Vlaka Cove Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Vlaka is on the outer (SW-facing) Paklinski islands and is the most remote and peaceful of the Paklinski anchorages. Sand and rock bottom in 3–7m — holding is fair, not excellent. Snorkel to find the sandy patches. Very clean water with exceptional swimming. No facilities whatsoever. Open to S and SW — not suitable as an overnight anchorage in any S sector wind or forecast.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Vlaka Cove is primarily sand and rock.

1. Approach slowly — deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (63m chain at 9m depth).
2. Drop into wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
3. Set firmly in reverse for 30–60 seconds.
4. Snorkel to verify — confirm no Posidonia. Fines up to €2,000 for anchoring on Posidonia in Croatia.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius. 75m appropriate for fair holding on sand/rock in 3–7m. The exposed S and SW aspect means this is best as a day anchorage unless conditions are perfectly settled. If staying overnight, run a continuous anchor watch — the fair holding and S exposure require attention. Depart if any S wind develops.

May–June and September–October for best conditions. July–August day-trip destination only unless conditions are perfectly settled. Never overnight in Jugo or any S sector wind.

Navigation Hazards

• S, SW and W exposure — any southerly swell or Jugo wind makes this untenable; monitor forecast constantly
• Fair holding — snorkel to find sandy patches; do not rely on this anchorage in any significant conditions
• Remote location — no facilities, limited shelter options nearby if conditions deteriorate rapidly
• Rock substrate in places — ensure anchor is on sand, not resting on rock

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: No special permit required
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
• Maximum stay: 2 days
• Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. No tying to trees or rocks. 150m beach exclusion from sandy areas. Check weather forecast carefully — exposed S and SW.
• Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
• SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Hvar town (5nm)
• Restaurant/Konoba: None — Hvar town (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Hvar town (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. This is the day-stop gem of the Paklinski Islands — swim ashore, snorkel the outer rocks, and leave before the Mistral builds at noon
2. Water visibility here is often 25–30m — bring a mask and fins
3. Check the forecast before committing overnight — the SW exposure makes this the most weather-dependent of the Paklinski anchorages
4. Depart for Palmižana or Vinogradišće by 16:00 to be settled before dark