Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. 2022 Royal Croatian Tours. Sharks in Croatia As the name suggests, you can distinguish these sharks by their beautiful deep blue color, which appears on top of their bodies. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. Croatia is home to a few species of venomous snakes, most of which belong to the viper family. The short length of the Ombla means much of the river is actually sea water, making way for a diverse mix of marine life. Nobody has to get bitten or eaten, nor does it have to be a dangerous species, or longer than a metre; just as long it is a real shark. Dolphins are most active at the crack of dawn, from around 5 am, until 10 am, and then from 5 pm until dusk. The biggest shark that lives in Croatian waters is the basking shark. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. Croatia possesses some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery you are ever likely to see and the water is normally perfect for swimming, diving, and playing watersports. If there is any danger related to animals in Croatias coastal regions, it would be in the form of prickly sea urchins and jellyfish. WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. Shark Attack Data There are realistic chances that you will find someone else lying on your towel after you leave the water. 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. 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. If you do come across a bear while walking, hiking, or camping, the best course of action would be to play dead. A negative PCR test (taken 72 hours before arrival at the border) or an Antigen test (taken 24 hours before arrival at the border). They look like little, black spiky balls, that lay at the bottom of the sea, around the rocks, and along the beach. in the water, close to the shore - theyll prick your feet, making it painful to walk for the rest of your vacation! There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. 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. Even if you come by plane, the chances are that the taxi driver will rip you off. Once you discover the countrys picturesque islands, bays, and coastal villages, the thought of historical encounters with sharks will be far from your mind! In 50 years of enjoying the sea, their casualties are down to one: my grandfather was slightly stung by a jellyfish although an independent family commission never properly investigated the case. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. 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. Their diet is rich in squid, small, boneless marine animals, and many species of small fish and sharks. Are there sharks in Croatia Sea urchins can be found all over the Adriatic Coast. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. These "sea porcupines," as they are called in Croatian, can get stuck in your foot and are a literal pain to remove. After watching it in cinemas during Yugoslav times, in sheer terror, their lives were changed forever. An exclusive video of chasing a poor shark on the Adriatic coast. Dont try to move it or move closer to it, and wait at a safe distance until it moves out of your way. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. All of Croatias marine animals have been protected by law since the 1980s. The Museum of Apoxyomenos is also located in the town center and here youll find a bronze statue from the 1st or 2nd century BC that was recovered from the sea. 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. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. 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. What are some of the most beautiful places I can visit in Croatia? Jokester as he is, he said the only scuba diving he would sign up for would take place in his bathtub. 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. 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. 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. 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. Just to stress how silly those fears were, I give you the statistics. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. Tourists to Croatia should be more on the alert for non-shark-related dangers. To start, Dubrovnik's rocky terrain makes it ideal for cliff jumping. If you happen to see one, leave it alone. WebAre there sharks in Croatia? About the author Jamie Yes, of course. the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia That being said, it would still be best to stay out of their way. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. Otherwise, pay attention, go slow, and you'll likely find that driving in Dubrovnik is doable and will give you the freedom to explore the entire region. 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. 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. To put things in perspective, in 2011 alone, 982 people died from accidents due to falling from heights. 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. The last attack happened in 2008. The conclusion. 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. For example, I bought nice jewelry in Dubrovnik and received a 15% discount for paying in cash. It has a pointed snout and seven fins in total. The most characteristic part of the common thresher shark is its tail fin. WebThe short answer is yes. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. The short answer is yes, and that includes Shortfin mako shark. The Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen islets nestled off the coast of the Istrian Peninsula, offering untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. 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. They usually stick to deep, offshore parts of the seas, rather than the shallow waters near the beaches. Theyre very slow and often hang around the surface of the water, which makes them an easy target for fishermen. Despite some 25 years of us children making fun of our elders fears, they remain wary of the water. Are There Sharks In Croatia Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! Luxury Tour and Travel Agency in Croatia However, there are precautions to take as a traveler. This huge rock and cave straddle the Croatian-Bosnian border. 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. That said, there are plenty of much smaller individuals that wont grow above 15 foot long. The ancient greeks called the island Black Korcula because of the dense, dark woodland that dominates much of the landscape. 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. the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia Are there sharks in Croatia that you should be scared of? Are There Sharks in Croatia We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. 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. Angel sharks are harmless to people but can still give a nasty bite if provoked. 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's not socially acceptable to walk around town in your swimwear, especially in the Old Town. Brown Bear, Kuterevo - Photo credit IG @mphotos_sotohpm, ROYAL CROATIAN TOURS d.o.o. 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. Days would pass and he wouldnt take a swim. Croatia is home to the brown bear, which can be found in the areas of Lika and Gorski Kotar (in continental Croatia). Dubrovnik is a stepping stone to some of Croatias best islands, but its incredibly clear blue waters also offer the perfect setting for tracking down marine life. Dubrovnik The sea is also extremely clean, so I never worry about the quality of the water either. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. It might not be a bad idea to seek medical assistance to be safe (especially if the sting happens to a child). 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. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. Basking sharks feed on tiny sea creatures, including zooplankton, tiny fish, and invertebrates. 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. We sincerely hope weve inspired you to plan your trip to coastal Croatia, to explore glowing azure waters in glorious sunshine! 