Yes there are sea urchins in Hvar but they are not dangerous (they will not kill you).
Are The Sea Urchins Dangerous?
Sea urchins in Croatia (called jež in the local language) are non-venomous. What will happen if you accidentally step on or touch one? The spines will break off into your skin and whilst it might hurt for a few days, this will be the worst of it. Your immune system will break it down like it would any pathogen.
Where Do Urchins Live and How Can I Spot Them?
Sea urchins like to cluster around rocks in shallow waters. However they are very easy to spot. Their black colour shows up in clear contrast whilst out in the water. And since they cannot move or shoot spikes, just step around them. Though best to avoid any sea grass as they might be in a rock there and not able to be spot so clearly (I write this from experience).
Are there venomous animals in Hvar?
Rarely. Normally there no creatures in the waters of Hvar or around that can hurt you.
Rarely might one find a swarm of jellyfish that have been blown in from Montenegro or the southern Mediterranean due to strong winds. But this is not a common occurrence. Whilst these might sting if you touch them, once more, nothing that will do real harm.
These are very easy to spot as they appear in swarms so best to stay out of the water. There are no lone ones wondering along by themself.
Why does Hvar not have venomous creatures?
Hvar enjoys many natural protections that are both local and due to the Adiratic.. The Pakleni Islands form a strong natural protection meaning the channel around the island does not let the swarms of jellyfish ever appear even if they do come.
Due to the semi-enclosed nature of Croatia’s coast, clear waters, high salinity with sub-tropical water temperatures, this creates conditions of a coastline which is not conducive to the breeding conditions required for venomous sea life to thrive.. As well as, with no river mouths leading into the Croatian coast, no brackish waters may form or river mouths for animals to lurk.
FAQ About Sea Urchins:
Q: Should I buy sea shoes for them?
A: Only if you cannot handle the rocks under foot when walking on the beach. Otherwise there is no real need for them.
Q: What happens if you do step on one?
A: Don’t panic. It will hurt but that is it. If you are not comfortable with a small pang of pain, worried about infection or just want the opinion of a medical professional, go to a doctor. All locals have at least once in their life gotten by one, but all survived.
Q: Is it possible to have an allergic reaction?
A: Super rare case. If you have a shellfish allergy or an over reactive immune system, you might be prone to a reaction.
What does this mean for you? Aside from minor inconvenience to your holiday if you accidentally step on a sea urchin, Hvar remains the perfect family friendly place to enjoy your holiday without worrying about something lurking below.