Cavtat Bay Anchorage Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Cavtat, Cavtat outer bay, Tiha Bay Cavtat
Cavtat Bay Anchorage covers the free anchoring options around the Cavtat peninsula, primarily the Tiha Luka cove on the south side. This is the alternative for sailors who prefer free anchoring to the marina berths while still enjoying access to Cavtat town. Regular water taxis provide a connection to Dubrovnik old town, making Cavtat the ideal base for visiting Dubrovnik by yacht. The bay is an excellent day anchorage even when opting for the marina at night.
Quick Reference
GPS
42°34.5'N 18°13.5'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E, W
Exposed To
S, SE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m in 3–8m on sand/mud. This is a secondary anchorage option — the main ACI Marina bay (dubrovnik-sumartin entry) is the primary recommendation for overnight. Use this for day anchoring or when marina is full. Avoid in Jugo.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
The smaller Tiha Luka (Quiet Harbour) on the SE side of the Cavtat promontory offers quieter anchoring than the main ACI marina bay. Sand and mud bottom, good holding. Access to Cavtat town by dinghy. Protected from N and NW; open to S and SE — avoid in Jugo. A pleasant alternative to the main marina bay for those who prefer to anchor free.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Cavtat Bay Anchorage is primarily sand and mud. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth). Set firmly in reverse and snorkel to verify — avoid anchoring on Posidonia (fines up to €2,000).
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius. 60m in 3–8m on sand/mud. This is a secondary anchorage option — the main ACI Marina bay (dubrovnik-sumartin entry) is the primary recommendation for overnight. Use this for day anchoring or when marina is full. Avoid in Jugo.
Day anchorage season May–October. Better as a secondary option alongside the main Cavtat ACI Marina. Avoid overnight in SE conditions.
Navigation Hazards
- S and SE exposure — Jugo makes this anchorage untenable; use ACI Marina or Slano Bay in SE conditions
- Water taxi wash from regular Dubrovnik services
- Day-trip boat traffic in peak season
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 3 days
- Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15. Keep clear of water taxi route.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
- SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Cavtat town (0.5nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Cavtat town restaurants 5-min dinghy ride away.
- Provisions: None on site — Cavtat town (0.5nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Good day anchorage while you take the water taxi into Dubrovnik old town
- For overnight in Jugo or strong SE, use ACI Marina Cavtat on the NW side of the promontory
- Combined well with an evening at a Cavtat waterfront restaurant before returning to the boat
A note on this guide: Always check current weather, NAVTEX/VHF bulletins, and HHI charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm — never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Cavtat Bay Anchorage
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