The potentially lethal Horned viper is found throughout the country. Located in the northern Adriatic, Losinj is a spectacular island with striking scenery, fascinating architecture, and picturesque bays. To prevent a sea urchin injury altogether, pick up a pair of water shoes! You should also fill out this Enter Croatia form here. Sneakers or sandals that are durable are ideal, but if you do want to pack heels for a night out, I would opt for a block-heel or wedge over thin stilettos. What is the Ideal 4-Day Itinerary in Croatia? The only way to reach the Brijuni Islands is by ferry from Fazana on the mainland to the biggest island of Veliki Brijuni. 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. No, not the Jaws type with the fin and razor-sharp teeth but the American football type. Nevertheless, such stories are well read, not only by foreign tourists but also by some Croatian swimmers. While cards are widely accepted, some bars or shops are often cash only. The last attack happened in 2008. 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. Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. About the author Jamie 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. The pedestrianized central Placa in the old town is also paved with limestone and punctuated with boutiques and local eateries. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. Theyre really fast, which makes them capable of injuring and killing people, but they dont usually target humans. You can recognize them by their characteristic long, thin, and gently tilted teeth that are also visible when their mouths are shut. 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. To start, Dubrovnik's rocky terrain makes it ideal for cliff jumping. ), their temperature mild, and there will be plenty of opportunities to explore secluded bays and coves. If you notice that youve been bitten, we strongly recommend seeking immediate medical assistance. 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. 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. Are there any species of these marine creatures you should fear? I've seen tourists get sunstroke by spending too much time in the sun and not drinking enough water or wearing sufficient sunscreen. They can be found in forests, bushes, in the grass, in gardens. Blue Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. Put bana Josipa Jelacica 25, 20207, Brasina, Mlini. There are just a couple of scorpion species in Croatia, and the good news is that theyre not the life-threatening ones. Portugal or Croatia? 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. After the whale shark, its the second largest in the world. It's also legally required that you wear shoes. Dont wear bright jewellery. 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. However, there are precautions to take as a traveler. 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. 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. 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. Dont wear bright jewellery. 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. Theyre long and slender and might grow up to 12 feet but rarely exceed nine. 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. Youll find the most unique, and generally, dangerous bears in the northern part of Croatia. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. WebAre there sharks in Croatia? If I'm going out during this time, I always make sure to throw a rain jacket or umbrella in my car. 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. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. The last basking shark sighting in Croatia was in 2015 near Linjan, not too far from Pula. 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. What Is the Best Way to Visit Split and Its Islands? 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. Only three bear attacks have been reported in the country in the last 20 years and none of them were fatal. However, you can tour the islands by boat with a number of operators from nearby Pula, the unofficial capital of the Croatian Istrian region. Theyre usually smaller than that, though. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. 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. That said, its unlikely youll spot one around Croatia, since they arent common there at all. They can also come close to the shore, especially as Korcula has some steep drop-offs along its jagged coast. Most recorded attacks by this specie have been provoked by divers or fishermen. 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. 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. 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. Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark! Overtourism in Dubrovnik has been on the rise over the past decade. Even so, bear attacks are rare, and of the three recorded attacks from 2000 to 2015, none were fatal. Subscribe to Travel Snippet newsletter for free travel tips and inspiration. Despite being depicted in the famous production Jaws as a vicious man-eating creature, scientists believe that great whites are not fond of human meat. The fierce Bora blows the salty waters all across the inland meadows, scattering dry salt dust all over the island as a result. 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. 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. That being said, it would still be best to stay out of their way. The Adriatic Sea is still deemed very safe for swimming. Well, despite what you might think, you dont have to venture as far as the beaches of Bali to do so. 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. 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. Dolphin-watching trips achieve regular sightings, and you could even stumble across a pod by accident if youre cruising the ocean at the right time. I also always make sure to wear a proper shirt and shorts or dress over my swimsuit. It lives in shallow waters, so its among the most likely sharks to see while bathing in those crystal-clear Croatian waters. As mentioned above, theyre not really dangerous to humans and nothing occurred as a result of said sighting. 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. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. 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. 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 follows all the required COVID-19 regulations set by Croatia. Readers heading to Croatia, youre in luck. 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. 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. Together with the great white, its one of the only two dangerous species that live in the Adriatic Sea. 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. Blue Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. 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. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. They arent particularly life-threatening either, since their venom is too weak to kill humans. According to the club the Sharks had a photo and video shoot in the Old City as part of future project. