We call them Sea Dogs in Croatia. Morski Pas is the Croatian word for shark. These are probably the worst nightmares of anyone who wants to casually enjoy swimming in the sea. I believe the movie industry has a lot to do with sharks being so despised. We grew up watching Jaws and similar movies in which sharks have the main role and seeing a shark’s fin swimming in the sea was scarier than any other movie scene. But what about Croatia? Are there sharks in Croatia? Can they ruin what otherwise might seem like a dream vacation?
We have some good news for you. The Adriatic Sea in Croatia is a beautiful and relatively calm body of water, perfect for swimming, sailing, diving, and many more water-based activities. There are some dangers lurking from the depths (and shallow parts) of the Adriatic Sea so let’s see how sharks in Croatia fit in this story.
Are There Sharks in Croatia? Yes, there are sharks in the Adriatic Sea, including in the waters around Croatia. The Adriatic is home to several species of sharks, most of which are harmless to humans . We have never heard of a shark attack in Croatia, nor have we ever seen a shark in the sea. We have seen some small specimens in fishing nets, and we have tried sharks as a delicacy. We have to admit that it was very tasty, much more than you would believe.
Common species of sharks in Croatia include:
Dogfish (Squalidae) Blue Sharks (Prionace glauca) Smooth-Hound Sharks (Mustelus)
These species are generally shy and avoid human interaction.
Are There Great White Sharks in Croatia? Yes, Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) have been spotted in the Adriatic Sea, including near Croatia. However, sightings are extremely rare . The Adriatic is not a primary habitat for great white sharks, and they are usually found far offshore. Most of these sharks are transient, passing through while following their prey, such as tuna and other fish in the Adriatic.
In previous years, there have been a lot of stories of white sharks coming to Croatia by following the large cargo ships that come to Croatian seaports. Some even said that the sailors of these ships were feeding them so they kept following all the way to Croatia. This is, of course, nonsense. Nobody has enough food on board to feed white sharks.
Are There Shark Attacks in Croatia? Shark attacks in Croatia are extremely rare and we have never heard of any serious attack. In fact, the Adriatic Sea is considered one of the safest bodies of water for swimming and water sports. According to historical records, shark attacks in Croatia have been documented only a few times over the past century, and most of these occurred in the open sea rather than near beaches. So there is really not much to worry about if you want to come to Croatia and enjoy swimming in the crystal clear Adriatic Sea.
Why Are Shark Attacks in Croatia So Rare?
The Adriatic Sea’s shallow and warm waters are not ideal hunting grounds for larger predatory sharks.
Sharks in this region tend to avoid human interaction and stick to deeper waters. Sharks in Croatia exist but are shy. A good combination if you ask us. Imagine filming a shark movie with sky sharks.
Are There Sharks in Croatia’s Dubrovnik Waters? Dubrovnik is one of the most visited and most enjoyed cities in Croatia. You probably know everything about Dubrovnik since it’s the single most popular destination in Croatia. There are some islands near Dubrovnik, but a lot of its coast features an open sea which you might think is ideal for sharks. But fear not.
Yes, sharks are present in the waters near Dubrovnik, but the likelihood of encountering one while swimming or diving is minimal. The chance of you winning a jackpot is higher than the chance you’ll be injured by sharks in Croatia. The species typically found in the Adriatic around Dubrovnik are small, non-threatening, and pose no danger to humans. Some of these can be found in fishing nets and they are sold as a delicacy. If you happen to see them in a fishing boat, you’ll see that the sharks in Croatia are usually very small, although have the anatomy of a shark.
Tips for Staying Safe in the Adriatic Sea While the chances of encountering a shark in Croatia are extremely extremely low, here are some general tips to ensure a safe and pleasant experience:
Swim in Designated Areas :
Stick to beaches and zones monitored by lifeguards and surrounded by buoys.
Don’t Swim Far from the Shore :
Most sharks are found in deeper waters, far from the coastline.
Avoid Wearing Shiny Jewelry :
Reflections can mimic the appearance of fish scales, potentially attracting marine life.
Stay Calm :
If you ever spot a shark, remain calm and swim back to the shore slowly and steadily.
Why the Adriatic Sea Is Safe for Swimmers The Adriatic Sea in Croatia is one of the safest seas in the world. We can’t remember the last time we read about the accident caused by anything living in the sea. Accidents can happen but are not caused by marine life.
Shark Behavior :
Sharks in the Adriatic are generally non-aggressive and prefer to avoid humans. Good sharks.
Proximity to Shore :
Popular swimming areas in Croatia are shallow and heavily trafficked, which naturally deters sharks.
Clear Waters :
The clarity of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia allows swimmers to spot marine life easily, providing a sense of security.
Other Marine Life in Croatia While sharks in Croatia rarely pose a threat, the Adriatic Sea is home to diverse marine life, including:
Dolphins : Everybody loves them. Dolphins in Croatia are often seen near islands and along the coast.Sea Urchins : Found near rocky shores; wear water shoes to avoid stepping on them. They are easy to spot and are a sign of a clear sea with no pollutants.Octopuses and Fish : Pretty common and fascinating for snorkelers.Jellyfish: Not so common, but there are few species of jellyfish in Croatia , and just like sharks in Croatia, most of them are harmless to humans.
Before you Enter the Adriatic Sea in Croatia Know that you’re swimming in one of the safest seas in the world. This thought feels good, doesn’t it? We have spent our whole lives on the shores on the Adriatic Sea and we have never seen even one shark in Croatia . But we have seen a lot of dolphins, and we truly hope you’ll see one during your vacation in Croatia as well. They bring instant happiness to everyone.
Enjoy the carefree experience of swimming in Croatia!
