parts of the sea. Cyprus Road Trip: Your Epic 7 Day Itinerary, Croatia Hidden Gems: 9 Secret Spots to Visit, Beaches & History: The Ultimate Dubrovnik 5 Day Itinerary. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. 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. A List of the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia. 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. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. Sharks Arent the Real Killers On Croatias Coast. Its true that in 2008 a diver was attacked by a suspected great white shark, but the incident was newsworthy for how unusual it was, rather than it representing any kind of the norm.From the relevant statistics, we can see that since 1900, there have been 25 shark attacks in Croatian waters, with 14 people killed; the last such incident was in 1974. The balmy and crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic are perfect for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. However, you can tour the islands by boat with a number of operators from nearby Pula, the unofficial capital of the Croatian Istrian region. 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. The Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen islets nestled off the coast of the Istrian Peninsula, offering untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. Practice caution when outside in the summer, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest. In many cases, I've needed it. WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. Croatias waters are crystal clear (making it easier to spot any incoming sharks! I've seen tourists get sunstroke by spending too much time in the sun and not drinking enough water or wearing sufficient sunscreen. The biggest shark that lives in Croatian waters is the basking shark. If it doesnt, retreat slowly and choose another route, just to be on the safe side. 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. The most poisonous spider in Europe is the black widow, which can be recognized by its black body and red spots on their backs. Most of the forest ticks arent infected by the more serious tick-borne illnesses, but those who are infected can mostly be found in the continental part of Croatia, around Zagreb, Koprivnica, Varazdin, Bjelovar, etc. 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. The angelshark or angel shark is a more innocent representative of the shark family than the three listed above, so there is no need to worry if you happen to cross paths with one. 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. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. What to do if you get stung by a scorpion? So, your chances of an unpleasant encounter with the great hunters of the seas are incredibly small. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. Although Croatia is part of the European Union, they are still using Croatian Kuna until the end of 2022. The pedestrianized central Placa in the old town is also paved with limestone and punctuated with boutiques and local eateries. Croatia is home to many wild animals (including snakes, bears, sharks and scorpions to name a few). The first story about sharks in the Adriatic in 2017 came unusually early on, on June 14, with an exclusive video of two men chasing away a 1.5-metre blue shark on a ski jet, poking it with a harpoon, which some saw as animal molestation, as spectators could be heard saying Poor thing! on the video. As opposed to the basking shark, the spiny dogfish is the smallest shark on this list. You can also get a special cream from the pharmacy that will help the splinters come out on their own. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? 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. 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. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. The interesting part is, I am not talking about my generation, the children in the family, but about our parents. 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. 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. 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. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? From the Renaissance Sponza Palace to the Baroque St. Blaise Church and Gothic Rectors Castle, now a museum, theres plenty to entice history buffs and architecture aficionados. The last basking shark sighting in Croatia was in 2015 near Linjan, not too far from Pula. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. The cathedral complex is one of the oldest of its kind and best-preserved examples of Byzantine Christian architecture and art remaining in the modern world. Fear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. Are there sharks in Croatia that you can eat? Sea urchins can dwell in shallow waters, and there is a chance that your foot could meet an urchins spiny back while walking on the seabed. Their needles might not be venomous, but they break easily and can get stuck under the skin, and the pain that ensues is no joke. Slightly further out to sea, in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic, a good portion of the countrys dolphin populations are also said to dance and play for spectators that wait patiently on passing boats. 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. Dont try to move it or move closer to it, and wait at a safe distance until it moves out of your way. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. Are there sharks in Croatia that you should be scared of? All rights reserved. As a Canadian in Croatia, Sarah aims to share her favourite things to see and do, in hopes of helping others enjoy and explore this beautiful country. WebAre there sharks in Croatia? If you notice that youve been bitten, we strongly recommend seeking immediate medical assistance. And in Zagreb, just to be sure. 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. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? They usually stick to deep, offshore parts of the seas, rather than the shallow waters near the beaches. 