There are realistic chances that you will find someone else lying on your towel after you leave the water. Well, despite what you might think, you dont have to venture as far as the beaches of Bali to do so. Luxury Tour and Travel Agency in Croatia WebDubrovnik is probably one of the safest places in the world. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. If youre planning to visit Croatia between the months of May and June, you should be wary of these creatures, since the most dangerous ticks are active during this time. 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 Shark catch&release in Dubrovnik The Adriatic Sea is considered extremely safe for swimming. We sincerely hope weve inspired you to plan your trip to coastal Croatia, to explore glowing azure waters in glorious sunshine! Adorned with mosaics and housing an atrium, bishops palace, baptistery, and sacred relics from the 4th century, the basilica will fascinate even the least historically inclined visitor. 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. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. The last fatal attack took place in 1974 near Omis in Dalmatia, just before Spielbergs film kicked in. Croatia is home to the brown bear, which can be found in the areas of Lika and Gorski Kotar (in continental Croatia). Are you looking for a community of like-minded travelers to share your experiences with and get tips from? WebDubrovnik is probably one of the safest places in the world. the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia 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. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. The short length of the Ombla means much of the river is actually sea water, making way for a diverse mix of marine life. 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). The short answer is yes, and that includes one of the most fearsome sea creatures out there: The great white shark. However, it's taken me years to get used to driving in Dubrovnik. Even so, you should definitely avoid stepping on these tiny, spiked, black, ball-shaped critters. They can be found in forests, bushes, in the grass, in gardens. Croatia WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Dubrovnik. Unlike the previous two sharks, these arent really dangerous to humans, so there is no need to panic if you happen to see one. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. It might not be a bad idea to seek medical assistance to be safe (especially if the sting happens to a child). 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. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. 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. No, not the Jaws type with the fin and razor-sharp teeth but the American football type. Even so, bear attacks are rare, and of the three recorded attacks from 2000 to 2015, none were fatal. Wear sunscreen and a hat, drink lots of water, and try to find shade when you can. Plus, if you are shopping for souvenirs, some places will offer a cash discount. Shark spotted near the island of Korcula They also have a tendency to attack when their environment is interfered with. Dont try to move it or move closer to it, and wait at a safe distance until it moves out of your way. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. Cover your neck by clasping your hands together behind your neck, Stay as still as possible and wait for the bear to leave. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. are the only poisonous species of snake in Croatia, and can be identified by the zig zag pattern on their backs. 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. Currently, as of publishing, Croatia removed mask mandates. 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. 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. There are around 30 species of sharks in Croatia In the past 150 years, 9 people were killed by sharks. You should also lookout for the vertical slits that form in their pupils. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Thats why theyre often mistaken for a ray. They might be popular tourist destinations for snorkeling and relaxation, but the Brijuni Islands are uninhabited, which has given marine life great opportunities to thrive. If you happen to see one, leave it alone. So, can sharks be found in Croatias waters? They tend live on the sandy bottom in the relatively shallow parts of the sea. WebA complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Croatia. Similar to some whales, they use their mouths to filter all that from the water. 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. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Some forget to read up on entry restrictions, stay out in the sun too long, and forget essential items when packing. 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. 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. Unfortunately, these notoriously dangerous spiders are common throughout Croatia, with their favorite habitats being the Primorje, Dalmatia, and Istria regions. Portugal or 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. Sharks 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. 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. The only way to reach the Brijuni Islands is by ferry from Fazana on the mainland to the biggest island of Veliki Brijuni. The interesting part is, I am not talking about my generation, the children in the family, but about our parents. I generally avoid the Old Town in July and August during the day for this reason. 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. Once you discover the countrys picturesque islands, bays, and coastal villages, the thought of historical encounters with sharks will be far from your mind! The latest reported sighting of the blue shark in Croatian waters was in June 2021 off the north coast of Korcula Island. Visiting the Elaphiti Islands and BOWA Restaurant. Dubrovnik Is Croatia home to sharks? ), mainly found along the coastline - their bites are painless, but deadly. WebAre There Sharks in Croatia: 7 Species You Can Find There Great white shark. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. The most characteristic part of the common thresher shark is its tail fin. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. What Is the Best Way to Visit Split and Its Islands? 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. 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. