Is Croatia home to sharks? 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. 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. Ivan is always searching for unique places and experiences to offer his guests and wants to share some of his findings through the blog. While cards are widely accepted, some bars or shops are often cash only. There were only 25 recorded attacks on humans in the last 100 years here, too, so there is little reason to panic when bathing in the warm blue waters between Pula and Split. 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. Although the Slovenian diver claimed to have been attacked by a great white shark, this has never been proved. 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. 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. That's why as a Croatia travel advisor based in Dubrovnik, I help travelers navigate these logistics to ensure a smooth vacation. 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. ], traffic jams, celebrity appearances on the coast, and other stories that venture into the world of the bizarre. How to Holiday in Mykonos on a Budget: Money Saving Tips, 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling Santorini Has To Offer. All rights reserved. Theyre long and slender and might grow up to 12 feet but rarely exceed nine. Dont swim too far away from the coastline. 2023 Rewind Dubrovnik by Boat | iki, obrt za taksi prijevoz na vodi, Mrtvo zvono 9, 20000 Dubrovnik, vl. That said, its unlikely youll spot one around Croatia, since they arent common there at all. This flavors the wild pastures and actually infuses sheeps milk with a distinct salty taste that can be recognized in the namesake, Pag cheese. Speedboats are significantly more dangerous than sharks. The statistic that should be making headlines annually is that 100 million sharks are killed each year by humans. Unlike many other species of shark, common threshers have relatively small teeth, which means they only pose a minimal threat to humans. Not only is Dubrovnik filled with cobble-stoned streets, but there are also a lot of stairs, so packing comfortable shoes is essential. Pag is also surprisingly known as one of the premier nightlife destinations in Croatia. 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. You'll also avoid stepping on any sea urchins that you see along the rocks. Thats why theyre often mistaken for a ray. Their diet is rich in squid, small, boneless marine animals, and many species of small fish and sharks. View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Dubrovnik. The short answer is yes. 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. 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. Despite some 25 years of us children making fun of our elders fears, they remain wary of the water. Photo credit IG @matt_mcgee_underwater The most recent deadly attack took place way back in 1974 near Omis. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. These creatures are found primarily in the Adriatic coastal area of Croatia, and the chances of you having an encounter with one of these dangerous arthropods are actually fairly slim. With an area of just 15 square kilometers, Silba is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Croatia, and brimming with quaint charm. 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. It might be surprising, but there are around 30 species of sharks in Croatian waters. Like many places in the world, ticks can be found throughout Croatia. Black widows are even more poisonous than many venomous snakes (although the males arent dangerous). Angel sharks can only grow up to seven feet long and weigh up to 77 pounds. Losinj is known for its lush vegetation and laid-back vibe. 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. Ask locals for safe places to jump. Still, as wonderful as Croatia is, like everywhere in the world, it is home to a plethora of wild animals. After the whale shark, its the second largest in the world. That said, there is no need to be scared because theyre totally harmless to people. Similar to some whales, they use their mouths to filter all that from the water. Nevertheless, the word shark is something they dont want to hear even if they are a hundred metres from the water. 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. However, there are precautions to take as a traveler. Judging by its historically rich, vibrant cities, idyllic beaches, and exceptional food and wines, it comes as no surprise. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Sea urchins are prominent in the Adriatic Sea. 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. Also make sure you are comfortable with heights, as the main road connecting Dubrovnik to the airport goes alongside a steep cliff. Are there sharks in Croatia? 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. You should also lookout for the vertical slits that form in their pupils. To get the best exchange rate, exchange Euros or US dollars inside any bank, or take out cash from a bank ATM. Over 1.9 million tourists visited Dubrovnik in 2019 alone, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Their venom might not be particularly potent, but a sting could still able to cause intense pain, burning, redness, swelling, and itching. Tourists and locals had a camera opportunity as members of the Dubrovnik Sharks American football team wandered through the heart of Dubrovnik this morning. 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. But does one of natures scariest animals swim just beneath the surface of the water? Yes, unfortunately there are sharks in the Adriatic sea and many species of them too. Yes, unfortunately there are sharks in the Adriatic sea and many species of them too. The angelshark or angel shark is a more innocent representative of the shark family than the three listed above, so there is no need to worry if you happen to cross paths with one. Strong currents and waves pose more of a threat to swimmers than sea creatures in Croatia, but these can still also be avoided by swimming in protective bays that are flagged and patrolled by lifeguards. Is There Sharks In Croatia? Theyre also far less common in the northeastern part of the country, and unlikely to be spotted on Rab Island, Dugi Otok, or Mljet. 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. 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. Great whites are extremely rare in Europe, but the Mako shark isnt a stranger to Croatias waters. That's why I always pack water shoes in my beach bag. Be careful there are sharks in Dubrovnik today! The early hours of the morning are the best time to spot dolphins when the water is most calm. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. 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). 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. With a range of trophy species theres also the spectacular beauty of the islands and its surroundings. 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. Since records exist, in 150 years, sharks in the Adriatic have been responsible for the deaths of 11 swimmers. 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. Croatia is home to the brown bear, which can be found in the areas of Lika and Gorski Kotar (in continental Croatia). 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. These "sea porcupines," as they are called in Croatian, can get stuck in your foot and are a literal pain to remove. Well, despite what you might think, you dont have to venture as far as the beaches of Bali to do so. Look no further! Carry cash, and avoid visiting in July and August unless you're ready for swarms of tourists. 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. 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. Another aggressive shark you might encounter in Croatia is the shortfin mako shark. Responsible for the highest number of fatal shark attacks in the world, this one has a reputation as the deadliest marine beast of all. All the same, its important to note that theyre a protected species in Croatia, so dont kill them if you come across one.