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. 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. Plus, if you are shopping for souvenirs, some places will offer a cash discount. 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). 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. Jokester as he is, he said the only scuba diving he would sign up for would take place in his bathtub. Shortfin makos usually live in the deep waters far away from the coast. Whats more, the vast waters around Pag are also great for dolphin and whale watching. Together with the great white, its one of the only two dangerous species that live in the Adriatic Sea. Sign up for notifications from Insider! WebDubrovnik has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the Croatia. Although it can be seen that the shark was actually 1.7 metres long, the editor rounded this up nicely to 2 metres [I would appreciate if people would do same with my height!]. All the same, its important to note that theyre a protected species in Croatia, so dont kill them if you come across one. Thats why theyre often mistaken for a ray. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. It is people, though, that take advantage of these marine creatures. Go to the hospital as soon as you notice youve been bitten (you might not even realize youve been bitten at first, as the bites themselves arent painful, youll just feel the effects of the poison that are extremely dangerous - sharp pains, leading to spasms and paralysis). 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. Great whites are extremely rare in Europe, but the Mako shark isnt a stranger to Croatias waters. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. Here is a list of a few specific vipers and where they can be found in Croatia. WebAre there sharks in Croatia? 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. 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. However, you do have to wear masks in medical institutions. 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. We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. The short answer to both those questions is yes. Put bana Josipa Jelacica 25, 20207, Brasina, Mlini. You can recognize them by their characteristic long, thin, and gently tilted teeth that are also visible when their mouths are shut. Well, despite what you might think, you dont have to venture as far as the beaches of Bali to do so. Theyre long and slender and might grow up to 12 feet but rarely exceed nine. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. Even so, you should definitely avoid stepping on these tiny, spiked, black, ball-shaped critters. Theyre also far less common in the northeastern part of the country, and unlikely to be spotted on Rab Island, Dugi Otok, or Mljet. Yet, Pag is much more than its agriculture. turistika agencija, One Day Boating to Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik. As empirical proof of the horror of sharks among ordinary Croatian families, I give you my family. They look like little, black spiky balls, that lay at the bottom of the sea, around the rocks, and along the beach. 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. There are a few species of poisonous snakes in Croatia, which all belong to the Viper family. Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations. If you do rent a car, make sure you are okay with all the above. But does one of natures scariest animals swim just beneath the surface of the water? 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. Youll find the most unique, and generally, dangerous bears in the northern part of Croatia. The conclusion. Are there sharks in Croatia? WebThe short answer is yes. To put things in perspective, in 2011 alone, 982 people died from accidents due to falling from heights. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. Traffic signs can be confusing, the roads are narrow, and parking is often limited, causing traffic. There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. 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. When it comes to swimming, I'm never worried about dangerous fish, and there aren't sharks near the coast. When is the best time to see dolphins in Croatia? Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. Thanks to their flattened bodies, they can camouflage themselves and wait for prey, which usually are small marine creatures. The medieval walled city is one of Croatias most visited destinations, fronting the sea from its southern location on the Dalmatian coast. It wont usually exceed three feet in length, but sometimes you might be lucky to see larger individuals. Over 1.9 million tourists visited Dubrovnik in 2019 alone, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. 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. 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. 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 short answer is yes, and that includes Shortfin mako shark. 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. The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. Usually its people who step on them accidentally while walking barefoot. 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. Brown Bear, Kuterevo - Photo credit IG @mphotos_sotohpm, ROYAL CROATIAN TOURS d.o.o. Even if just to steer clear of rip currents and undertows which pose more of a threat than the sea creatures. Scorpions can be found in Croatia mainly on the Adriatic Coast, not as much in continental regions. 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. That being said, it would still be best to stay out of their way. Plus, there are actually not many of them living in this part of the world. 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider These creatures tend to be very aggressive, especially when nursing their cubs, or when theyre hungry. You can recognize spiny dogfish by their characteristic white spots. Then there is the 10-euro cevapi meal on Zrce beach nicknamed Croatias Ibiza which is hazardous to both your wallet and to your health, eaten in temperatures of +35 degrees Celsius. 