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. Theyre great for protecting your feet. Dubrovnik Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. 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. Yet, Pag is much more than its agriculture. Are there sharks in Croatia that you should be scared of? This may be wise for another reason. WebDubrovnik offers many vantage points to appreciate its beauty. You'll also avoid stepping on any sea urchins that you see along the rocks. The last shark attack was recorded in 2008 in a bay on island Vis. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. Which Vacation Hotspot Should I Choose? Copyright BIRN 2007 | Terms of use | Privacy Policy | Powered by WordPress / WPML. 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). The highest chance to spot one in Croatia is around Molat Island in the Zadar archipelago. Are There Sharks in Croatia 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. 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. Still, dolphin tours do operate around the islands for those who want the chance to catch a glimpse of these creatures from a boat. The real thing to remember when coming to Croatia is how magnificent the countrys seas truly are. 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. Even if you come by plane, the chances are that the taxi driver will rip you off. Is There Sharks In Croatia? WebThe short answer is yes. Theyre more of an annoyance than anything else. 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. WebDubrovnik has a reputation of being among the best saltwater fishing grounds in the Croatia. A List of the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia. Losinj is known for its lush vegetation and laid-back vibe. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. This may be wise for another reason. 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. Theyre long and slender and might grow up to 12 feet but rarely exceed nine. Are There Sharks in Croatia The whole area is encompassed by the Brijuni National Park, established in 1983, and the waters are a protected conservation area. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. The medieval walled city is one of Croatias most visited destinations, fronting the sea from its southern location on the Dalmatian coast. 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. in Croatia But what every editor really wants during the oh-so-boring summer months is sharks. You can recognize them from other species by their color and shape think a dark grey back that can almost appear black and a contrasting whitish belly. The best way to combat overtourism is to consider visiting outside of the peak season. If you come across a bear as youre walking, hiking or camping in the woods, you should simply play dead. Dubrovnik It lives in shallow waters, so its among the most likely sharks to see while bathing in those crystal-clear Croatian waters. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. There are actually as many as 47 different shark species that inhabit the Adriatic, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites. in the Adriatic, but only two are actually dangerous - 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. This flavors the wild pastures and actually infuses sheeps milk with a distinct salty taste that can be recognized in the namesake, Pag cheese. They are responsible for the most unprovoked attacks on people, though, so are certainly ones to be cautious of. 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. Meadow vipers are fond of grassy, mountainous landscapes too, and are typically found in Southern Velebit, as well as the Dinara mountain range. Nevertheless, the word shark is something they dont want to hear even if they are a hundred metres from the water. Dont wear bright jewellery. The species found there usually pose no threat to humans and tend to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding any kind of contact with us. The fierce Bora blows the salty waters all across the inland meadows, scattering dry salt dust all over the island as a result. Swimming With Sharks In Croatia. The temperature can get up to 40 Celsius in the summer and the sun itself is extremely strong. I always make sure to carry cash in Dubrovnik. 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. 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. 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. The short answer to both those questions is yes. Dubrovnik These creatures tend to be very aggressive, especially when nursing their cubs, or when theyre hungry. 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. A vaccination certificate or booster dose certificate. May, June, September, or October are all great alternative months when the weather is still sunny and warm and the crowds are far fewer. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. Its a good idea to get be able to identify them if youre planning a Croatian retreat. 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. This can be fatal to children, the elderly, and the sick. All rights reserved. They usually stick to deep, offshore parts of the seas, rather than the shallow waters near the beaches. The biggest shark that lives in Croatian waters is the basking shark. 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 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. But despite the occasional sensationalist story, there is little chance of you having any close encounters with sharks. Judging by its historically rich, vibrant cities, idyllic beaches, and exceptional food and wines, it comes as no surprise. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! Up to 47 different species of shark are found in the Adriatic, including blue, bull, tiger, and, yes, even the fearsome great white shark! 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. Royal Croatian Tours - Our Blog, Read for Travel Tips! - Luxury Tour Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. That said, there are plenty of much smaller individuals that wont grow above 15 foot long. No, not the Jaws type with the fin and razor-sharp teeth but the American football type. 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! And so on, and so on. They are valued for their meat, liver oil, and fins for commercial use, as well as a common target for recreational anglers. 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. Youll find the most unique, and generally, dangerous bears in the northern part of Croatia. 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.