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. If you do rent a car, make sure you are okay with all the above. That said, they like both the open ocean and the coastal parts and often swim close to the surface. The latest reported sighting of the blue shark in Croatian waters was in June 2021 off the north coast of Korcula Island. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. That's why I always pack water shoes in my beach bag. Theres also no certainty behind their attacks, but weve all seen Jaws and know just how horrendous the result can be. Portugal or Croatia? 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. 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. Watch out for black spiders with red dots 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. 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. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. What to do if you get stung by a scorpion? I always make sure to carry cash in Dubrovnik. Local Fishing Experience - Maritimo Fishing Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. It wont usually exceed three feet in length, but sometimes you might be lucky to see larger individuals. As with most European countries, Croatias forests and gardens are no strangers to ticks. What is the Ideal 4-Day Itinerary in Croatia? WebDubrovnik has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the Croatia. Practice caution when outside in the summer, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest. WebThe short answer is yes. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. If I'm going out during this time, I always make sure to throw a rain jacket or umbrella in my car. His jump into the water from the stern and retreat back to the boat was surely a world record were literally talking seconds here. Common thresher sharks are known to live in Croatian waters but seeing one isnt an easy task. You'll also avoid stepping on any sea urchins that you see along the rocks. Common European vipers favor habitats in mountainous regions, meadows, and other freshwater shores like the lowlands of the Sava, Drava, Mura, and Danube Rivers. My family from my mothers side has been going to the northern island of Rab for half a century. We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. Are There Sharks in Croatia Is There Sharks In Croatia? Together with the great white, its one of the only two dangerous species that live in the Adriatic Sea. The slightest glimpse of what could possibly, potentially, in theory, be a shark fin on the blue horizon is what every newspaper prays for. Dont swim too far away from the coastline. 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. It's also legally required that you wear shoes. 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. In my experience, unlike other destinations in Europe, petty theft and crime are very rare. The great white, in particular, ranks among the top three shark species most likely to attack humans, but deadly encounters are rare, and globally there are only about five per year. Portugal or Croatia? Shark spotted near the island of Korcula Are There Sharks In Croatia 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. Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark! My uncle was even more radical. If you come across a bear as youre walking, hiking or camping in the woods, you should simply play dead. The short answer is yes, and that includes one of the most fearsome sea creatures out there: The great white shark. A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. You can also get a special cream from the pharmacy that will help the splinters come out on their own. Unlike many other species of shark, common threshers have relatively small teeth, which means they only pose a minimal threat to humans. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? Local Fishing Experience - Maritimo Fishing There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. The temperature can get up to 40 Celsius in the summer and the sun itself is extremely strong. 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. This gigantic marine beast can grow up to a whopping 30 feet in length and usually weighs around 4.65 tons! Youre most likely to approach them if you take a boat trip further away from the coast. He would go fishing, but even then, was extra careful if he caught anything bigger than a sardine. Like the majority of sharks, they are grey on top with whiter colors underneath. Cyprus Road Trip: Your Epic 7 Day Itinerary, Croatia Hidden Gems: 9 Secret Spots to Visit, Beaches & History: The Ultimate Dubrovnik 5 Day Itinerary. Shark spotted near the island of Korcula Some forget to read up on entry restrictions, stay out in the sun too long, and forget essential items when packing. Pag is also strategically close to Losinj, and the 100 or so dolphins that population Losinjs waters often make their way down to Pags shores. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. 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 balmy and crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic are perfect for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers. 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. 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. 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. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. May, June, September, or October are all great alternative months when the weather is still sunny and warm and the crowds are far fewer. 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. Theyre also quite shy, so they swim away rather than attack. 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. However, you can tour the islands by boat with a number of operators from nearby Pula, the unofficial capital of the Croatian Istrian region. Unlike the previous two sharks, these arent really dangerous to humans, so there is no need to panic if you happen to see one. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. 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. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. Speedboats are significantly more dangerous than sharks. Look no further! The most poisonous spider in Europe is the black widow, which can be recognized by its black body and red spots on their backs. The pedestrianized central Placa in the old town is also paved with limestone and punctuated with boutiques and local eateries. 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. Only three bear attacks have been reported in the country in the last 20 years and none of them were fatal. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. Royal Croatian Tours - Our Blog, Read for Travel Tips! - Luxury Tour How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. Are there sharks in Croatia that you should be scared of? If you plan on visiting Dubrovnik in the spring, fall, or winter, be prepared for rain. However, you do have to wear masks in medical institutions. Is There Sharks In Croatia? Two Sharks spotted in Dubrovnik Royal Croatian Tours - Our Blog, Read for Travel Tips! - Luxury Tour 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. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Luxury Tour and Travel Agency in Croatia Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. in continental Croatia - if you run into one, just play dead. Overtourism in Dubrovnik has been on the rise over the past decade. 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. 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. the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. Black Widows are typically found between boxes in storage spaces as well as shielded areas like attics and barns. That said, Croatia holds only around one percent of the worlds spiny dogfish export share. Theyre long and slender and might grow up to 12 feet but rarely exceed nine. With an area of just 15 square kilometers, Silba is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Croatia, and brimming with quaint charm. They can also come close to the shore, especially as Korcula has some steep drop-offs along its jagged coast. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. You should also fill out this Enter Croatia form here. 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. Dont swim too far away from the coastline. Put bana Josipa Jelacica 25, 20207, Brasina, Mlini.