DOLPHINS

Dolphins in the Adriatic

These benevolent and playful mammals are as fascinating as they are good. Since the Adriatic Sea is clean, warm, and abundant with the food they love - like fish, squids, and crabs, dolphins can be seen all over the Adriatic - from the island of Krk in the north to Dubrovnik in the south of Croatia. But, they are most often found between the island of Cres and Istria and near the island of Krk. There is a good chance that you will see them north of Poreč, and so far they have also been seen near Dubrovnik, Korčula, around the Pelješac peninsula, between the islands of Pag and Vir, near the coast of Silba, and not far from the famous Brijuni.

Although dolphins are not dangerous and will rarely attack first, if ambushed they can reflexively attack by pouncing on the target with their beak. For this reason, one should never jump near dolphins. Just as it would attack a man who ambushes it, the dolphin will attack a shark in the same way. And here we come to the most important part - how to distinguish between a shark and a dolphin.

Well, they both have dorsal fins on their backs, two pectoral fins on their sides, and a tail. But, sharks’ tail fins are vertical and they use them in a side-to-side motion to swim, while dolphins’ tails are horizontal and they use them in an up-and-down motion to swim. But on the positive side - meeting a shark in the Adriatic Sea is equal to winning the lottery, while the probability of seeing dolphins is much higher.

Unlike tourists who enjoy their game, dolphins are not exactly the favorite animals in the world for fishermen. Namely, with their movement, they chase all the fish and thus prevent the fishermen from catching anything. On the other hand, dolphins often become entangled in fishing nets while catching prey, which can cause them to suffocate.

Amazing creatures

Since dolphins are very social animals, they always move in groups. In the Adriatic, these groups are smaller - most often there are 5 to 7 of them. Their groups change, depending on mating, hunting, raising young, and defense in other circumstances. When they are in groups one of the most beautiful things you can see is their swimming along the line-and so they scratch themselves against the hull of the vessel.

These wonderful animals are an eternal inspiration to many researchers and animal lovers. No wonder considering that there are countless fascinating facts about them. For example, did you know that they give themselves names? It has been proved by scientists that dolphins have developed unique whistles by which they recognize their name or the name of another dolphin in the group. They are also very caring - dolphins are often seen tending to the sick, old, or injured in their group. Further to their benevolent nature, they stick with their mother for a long time - some of them even from 3 up to 8 years! But dolphins are also interesting when it comes to eating. They never chew their food, but just swallow it as a whole.  In addition - dolphins have 2 stomachs, one of which is used for storage and the other is used for digestion.

Much more could be written about dolphins, but it is better to see them live! Take a look at our fleet, choose your route, and have a remarkable vacation in Croatia!