Best place to see dolphins – Pag, Croatia

If you’re looking for a chance to see dolphins on your vacation, look no further than Croatia. The Adriatic Sea is an ideal habitat for dolphins and other aquatic life, making it a top destination for wildlife-lovers and naturalists alike. Pag island is home to some of the most impressive sights in Croatia, from stunning sunsets over its picturesque coastline to its crystal-clear waters. But it’s also a great starting point for those hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Pag is great place to see dolphins and how you can make the most of your experience.

There are two species of dolphins in the Adriatic – the bottlenose dolphin, the one you see the most in movies and media, and the common dolphin. Dolphins are known to be curious and friendly, but they are also endangered as people treated them badly in the past. Luckily, with the help of good people who work hard to contribute to their conservation, the dolphin population in the Adriatic has gradually been increasing. All marine mammals in Croatia have been under legal protection since 1995.

Why are there dolphins in the Adriatic?

There are a number of reasons why dolphins can be found in the Adriatic Sea. One reason is that the sea provides a rich source of food for these marine mammals. The Adriatic is home to a variety of fish, crustaceans, and other organisms that dolphins find tasty and nutritious.

In addition to being a good place to find food, the Adriatic Sea also offers dolphins a number of other benefits. For example, the warm water temperatures in this region are ideal for raising young calves. Additionally, the sheltered coastline and numerous islands provide dolphins with plenty of places to rest and socialize.

Ultimately, the Adriatic Sea is an attractive habitat for dolphins because it provides everything these animals need to survive and thrive. If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these amazing creatures while on vacation in Croatia, consider yourself fortunate!

Can you swim with dolphins in Croatia?

Although Croatia is home to many beautiful beaches and coastlines, swimming with dolphins is not allowed anywhere in the country. There are a few reasons for this. First, dolphins are wild animals and should not be disturbed in their natural habitat. Second, dolphins can carry diseases that could be harmful to humans. And finally, Croatia has strict laws in place to protect its wildlife, and swimming with dolphins would be a violation of these laws. 

Even though you can’t swim with dolphins, watching these majestic creatures swim in the sea can be a truly life-changing experience. Whether you’re an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for something out of the ordinary, looking at wild dolphins in their natural habitat is one of the most rewarding and memorable events you can experience. 

Where can you see dolphins in Croatia?

The best place to see dolphins in the Croatian part of the Adriatic is the area surrounding the islands of Lošinj and Cres, including the Pag archipelago, and further to the north around the Istrian town of Poreč. It is not uncommon to spot them down south around the islands either, and sometimes they even come all the way to the shore, so if you are very lucky, you could even experience swimming with dolphins.

Dolphins have been spotted near Dubrovnik and Korčula, in the windsurfing paradise of Pelješac Peninsula, between the islands of Pag and Vir, off the coast of Silba, close to Brijuni National Park – so they are present in the entire Adriatic.

But why do dolphins like the Adriatic? Quite simply, dolphins only live in very clean seas – which is another proof that the Adriatic boasts pristine waters and offers a very enjoyable environment for our intelligent friends.

There are many tours offering dolphin watching, and if you choose to spend your vacation on Pag, you will definitely have a lot of options to observe them in their natural habitat, swimming, jumping and playing. The waters around Lošinj are home to a community of around 200 dolphins and it is not uncommon to encounter big pods of around 30 dolphins.

How to behave when you spot dolphins?

If you’re lucky enough to spot dolphins while on vacation in Pag, Croatia, there are a few things you should keep in mind. If you follow these simple guidelines, you’re sure to have a safe and enjoyable encounter with these amazing creatures.

Dolphins like to follow boats and sometimes approach people and vessels to see what the humans are up to. However, there is a certain dolphin etiquette that you should follow when you encounter them. Remember, they are wild animals and they should under no circumstances be disturbed or forced to perform for photos.

Here is a list of polite behaviour to follow:

• Do not chase the dolphins or sail directly at them.
• Turn your motor off so as not to scare or disorient them.
• Only approach them very slowly and let them come closer on their own.
• Let them do their own thing and just enjoy the beautiful sight.
• Do not jump into the sea to swim with them, especially if you see baby dolphins.

Another important advice is not to feed them. Dolphins can become accustomed to getting food, so over time they become more and more dependent on humans to get to their next meal. They will change their habits to the detriment of actively searching for prey and interacting with other individuals, in order to devote more time to “begging”. 

Human involvement is usually short-lived and does not represent a reliable source of food. If such actions are abruptly stopped, the animals may find themselves in trouble because they will continue to look for food near the ships.

Animals that are used to receiving food will often eat anything. Serious health problems can arise after they swallow chocolate bars, pretzels, plastic items or other inappropriate food.

The best we can do is to respect their natural habitat and appreciate the moments when they decide to communicate with us.

So if you used to google things like Where can I swim with dolphins or Where to swim with dolphins near me, maybe next time an even better idea would be to search for How can I help dolphin conservation, so we can admire them for years to come, hopefully in even larger numbers. You could symbolically adopt a dolphin, and volunteering is a sure way to see dolphins up close.

Remember to respect nature, never litter the sea or the shore, and maybe even pick up someone else’s trash – nature and the animals will thank you.

Taking in the beauty of dolphins is an incredible experience. With their playful nature, impressive intelligence and gorgeous colors, they can truly take your breath away. If you’re decided on seeing them in person, let us know and we’ll help you book your stay just a splash away from them.