Veli Lošinj Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Veli Lošinj, Veli Losinj, Lošinj Dolphin Bay
Veli Lošinj is arguably the most beautiful village in the Kvarner Gulf — a small harbour town of painted 18th-century houses, baroque churches, and café terraces that look out over a bay famous for its resident bottlenose dolphin pod. The Lošinj Special Marine Reserve was established specifically to protect the 150+ dolphins that inhabit these waters year-round, managed by the Blue World Institute. The bay itself is beautifully sheltered with good holding and a charming village to explore. The water quality is exceptional — the island's position in the open Kvarner gives it constant water circulation and visibility of 20–30m is common. Mali Lošinj (the main town and marina) is 4nm north. The medicinal herb and aromatherapy industry of Lošinj is renowned — the lush Mediterranean vegetation of the island creates a distinctive fragrance.
Quick Reference
GPS
44°30.9'N 14°31.1'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, NW
Exposed To
W, SW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m in the main bay at 5–10m on sand/mud. Bay is well-sheltered from the major wind directions. W and SW exposure require monitoring. Dolphin Reserve rules: motor at 3kt or less when dolphins visible within 300m; alarm radius is for drift monitoring, not dolphin proximity.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Veli Lošinj Bay has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Main bay head — village anchorage
- Depth: 5–12m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, NW
- Exposed to: W, SW
- Alarm radius: 80m
The bay in front of Veli Lošinj village is sheltered on most sides by the surrounding hills and the island's eastern coast. Sand and mud holding in 5–10m. Protected from the dominant NE Bura by the Lošinj ridge. Exposed to W and SW (Libeccio/Tramontane). The bay is in the heart of the Lošinj Dolphin Reserve — speed limit 3kt strictly enforced when dolphins are present; approach and depart slowly, observe posted speed limit signs at bay entrance.
Zone 2: NW approach — additional space
- Depth: 8–18m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE
- Exposed to: W, SW, NW
- Alarm radius: 110m
Deeper NW approach with mud and sand holding. More room to swing but slightly less protection from W. Dolphin sightings frequent here — maintain 3kt or less speed if dolphins present; no swimming with dolphins.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Veli Lošinj Bay: primarily sand and mud. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (84m at 12m). In the Kvarner, always set extra scope for potential Bura.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius. 80m in the main bay at 5–10m on sand/mud. Bay is well-sheltered from the major wind directions. W and SW exposure require monitoring. Dolphin Reserve rules: motor at 3kt or less when dolphins visible within 300m; alarm radius is for drift monitoring, not dolphin proximity.
May–October: sheltered enough for the season, with June and September being exceptional. July–August busy but manageable — the bay is large. Dolphins present year-round. Winter: Kvarner Bura risk is significant; Mali Lošinj marina only.
Navigation Hazards
- Kvarner Bura: Lošinj is in the Kvarner Gulf where Bura is strongest in Croatia; gusts can exceed 50kt in major events; ACI Marina Mali Lošinj (4nm) is the correct refuge
- W and SW exposure: Libeccio from SW sends swell into the bay; if SW forecast above F4, consider Mali Lošinj marina
- Dolphin Reserve speed limit — 3kt strictly enforced in designated reserve waters; significant fine for breach
- Ferry traffic: Mali Lošinj–Rijeka–Venice ferries pass through the channel — maintain watch on VHF Ch 16
- Summer underwater visibility is excellent — anchor dragging is easily visible; check anchor set after paying out
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: No special permit
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Restrictions: LOŠINJ DOLPHIN RESERVE: Speed limit 3kt when dolphins present or within 300m. No swimming with dolphins. No loud noise near dolphins. Dolphins must be allowed to approach and leave freely — do not chase or follow. Croatian eNautička permit required. 150m beach exclusion applies in season.
- 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: Veli Lošinj (0.2nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Several excellent restaurants and konoba in Veli Lošinj village, 5 min walk from dinghy landing. Blue World Institute visitor centre in village.
- Provisions: Available nearby
Skipper's Tips
- Observe dolphins from the boat in silence — resident pods are habituated to boats but need respect; morning and evening are best viewing times
- Visit the Blue World Institute in the village — their dolphin research is among the best in the Mediterranean; adopt-a-dolphin programme
- The island herb gardens (aromatherapy walk) in the hills above Veli Lošinj are extraordinary — bring walking shoes
- Losinj has the warmest microclimate in Croatia — established by measurements since the 19th century; Austrian aristocracy wintered here for health
- For a Bura refuge plan: ACI Mali Lošinj is large, sheltered, and well-run — a good fallback for any significant NE weather
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 Veli Lošinj Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position and alerts you the moment your boat drifts — essential in the Kvarner where Bura arrives fast.
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