Vrboska Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Vrboska Channel, Mali Venecija, Little Venice Hvar
Vrboska is nicknamed 'Little Venice' for the canal that runs through the village centre — stone bridges arch over the water, houses line the channel, and boats tie stern-to outside their owners' front doors. The narrow channel provides one of the most atmospheric inner harbours in the Adriatic: completely sheltered from all wind with mud holding and a quintessential Dalmatian village setting. Larger yachts anchor in the excellent outer bay and use the dinghy to explore the village. The fortified church (16th century) was built as a refuge from Ottoman raids.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
43°10.8'N 16°40.7'E
Depth
4–9m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, W
Exposed To
S, SE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor in outer bay; channel quay berths approx €15–20/night
Permit
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m for the outer bay anchorage in 4–7m. If in the inner channel (for small boats) reduce to 35m — the channel geometry eliminates swing. Outer bay exposed to S/SE — Jugo creates swell; the inner channel is unaffected by any wind.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Vrboska has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Outer bay — anchorage approach
- Depth: 4–9m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, W
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Alarm radius: 65m
Anchor in the outer bay before the channel narrows toward the village. Sand and mud in 4–7m gives excellent holding. The narrow channel leads through the village (max depth ~3m) to the inner basin — most yachts anchor in the outer bay and dinghy in. The outer bay provides good shelter from N and W; exposed to S and SE.
Zone 2: Inner channel — village berths
- Depth: 2–4m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, S, W
- Alarm radius: 35m
The narrow village channel in 2–3m has exceptional all-round shelter — the channel walls and houses block all wind directions. Mud holding is superb. Stern-to berths available on the village quays. Maximum yacht beam approximately 4m for the narrowest section. An extraordinary and memorable overnight berth for smaller yachts.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Vrboska is primarily sand and mud.
- Approach slowly — deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (63m chain at 9m depth).
- Drop into wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
- Set firmly in reverse for 30–60 seconds.
- Snorkel to verify — confirm no Posidonia. Fines up to €2,000 for anchoring on Posidonia in Croatia.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius. 65m for the outer bay anchorage in 4–7m. If in the inner channel (for small boats) reduce to 35m — the channel geometry eliminates swing. Outer bay exposed to S/SE — Jugo creates swell; the inner channel is unaffected by any wind.
Best May–June and September–October. July–August is quieter than Hvar town and Stari Grad — a genuine off-the-beaten-track gem even in high season.
Navigation Hazards
- S and SE exposure in outer bay — Jugo swell enters; use inner channel if vessel fits
- Channel width restriction — maximum beam approximately 4m for inner channel entry; measure carefully
- Shallow inner channel — minimum depth ~2m; check with current HHI chart before entry
- Limited turning room inside the channel — approach with local knowledge or a spotter on the bow
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: No special permit required
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor in outer bay; channel quay berths approx €15–20/night
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: Maximum speed in channel is dead slow — no wake. Narrow channel: confirm your beam fits before attempting entry (max ~4m). 150m beach exclusion from the outer bay beach in season. No tying to trees or natural features.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
- SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Vrboska village (0nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Authentic konobas and a small cafe on the channel waterfront. Small village shop for provisions.
- Provisions: Available nearby
- Wi-Fi: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Take the dinghy into the channel even if anchoring in the outer bay — the village is extraordinary and worth an hour of exploration
- The fortified church above the village is one of the most unusual defensive churches in Croatia — worth the short climb
- Vrboska is one of the least-touristy villages on Hvar — a genuine working fishing community with excellent fish
- Request a berth inside the channel via VHF Ch 16 or by hailing the harbour master — a special experience for smaller yachts
A note on this guide: Always check current weather, NAVTEX/VHF bulletins, and HHI charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Vrboska
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