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. Over the past 25 years, it has been responsible for four fatalities, but bites are still rare. If I'm going out during this time, I always make sure to throw a rain jacket or umbrella in my car. The most characteristic part of the common thresher shark is its tail fin. That's why as a Croatia travel advisor based in Dubrovnik, I help travelers navigate these logistics to ensure a smooth vacation. Dont wear bright jewellery. I also try not to drive into town during the summer, as there is usually a lack of parking and frequent traffic jams. 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. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. However, there are precautions to take as a traveler. Another thing that makes Silba so special is that the island is completely pedestrianized. Another thing to be aware of, more than sharks, is the time spent in a restaurant waiting for your meal, approaching starvation as your nerves come to the edge. 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 strait between Pag and Vir is a popular dolphin spotting territory and lively pods make appearances for sunset cruises all throughout the high season. Portugal or Croatia? The museum is located in the Fritzi Palace and houses an expansive collection of Italian baroque and contemporary Croatian art. 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. This may be wise for another reason. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. I also always make sure to wear a proper shirt and shorts or dress over my swimsuit. If there is any danger related to animals in Croatias coastal regions, it would be in the form of prickly sea urchins and jellyfish. Next up, we have Scorpions. About the author Jamie There are even some dangerous types, which include the man-eating monster from Jaws, the great white shark. 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. Only three bear attacks have been reported in the country in the last 20 years and none of them were fatal. However, despite tourists admitting to swimming with dolphins in Dubrovnik, it is prohibited to deliberately disturb Croatias small populations of Dolphins as they are considered endangered species. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. Judging by its historically rich, vibrant cities, idyllic beaches, and exceptional food and wines, it comes as no surprise. From the tourist haven of Dubrovnik to remote Adriatic islands, these are the best places to spot them. The temperature can get up to 40 Celsius in the summer and the sun itself is extremely strong. You'll also avoid stepping on any sea urchins that you see along the rocks. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. Pebble and sand beaches define the shoreline, and the dry, rugged lands are actually the reason for Pags most famous export. 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. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. 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. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. 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. 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 It might be surprising, but there are around 30 species of sharks in Croatian waters. 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. 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. With a lack of serious politics to discuss, the media in Croatia, a country heavily reliant on tourism for the last 20 years, tend now report on the tourist season itself starting with the heat [well, you didnt see that one coming, did you? As the name suggests, you can distinguish these sharks by their beautiful deep blue color, which appears on top of their bodies. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. Look no further! 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. Unlike many other species of shark, common threshers have relatively small teeth, which means they only pose a minimal threat to humans. The whole area is encompassed by the Brijuni National Park, established in 1983, and the waters are a protected conservation area. A leisurely walk will take about 2 hours. Dont wear bright jewellery. 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. The last sighting of this type of shark in Croatia was back in 2020 in Central Dalmatia. They are responsible for the most unprovoked attacks on people, though, so are certainly ones to be cautious of. Theyre great for protecting your feet. Are there sharks in Croatia that you should be scared of? Common thresher sharks are known to live in Croatian waters but seeing one isnt an easy task. The short length of the Ombla means much of the river is actually sea water, making way for a diverse mix of marine life. Common European vipers favor habitats in mountainous regions, meadows, and other freshwater shores like the lowlands of the Sava, Drava, Mura, and Danube Rivers. Its possible to see these large creatures in the Adriatic waters around Croatia, but its highly unlikely. 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. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! 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. WebDubrovnik is probably one of the safest places in the world. Are there any species of these marine creatures you should fear? In conclusion, you will likely find Croatia one of the most rewarding places to swim in Europe. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. 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. 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. I've traveled all over the world and Dubrovnik is still by far the place where I've felt the safest. To enter, you'll need one of the following: Alternatively, you can pay for a test upon arrival and remain in self-isolation until you receive a negative result. 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. Are there sharks in Croatia? Or just fantasized about catching sight of them dipping and diving out of the water alongside your boat? 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.