The archipelago is separated from the west coast of Istria by the narrow Fazana Strait. 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). In my experience, unlike other destinations in Europe, petty theft and crime are very rare. 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. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. Dont wear bright jewellery. Prepare also for hours of searching for a parking spot next to popular beaches, a danger to your nerves from which you may never recover. Croatia is home to the brown bear, which can be found in the areas of Lika and Gorski Kotar (in continental Croatia). Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. While cards are widely accepted, some bars or shops are often cash only. Yes, unfortunately there are sharks in the Adriatic sea and many species of them too. Most recorded attacks by this specie have been provoked by divers or fishermen. 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. WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. But does one of natures scariest animals swim just beneath the surface of the water? 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. May, June, September, or October are all great alternative months when the weather is still sunny and warm and the crowds are far fewer. 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. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. If you want to avoid this scenario entirely, your best bet is to pick up a pair of protective water shoes. If there is any danger related to animals in Croatias coastal regions, it would be in the form of prickly sea urchins and jellyfish. In fact, there have only been a handful of biting incidents that involved blue sharks in recorded history, and just four were fatal. 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. They have pointed snouts and crescent-shaped tales. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. You can also swim in marked areas on the Brijuni Islands and recreational water sports are allowed in designated parts of the park. Blue Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. If you plan on visiting Dubrovnik in the spring, fall, or winter, be prepared for rain. That said, there is no need to be scared because theyre totally harmless to people. 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. WebDubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. There are a few species of poisonous snakes in Croatia, which all belong to the Viper family. 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. You should also lookout for the vertical slits that form in their pupils. WebDubrovnik follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. Dolphin tours leave daily from Dubrovnik and much of the journey around the nearby islets that flank Dubrovniks shores. 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. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. Well, despite what you might think, you dont have to venture as far as the beaches of Bali to do so. They can be found in different places - in the bushes, under rocks, mainly places where there isnt a high volume of traffic. Unlike the previous two sharks, these arent really dangerous to humans, so there is no need to panic if you happen to see one. Encounters with sharks are rare and theyre usually not aggressive. Just to stress how silly those fears were, I give you the statistics. Located in the northern Adriatic, Losinj is a spectacular island with striking scenery, fascinating architecture, and picturesque bays. 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. in the water, close to the shore - theyll prick your feet, making it painful to walk for the rest of your vacation! They can live till 70 years old. Are there sharks in Croatia that you should be scared of? With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. You can also get a special cream from the pharmacy that will help the splinters come out on their own. Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. That said, there are plenty of much smaller individuals that wont grow above 15 foot long. Knowing which ones to avoid before heading to the Balkan nation is a good idea. Practice caution when outside in the summer, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. WebFear not, they pose little risk to swimmers in Croatia. The early hours of the morning are the best time to spot dolphins when the water is most calm. 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. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. Youre most likely to approach them if you take a boat trip further away from the coast. Basking sharks feed on tiny sea creatures, including zooplankton, tiny fish, and invertebrates. 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. 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. The fierce Bora blows the salty waters all across the inland meadows, scattering dry salt dust all over the island as a result. Their diet is rich in squid, small, boneless marine animals, and many species of small fish and sharks. WebThe short answer is yes. Could we soon see more American airlines flying to Croatia? Luckily, only two sharks in Croatias waters are considered dangerous, and coming across either is extremely unlikely. 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. Porec is a bustling summer resort in western Istria, best known for the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica complex you can find in its old town. A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. That said, its unlikely youll spot one around Croatia, since they arent common there at all. Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. These spiders earned their name due to the tendency of females to eat their partners after mating, and while death from a black widow bite is decidedly rare, they are still highly poisonous to humans. 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). Still, there are also a number of sunset dolphin cruises on offer in Porec, which afford spectacular views of the citys light when you return to the harbor at nightfall. Despite the common misconception that sharks are bulky with a characteristic triangular, dorsal fins, this one has an unusually flattened body. 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). 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. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? 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. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. If you do rent a car, make sure you are okay with all the above. Contact us today to start planning your custom-made Croatia tour! They are responsible for the most unprovoked attacks on people, though, so are certainly ones to be cautious of. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! WebDubrovnik has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the Croatia. My family and many others are inexplicably terrified of sharks in the Adriatic - but the real danger facing visitors to the Croatian seaside is being ripped off, not ripped apart. 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. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? With an area of just 15 square kilometers, Silba is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Croatia, and brimming with quaint charm. There are realistic chances that you will find someone else lying on your towel after you leave the water. 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. 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. 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. Even so, you should definitely avoid stepping on these tiny, spiked, black, ball-shaped critters. They look like little, black spiky balls, that lay at the bottom of the sea, around the rocks, and along the beach. 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. 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. 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. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. 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. Youll find the most unique, and generally, dangerous bears in the northern part of Croatia. turistika agencija, One Day Boating to Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik. Thats why theyre often mistaken for a ray. Dont try to move it or move closer to it, and wait at a safe distance until it moves out of your way. It has a pointed snout and seven fins in total. There are even some dangerous types, which include the man-eating monster from Jaws, the great white shark. They arent particularly life-threatening either, since their venom is too weak to kill humans. Dolphin sightings are frequently reported off Silbas western shores, and its not uncommon for dolphin calves to be seen swimming alongside their mothers. Theyre really fast, which makes them capable of injuring and killing people, but they dont usually target humans. 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. We sincerely hope weve inspired you to plan your trip to coastal Croatia, to explore glowing azure waters in glorious sunshine! I also always make sure to wear a proper shirt and shorts or dress over my swimsuit. 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. 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. Usually its people who step on them accidentally while walking barefoot. Croatia is home to a few species of venomous snakes, most of which belong to the viper family. Is There Sharks In Croatia? 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. All rights reserved. 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. If I'm going out during this time, I always make sure to throw a rain jacket or umbrella in my car. Dont worry though, they dont present any danger to people. 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. Are there sharks in Croatia? What to do if youve been bitten by a Black Widow? However, you should watch out for sea urchins on the rocks while getting in and out of the water. Its a good idea to get be able to identify them if youre planning a Croatian retreat. That's why as a Croatia travel advisor based in Dubrovnik, I help travelers navigate these logistics to ensure a smooth vacation. Are there sharks in Croatia? Most beaches in Dubrovnik are rocky, which can make it tricky to get in and out of the water. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. 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. This may be wise for another reason. 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. 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. Even if you come by plane, the chances are that the taxi driver will rip you off. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. 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. Here is a list of a few specific vipers and where they can be found in Croatia. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. No, not the Jaws type with the fin and razor-sharp teeth but the American football type. Or just fantasized about catching sight of them dipping and diving out of the water alongside your boat? About the author Jamie Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. Are there sharks in Croatia? WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. Black Widows are typically found between boxes in storage spaces as well as shielded areas like attics and barns.