Theyre very slow and often hang around the surface of the water, which makes them an easy target for fishermen. WebDubrovnik is probably one of the safest places in the world. They usually stick to deep, offshore parts of the seas, rather than the shallow waters near the beaches. 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. 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. I generally avoid the Old Town in July and August during the day for this reason. WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. Still, as wonderful as Croatia is, like everywhere in the world, it is home to a plethora of wild animals. A leisurely walk will take about 2 hours. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. Watch out for black spiders with red dots on their backs (. 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. That said, there is no need to be scared because theyre totally harmless to people. There are around 30 species of these often-feared marine creatures in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of this European country. WebDubrovnik is probably one of the safest places in the world. 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. Despite some 25 years of us children making fun of our elders fears, they remain wary of the water. Basking sharks feed on tiny sea creatures, including zooplankton, tiny fish, and invertebrates. Brown bears are dispersed across Eastern Europe and they have healthy populations in the Balkans, but they usually mind their own business and avoid humans. 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. Are there sharks in Croatia that you should be scared of? A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate, Proof of recovery and the first dose of vaccine. Still, dolphin tours do operate around the islands for those who want the chance to catch a glimpse of these creatures from a boat. It's also legally required that you wear shoes. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. Sea urchins can be found all over the Adriatic Coast. In the category of extreme sports, there is the discipline of dining in the first restaurant you find on Dubrovniks main street, Stradun wallets are often declared missing after that and youre also double checking that kuna-euro currency ratio. The last sighting of this type of shark in Croatia was back in 2020 in Central Dalmatia. Losinj is known for its lush vegetation and laid-back vibe. Dolphins are most active at the crack of dawn, from around 5 am, until 10 am, and then from 5 pm until dusk. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. You can recognize them by their characteristic long, thin, and gently tilted teeth that are also visible when their mouths are shut. Practice caution when outside in the summer, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest. Scorpions can be found in Croatia mainly on the Adriatic Coast, not as much in continental regions. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. They were transformed from children carelessly taking a swim to terror-filled adults, always searching the water for a shark fin on the surface. A List of the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia. 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. Black Widows are typically found between boxes in storage spaces as well as shielded areas like attics and barns. For example, I bought nice jewelry in Dubrovnik and received a 15% discount for paying in cash. Try not to step on these, as the spikes will stay in your skin and it will be painful to walk on. When is the best time to see dolphins in Croatia? That being said, it would still be best to stay out of their way. 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. 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. Like the majority of sharks, they are grey on top with whiter colors underneath. 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. The old town is steeped in history and is home to the 15-century Church of St. George, which was part of Pags original defensive walls, and an archeological site with the ruins of a Franciscan monastery. Shortfin makos usually live in the deep waters far away from the coast. This may be wise for another reason. Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? Although he had a boat, he now entered the water even more rarely than the others. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. 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. Cyprus Road Trip: Your Epic 7 Day Itinerary, Croatia Hidden Gems: 9 Secret Spots to Visit, Beaches & History: The Ultimate Dubrovnik 5 Day Itinerary. Angel sharks can only grow up to seven feet long and weigh up to 77 pounds. This guide will answer the question are there sharks in Croatia by talking you through the seven species you might just find in the home of Dubrovnik and truffle-topped pasta. This can be fatal to children, the elderly, and the sick. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. However, you do have to wear masks in medical institutions. And in Zagreb, just to be sure. 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. Tourists to Croatia should be more on the alert for non-shark-related dangers. WebThe short answer is yes. 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. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. 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 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. 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. These "sea porcupines," as they are called in Croatian, can get stuck in your foot and are a literal pain to remove. Ask locals for safe places to jump. Croatias waters are crystal clear (making it easier to spot any incoming sharks! Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. If I'm going out during this time, I always make sure to throw a rain jacket or umbrella in my car. 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. few dangerous shark species that lurk in these waters, Cyprus Road Trip: Your Epic 7 Day Itinerary, Croatia Hidden Gems: 9 Secret Spots to Visit, Beaches & History: The Ultimate Dubrovnik 5 Day Itinerary. If you happen to see one, leave it alone. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. Dont wear bright jewellery. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. The most characteristic part of the common thresher shark is its tail fin. You can also swim in marked areas on the Brijuni Islands and recreational water sports are allowed in designated parts of the park. 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. Blue Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. Currently, as of publishing, Croatia removed mask mandates. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. Common European vipers favor habitats in mountainous regions, meadows, and other freshwater shores like the lowlands of the Sava, Drava, Mura, and Danube Rivers. And so on, and so on. 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. Yet, Pag is much more than its agriculture. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! Overfishing has caused a decline in their population, so spotting one around Croatia is extremely rare. To get the best exchange rate, exchange Euros or US dollars inside any bank, or take out cash from a bank ATM. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. 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. 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. The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. 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. Plus, there are actually not many of them living in this part of the world. Always dreamt of swimming with dolphins? We select the targeted destination depending on the weather conditions and our anglers desires. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. Here is a list of a few specific vipers and where they can be found in Croatia. If you come across a bear as youre walking, hiking or camping in the woods, you should simply play dead. WebDubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. 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. 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. 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. Their diet is rich in squid, small, boneless marine animals, and many species of small fish and sharks. May, June, September, or October are all great alternative months when the weather is still sunny and warm and the crowds are far fewer. Even if just to steer clear of rip currents and undertows which pose more of a threat than the sea creatures. Great whites are extremely rare in Europe, but the Mako shark isnt a stranger to Croatias waters. WebDubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by 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. 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. That said, its classified as endangered, so the chances of spotting one, let alone getting attacked by one in Croatia, are extremely low. Dont swim too far away from the coastline. The balmy and crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic are perfect for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers. 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. Next up, we have Scorpions. Together with the great white, its one of the only two dangerous species that live in the Adriatic Sea. We sincerely hope weve inspired you to plan your trip to coastal Croatia, to explore glowing azure waters in glorious sunshine! A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. The museum is located in the Fritzi Palace and houses an expansive collection of Italian baroque and contemporary Croatian art. The statistic that should be making headlines annually is that 100 million sharks are killed each year by humans. Brown Bear, Kuterevo - Photo credit IG @mphotos_sotohpm, ROYAL CROATIAN TOURS d.o.o. So, where can you see dolphins in Croatia? 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).