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. Look no further! 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. The last attack happened in 2008. This gigantic marine beast can grow up to a whopping 30 feet in length and usually weighs around 4.65 tons! They usually stick to deep, offshore parts of the seas, rather than the shallow waters near the beaches. The medieval walled city is one of Croatias most visited destinations, fronting the sea from its southern location on the Dalmatian coast. Try to remove the spine carefully if its still stuck in your foot without pricking your hand, clean the affected area, and remove any remaining spikes using tweezers. The islands of Croatia promise sun and relaxation. The crystal clear waters are perfect for exploring Korculas marine life and deep sea diving is a big sport in Dalmatia. For example, I bought nice jewelry in Dubrovnik and received a 15% discount for paying in cash. 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. Usually its people who step on them accidentally while walking barefoot. Similar to some whales, they use their mouths to filter all that from the water. The Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen islets nestled off the coast of the Istrian Peninsula, offering untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. They tend live on the sandy bottom in the relatively shallow parts of the sea. 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. 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. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. I've traveled all over the world and Dubrovnik is still by far the place where I've felt the safest. 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 highest chance to spot one in Croatia is around Molat Island in the Zadar archipelago. 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. So, your chances of an unpleasant encounter with the great hunters of the seas are incredibly small. Somewhat of an undiscovered gem, this forested island is dotted with colorful Venetian villages, pebble beaches, and ancient history. Black widows are even more poisonous than many venomous snakes (although the males arent dangerous). Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! When it comes to swimming, I'm never worried about dangerous fish, and there aren't sharks near the coast. Most beaches in Dubrovnik are rocky, which can make it tricky to get in and out of the water. Days would pass and he wouldnt take a swim. 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. 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. Portugal or Croatia? Theyre great for protecting your feet. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? Being highly intelligent, sharks are also curious by nature. Try not to step on these, as the spikes will stay in your skin and it will be painful to walk on. 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. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. With an area of just 15 square kilometers, Silba is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Croatia, and brimming with quaint charm. The short length of the Ombla means much of the river is actually sea water, making way for a diverse mix of marine life. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? He would go fishing, but even then, was extra careful if he caught anything bigger than a sardine. Still, blue sharks, bull sharks, and even tiger sharks have all been spotted off Croatias coast. Although the probability of a shark attack in Croatia is really insignificant, you may take some precautions anyway. 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. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. 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. His jump into the water from the stern and retreat back to the boat was surely a world record were literally talking seconds here. Dont swim too far away from the coastline. If you want to avoid this scenario entirely, your best bet is to pick up a pair of protective water shoes. Luckily, only two sharks in Croatias waters are considered dangerous, and coming across either is extremely unlikely. Although he had a boat, he now entered the water even more rarely than the others. Contact us today to start planning your custom-made Croatia tour! So, they are familiar with the island and well aware how dangerous the Adriatic is. Carrying pepper spray, just in case, is also a good idea. You can easily distinguish it from other species by the long and pointed upper part of the tail, which is often nearly as long as the rest of the sharks body. A leisurely walk will take about 2 hours. The animals are often carelessly killed as bycatch if we do not do more to ensure sustainable fishing, many species will be at risk of extinction. That said, there are plenty of much smaller individuals that wont grow above 15 foot long. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. ), mainly found along the coastline - their bites are painless, but deadly. In fact, there have only been a handful of biting incidents that involved blue sharks in recorded history, and just four were fatal. The real thing to remember when coming to Croatia is how magnificent the countrys seas truly are. So, where can you see dolphins 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. However, you do have to wear masks in medical institutions. Yes, unfortunately there are sharks in the Adriatic sea and many species of them too. There are only two dangerous species of shark (Mako and Great White), and attacks are extremely rare. 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. Unlike the previous two sharks, these arent really dangerous to humans, so there is no need to panic if you happen to see one. Plus, if you are shopping for souvenirs, some places will offer a cash discount. You can spend hours getting lost in the winding and steep narrow streets that are characteristic of this magical city. as well as other partner offers and accept our. There are realistic chances that you will find someone else lying on your towel after you leave the water. If you or a fellow traveler get stung by a scorpion, you should clean the area well, apply a cool compress and take pain medication as needed. That said, there is no need to be scared because theyre totally harmless to people. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with 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. Watch out for black spiders with red dots on their backs (. 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. Some 50 kilometers up the coast from the Brijuni Islands, the waters off the coast of Porec can also offer great dolphin watching opportunities. About the author Jamie 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. Look no further! We sincerely hope weve inspired you to plan your trip to coastal Croatia, to explore glowing azure waters in glorious sunshine!