Suđurađ Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Sudurad, Šipan South Harbour, Uvala Suđurađ
Suđurađ is the southern harbour of Šipan island, dominated by the dramatic ruin of a 16th-century Ragusan noble's fortified summer palace and watchtower. The smaller bay is less busy than Šipanska Luka and has a more wild, atmospheric character. Mooring buoys are available, and the konoba at the waterfront serves fresh fish in season. The ruined castle is a short walk up from the quay and offers spectacular views across to Pelješac and back toward Dubrovnik. A quieter alternative to the north harbour on the same island.
Quick Reference
GPS
42°42.9'N 17°54.5'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; mooring buoys ~€15–20/night in season
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Standard Croatian maritime regulations apply.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m on mooring buoys or sand/mud in 3–8m. Inner bay is well sheltered. If in the outer bay increase to 80m. Monitor SE forecast — Jugo swell penetrates this bay and makes it untenable in strong SE conditions.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Suđurađ has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Inner bay — mooring buoys
- Depth: 3–8m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, W
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Alarm radius: 55m
Mooring buoys available in the inner section of the bay, managed by local konoba operators. The bay is smaller than Šipanska Luka and more intimate. The ruined 16th-century castle and tower dominate the hillside above the harbour — impressive at dusk. Buoy fee approximately €15–20/night.
Zone 2: Outer bay — free anchoring
- Depth: 5–12m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E
- Exposed to: S, SE, SW
- Alarm radius: 80m
Anchoring is possible in the outer section on sand. More exposed to S and SE — suitable for overnight in settled summer weather. The ruined castle viewpoint is excellent from the outer anchorage. Set anchor well and monitor if wind direction changes toward SE.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Suđurađ 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 55m radius. 55m on mooring buoys or sand/mud in 3–8m. Inner bay is well sheltered. If in the outer bay increase to 80m. Monitor SE forecast — Jugo swell penetrates this bay and makes it untenable in strong SE conditions.
Best in May, June, September when it is quiet and beautiful. July–August sees moderate traffic. Avoid in SE Jugo — the southern exposure makes it untenable in strong SE. One of the most characterful anchorages in the Elafiti.
Navigation Hazards
- SE exposure — Jugo swell makes both inner and outer areas uncomfortable; depart for Šipanska Luka on the N coast in SE conditions
- Ruined castle area: avoid anchoring near submerged stonework from the medieval quay on the W shore
- Ferry traffic — Dubrovnik–Šipan ferry also calls at Suđurađ; keep the ferry berth clear
- Limited anchoring room — bay is small; take care not to crowd other anchored boats
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Standard Croatian maritime regulations apply.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; mooring buoys ~€15–20/night in season
- Mooring buoys: Available — ~€15–20/night
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: Keep clear of ferry berth. No tying to trees or shore. 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15.
- 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: Šipanska Luka (N harbour) (4nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Konoba at the waterfront open Jun–Sep. Limited provisions in the village.
- Provisions: None on site — Šipanska Luka (N harbour) (4nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Visit the ruined castle — a 10-minute walk from the quay and completely free; views are outstanding at golden hour
- More authentic and less crowded than Šipanska Luka — a favourite of cruisers who like to avoid the busiest spots
- The konoba fish platter is excellent and local catches are genuinely fresh
- If SE wind threatens, sail N to Šipanska Luka which is well sheltered from SE on its N coast
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 Suđurađ
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