Posted by 🦈 Are There Sharks in Croatia and Are They Dangerous?
Turquoise water, sunny bays, island hopping… and suddenly you might wonder: “Are there sharks in Croatia?”
The answer is: Yes, there are – but don’t panic. Most are harmless, very rarely seen, and not interested in you as a swimmer.
In this article, you will learn which shark species exist in Croatia, whether they are dangerous, and why you can still jump into the water completely relaxed.
🌍 Do Sharks Live in the Adriatic?
Yes, in the Mediterranean – and therefore also in the Adriatic – there are about 40 different shark species. Many are small, rare, or live in deeper waters.
In Croatia, at least 15 species have been observed, but only a few regularly. The Adriatic is also a relatively shallow and calm sea – not a typical shark hunting ground.
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🐋 Shark Species Found in Croatia
Here is an overview of the most well-known species that occur (or could occur) in the Croatian Adriatic:
1. Small-Spotted Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula)
🟢 Harmless | 🐾 approx. 60 cm | 🏝 common but inconspicuous
This tiny shark is completely harmless and lives near the sea floor. You might see it in fishing harbors or markets – not at the beach.
Small-Spotted Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), by © Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
2. Blacktip Reef Shark (rare)
🟡 Tropical species, very rarely observed in the Adriatic. If seen, it’s a straggler.
Relax: Nothing like the typical “Jaws” shark.
3. Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)
🔵 Medium-sized (1.5–3 m) | 🌊 Open sea
The blue shark occurs in the Adriatic but stays far offshore. Extremely rare near the coast.
⚠️ Previously caught occasionally as bycatch, now more threatened than threatening.
Blue Shark, by Mark Conlin/NMFS – Link, Public Domain, Link
4. Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus)
🟢 Spectacular long tail | 🏝 Mostly in deep water
Occasionally found in the Adriatic, harmless and avoids humans.
5. Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
⚠️ One of the few potentially dangerous sharks in the Mediterranean.
But: extremely rare, lives far offshore, deep below the surface. Any bites in the Adriatic? None known.
6. Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
🟢 Up to 10 m long – but a gentle giant
Filters plankton and is completely harmless. Sometimes mistaken for a great white shark.
7. Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
🔴 Yes, theoretically present in the Mediterranean – very rare.
Historically sighted in Croatia, but no confirmed incidents for decades. The last documented attack is over 50 years ago.
Conclusion: Possible? Yes. Likely? Very low.
There are many more shark species.
❗How Dangerous Are Sharks in Croatia?
In short: Hardly dangerous.
Statistically, the risk from car accidents, falls, etc. is much higher.
👉 The last confirmed shark attacks in Croatia, as far as we know, occurred in the 1970s. Since then: no incidents, despite millions of swimmers every year.
🏖 Where Could You Possibly See Sharks?
🌊 Possible “hotspots” (if any):
- Far offshore (e.g., south of Vis, Lastovo, Palagruža)
- On boat tours with fishermen or divers
- In nature documentaries 😄
On normal beach holidays in places like Pula, Zadar, Split, Hvar, or Dubrovnik, the chance of encountering a shark is virtually zero.
📊 Shark Research & Conservation in the Adriatic
Many shark species in the Mediterranean are endangered due to bycatch, pollution, and illegal fishing. Croatia now participates in conservation projects and monitoring programs.
➡️ Sharks are an important part of the ecosystem – also in the Adriatic.
🧘 Conclusion: Sharks in Croatia? Yes. Worry? Hardly.
Sharks are part of the Mediterranean – but they are shy, rare, and have no interest in swimmers.
So: Take a deep breath, inflate your float, and jump in!