Top 10 anchorages when sailing out of Split or Trogir

There’s something uniquely magical about spending the night at anchor. Even when the weather isn’t perfect, anchoring can be a delightful experience if you follow the proper guidelines. Sometimes, anchoring becomes a necessity due to the limited availability of berths, especially in popular marinas and towns. To secure a spot, it’s often necessary to arrive early, which might mean cutting your swimming time short.

Cost is another compelling reason to anchor. Many charter guests opt for secluded bays where anchoring is free or significantly cheaper than marinas. Croatia’s coastline and islands offer an abundance of these serene spots. While anchoring regulations are minimal, some areas have concessions that might involve a fee, though it’s typically much lower than marina charges.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the top 10 anchorages when sailing out of Split and Trogir, offering you the best locations to experience the tranquil charm of anchoring in Croatia.

Krknjaši bay – Island Drvenik Veliki

When sailing out of Trogir or Kaštela, most charter clients choose Bay Krknjaši for their first stop on Saturday or Sunday for a swim. Known as the Blue Lagoon, this bay is famous for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

The small lagoon on the southeast shore of Drvenik, sheltered by two small islands, Krknjaš Veli and Krknjaš Mali, is particularly beautiful and especially photogenic. The passage between Drvenik and Krknjaš Mali is very shallow, and between Veliki and Mali Krknjaš is only 2.5-3 meters deep, so it is safest to sail from the south.

This is a lovely anchorage, although very crowded during the day. Drop anchor in a depth of 5 to 7 meters on a mostly sandy seabed, scattered with seaweed patches. The bay is best sheltered from west winds and bura, particularly if you drop anchor in the northwest part. It is not recommended to stay here during southerly winds.

There is a restaurant and a beach bar nearby. The pontoons are reserved for tourist motorboats or locals.

Šešula bay – Island Šolta

This bay is just two miles away from Krknjaši Bay. In contrast, it is recessed half a mile inland, providing good shelter from all winds except the west wind, particularly if accompanied by squalls. There are several mooring buoys and jetties for boaters in transit. The surrounding landscape is very picturesque, the turquoise water reflects the green of the pine forests covering the cliffs.

There are two restaurants, “Šešula” and “Šišmiš,” that run the moorings in the bay. Moorings are exposed to westerly winds. Once the mooring buoy is secured, it is advisable to bring mooring lines ashore to prevent the boat from turning.

There is a pleasant coastal stroll into nearby picturesque Maslinica, where you can find a marina and a supermarket.

Tiha bay – Island Hvar

Approximately 7 kilometers northeast of Stari Grad lies the large and welcoming Tiha Bay, with several mooring buoys. The bay is tranquil, surrounded by thick vegetation and washed by turquoise waters. Although busy in summer, the numerous small bays can accommodate many boats, making it a peaceful anchorage.

Luka Tiha consists of four bays with ten arms, offering excellent protection from all winds. Depending on the wind direction, you may prefer different arm: choose the western side for maestral and westerly winds, and the eastern side for southern winds. The central bays, Srednja Lokva and Veli Dolac, are suitable in any weather.

Tiha Bay has minimal development, with only a few houses along its shores. For dining, there is a tavern in Veli Dolac and another Restaurant and a lounge bar. Nearby Zavala Bay, about a mile towards Stari Grad, also offers anchorage and mooring buoys with a Restaurant.

The strong mistral (northwest wind) causes undertow near the bay entrance, but the moorings are well sheltered and unaffected. When the bay is crowded, it is advisable to secure the stern to a second mooring buoy or use long mooring lines ashore to prevent the boat from turning. Be cautious of wasps and avoid leaving food on deck.

During the peak season, the Yacht Week flotilla visits one of the arms in the large Tiha Bay with around thirty or more sailboats and catamarans, bringing parties and loud music into the night.

Supplies are available in Stari Grad, two and a half miles away.

Bobovišća bay – Island Brač

Bobovišća bay, one of the closest anchorages to Split and Trogir, is recessed almost a mile inland and divided into two arms, with a village of the same name.

The anchorage Bobovišća is a well-protected buoy field in the peaceful and ecologically preserved bay on the west side of the island of Brač. The clear water is inviting for swimming, and in the evening, you can enjoy dinner in one of the two restaurants in the small village of Bobovišća. The village also has a bar and a small supermarket.

The concrete quay’s inner part is reserved for local boats, while mooring buoys are set up for boats in transit on the outermost part of the fjord’s banks.

The first mooring buoys are located at the entrance of the bay in a southeasterly direction. To moor here, it is necessary to secure a mooring line ashore. Additional buoys are installed in the central part of the eastern cove, where securing the stern to a second mooring buoy is required, avoiding the classic turning around the buoy. This method enhances stability and safety. In both cases, staff are available to assist with the maneuver.

Ždrilca bay – Island Hvar

The passage between the islets of Marinkovac, Planikovac and Borovac is one of the most well-known sailing destinations in the Adriatic. When the sailing season on Hvar begins to buzz, the Pakleni Islands, including Ždrilca, also become busy. Ždrilca fills up every day with dozens of boats, including some pretty large ones with celebrities from around the world, especially in the high season of July and August.

The area is very picturesque, with thick pine forests reflected in the turquoise sea. From here, it is convenient to reach the beautiful town of Hvar using the active taxi boat service.

The best place to anchor is at a depth of 5 to 6 meters in front of Marinkovac, in the sandy bed where several buoys are placed by the restaurant owners. The holding ground is good, but anchorage can be disturbed by heavy boat traffic, wake waves and music from nearby nightclubs.

