Trsteno Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Trsteno, Trsteno Arboretum anchorage
Trsteno Bay is the anchorage off the famous Trsteno Arboretum (opened 1492) on the Adriatic mainland coast north of Dubrovnik. The arboretum — one of the oldest in Europe and now a nature monument — features magnificent 500-year-old platane trees, a Neptune fountain, and Renaissance gardens that featured in the Game of Thrones series (as King's Landing gardens). The anchorage itself is a fair-weather stop in a small bay below the gardens. Open to multiple wind directions, it is best used as a scenic lunchtime stop on passage between Slano Bay and Dubrovnik. The gardens are a short walk from the waterfront and easily one of the most beautiful cultural attractions on this coast.
Quick Reference
GPS
42°45.5'N 17°57.0'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand, pebble
Holding
Fair holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E
Exposed To
S, SE, SW, W
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Arboretum entry fee per person (separate attraction).
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m accounts for variable holding on sand/pebble and larger exposed arc. Fair-weather and lunchtime anchorage only. Do NOT overnight here in any doubt about the forecast — multiple directions are exposed and conditions can change rapidly. If using as an overnight, increase scope to 8:1 and set watch.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Trsteno Bay is a small, semi-exposed anchorage in front of the famous Trsteno Arboretum — one of the oldest arboreta in Europe, established 1492. Fair-weather anchoring only in 4–10m on sand and pebble. Holding is fair — set carefully. The bay is open to S, SE, SW, and W. Suitable for a lunchtime stop or short overnight in absolutely settled summer conditions. Beautiful setting beneath the centuries-old platane trees of the arboretum.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Trsteno Bay is primarily sand and pebble. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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 85m radius. 85m accounts for variable holding on sand/pebble and larger exposed arc. Fair-weather and lunchtime anchorage only. Do NOT overnight here in any doubt about the forecast — multiple directions are exposed and conditions can change rapidly. If using as an overnight, increase scope to 8:1 and set watch.
Fair-weather stops only — May, June, September, October in settled spells. Not suitable in Jugo, Bura, or any significant wind from S, SE, SW, W. Best as a quick lunchtime anchor.
Navigation Hazards
- Multiple exposures — S, SE, SW, W all create uncomfortable or dangerous conditions; this is a settled-weather-only anchorage
- Fair holding only — set carefully and snorkel to verify anchor on sand, not pebble surface
- Coach party visitor traffic to the arboretum creates no hazard but busy road above
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Arboretum entry fee per person (separate attraction).
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 1 days
- Restrictions: Fair-weather only — multiple exposures. No overnight in doubtful conditions. Keep clear of small ferry pier.
- 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: Slano village (7nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: None on site
- Provisions: None on site — Slano village (7nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Visit the Trsteno Arboretum — the 500-year-old platane trees are awe-inspiring and the entrance fee is modest
- The Neptune fountain in the arboretum is one of the most photographed spots in Dalmatia
- Best as a lunchtime stop on passage from Slano to Dubrovnik or vice versa — not a first-choice overnight
- If Game of Thrones is your thing, these gardens are the filming location for the King's Landing gardens scenes
- Check weather carefully before committing to even one night — the exposure profile is poor for an anchorage
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 Trsteno Bay
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