Current and tide are significant in this spot, so it is advisable to secure the stern by bringing mooring lines ashore. Be careful where you cast anchor to avoid interfering with other boat’s anchors.

The Bura (NE wind) can be dangerous in Ždrilca, and moorings are also exposed to Tramontana (N) wind, which, if blowing hard, make mooring unfeasible. Extra care should be taken when navigating through the area, as it is frequented by bathers and can be very crowded during the summer season.

Zaraće bay – Island Hvar

Zaraće is a tiny and picturesque bay located on the south side of island Hvar, about 6 kilometers from the city of Hvar. On the northern shore of the bay, there is a pier and a buoy field used by local boats with a draught of less than 1 meter. The southern side features impressive rocky cliffs and the village of Zaraće, known for its beautiful pebble beaches and stunning natural scenery.

The bay is a popular destination for underwater enthusiasts due to its interesting underwater landscape. You can drop anchor at a depth of 8 to 10 meters on a mostly sandy seabed. Zaraće Bay offers excellent shelter from northerly winds, but it is not safe during southern winds.

The bay has also several buoys for charter boats, operated by a restaurant which is located directly at the beach and is known for its fresh fish and seafood.

For those looking to explore further, taking a cab to visit the city of Hvar is recommended.

Tatinja bay – Island Šolta

Approximately 2 kilometers from the village of Grohote lies the beautiful Tatinja Bay. This enchanting bay, with its turquoise waters and sheer coastline surrounded by pine forests, is a popular spot for sailors. In the northeastern part of the bay, several buoys have been installed which belongs to the nearby restaurant.

You can drop anchor at a depth of 10 to 15 meters on a mostly weedy seabed. However, be aware of the exposure to southern winds.

Tatinja Bay is the most famous bay on the southern coast of Šolta, located almost in the middle of the island. It extends about 700 meters inland and is recognized as a good shelter by all sailors. The bay consists of three inlets.

The western two inlets and the third are separated by a peninsula with rocks in front of it, where the depth between the shore and the rocks is about 3 meters. The eastern branch provides good shelter from southern winds. Due to the narrowness of all the arms of Tatinja, it is advisable to tie to the shore in addition to anchoring.

Grohote is 2.5 kilometers away by road, making it accessible for additional supplies and exploration.

Lovišće bay – Island Šćedro

On the northern side of the almost uninhabited island of Šćedro, you’ll find the large and tranquil Lovišće Bay, divided into four smaller bays with several mooring buoys placed by local restaurant owners. This bay is renowned for its quiet and wild atmosphere, thick pine forests and crystal-clear waters, which allow you to clearly see the seabed.

Facilities in Lovisce Bay are minimal, but there are three restaurants run by locals who reside on the island mainly during the summer. The sandy seabed, covered in sea grass, provides good holding, with depths ranging from 5 to 10 meters. There is ample room for mooring and anchoring, often accommodating around 20-30 boats.

Mooring in Lovišće Bay can be challenging due to exposure to the Tramontana (North Wind) and Bura (NE wind), which can make stopping unfeasible if blowing hard. It is advisable to secure the stern with a second mooring buoy or use long mooring lines ashore to avoid the boat turning.

Lovišće Bay has historical significance, known in ancient times as part of Diomedes’ route used by Greek sailors navigating the Adriatic. The island offers opportunities for exploration by foot, including a walk to the nearby Mostir Bay, where you can visit the remains of a Dominican monastery dating back to the late 15th century.

Budikovac bay – Island Vis

To the southeast of the island of Vis lies the unspoilt Budikovac Island, known for its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The main island, Veliki Budikovac, is surrounded by a number of mooring buoys managed by a local restaurant.

Budikovac boasts one of the prettiest lagoons in the Adriatic. The white shingle beach on the west shore of Budikovac is protected by Mali Budikovac and Sanak Rock, creating a serene and clear lagoon. This shallow lagoon, only 3 meters deep, can be reached from the south between Veliki and Mali Budikovac, where the depth is around 2 meters. Due to this, many charter guests with sailboats prefer to drop anchor on the outer side of the lagoon. However, the islet does not offer good shelter to stay overnight.

To access the mooring buoys located to the west, it is necessary to navigate around Mali Budikovac from the south, as a rocky shoal between Budikovac and Sanak prevents direct access.

The clear, transparent waters make this bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors often spend the day enjoying these activities, followed by a good lunch at the onshore restaurant. Afterward, they may retreat to the nearby Rukavac Bay for a berth.

Ruda bay – Island Vis

Ruda, located on the southern side of the island of Vis, is a beautiful and well-protected bay. The bay is ideal for anchoring, because of it sandy areas, with a couple of lines ashore for added security, especially from northeast winds up to 20 knots. The area features small cottages and a challenging substrate with many stone slabs, algae fields, and isolated sandy patches, so it’s essential to choose your anchoring spot carefully.

During July and August, Ruda Bay can get busy with large yachts and catamarans. However, it remains a favorite among sailors for its tranquility and protection. In June and September, the bay is usually less crowded, offering a more peaceful anchoring experience.

Ruda Bay’s proximity to the famous Stiniva Beach makes it an excellent spot for a short dinghy ride to visit this must-see location on Vis.

Ruda Bay and its branch, Srebrena Bay, are popular among sailors but are exposed to the strong Jugo (southeasterly wind). Srebrena Bay offers somewhat better shelter from the Jugo. In both inlets, drop anchor at a depth of 8 to 10 meters on a sandy and rocky seabed, although the holding ground can be unreliable.