Pomena Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Pomena, Mljet NP West
Pomena is the western gateway to Mljet National Park — a small bay with a modest hotel, the park information office, and the landing point for the Dubrovnik catamaran. Less spectacular than Polače in terms of the immediate setting, but it provides access to the same lakes and monastery. Mooring buoys are mandatory here as throughout the NP. The bay is more exposed to W and NW winds than Polače. An alternative when Polače is full, or a good entry point for crews arriving on the catamaran ferry to pay park fees before sailing to Polače.
Quick Reference
GPS
42°51.0'N 17°21.5'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S
Exposed To
W, NW, SW
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free anchoring prohibited — mooring buoys mandatory inside NP.
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Mljet NP entry fee mandatory. Mooring buoys MANDATORY — no free anchoring within NP.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m on mooring buoys. More exposed than Polače — the W and NW face is open and afternoon Mistral builds chop. In stronger NW conditions, Polače (if available) or Okuklje (SE Mljet) are better options.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Pomena is a small bay at the W end of the national park, home to a small hotel (Hotel Odisej) with its own quay and mooring buoys. This is the park's western entry point and where the Dubrovnik–Mljet passenger catamaran stops. Mooring buoys in the bay — national park rules apply (buoys mandatory, no free anchoring). Bay is more open than Polače but usable in typical summer conditions. Alternative when Polače is fully occupied.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Pomena: primarily sand and mud. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (49m at 7m). Set firmly in reverse and snorkel to verify bottom — avoid Posidonia (€2,000 fine).
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius. 55m on mooring buoys. More exposed than Polače — the W and NW face is open and afternoon Mistral builds chop. In stronger NW conditions, Polače (if available) or Okuklje (SE Mljet) are better options.
May–October. Less crowded than Polače as it is the second-choice alternative. July–August still busy but buoys usually available later in the day. More exposed in W conditions.
Navigation Hazards
- W and NW exposure — Mistral afternoon chop can be uncomfortable; Polače is better sheltered
- Catamaran ferry wakes — the Dubrovnik–Mljet catamaran calls here and creates significant wash on arrival/departure
- NP fee enforcement — wardens patrol; pay entry fee before entering park waters
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Mljet NP entry fee mandatory. Mooring buoys MANDATORY — no free anchoring within NP.
- Anchoring fee: Free anchoring prohibited — mooring buoys mandatory inside NP.
- Mooring buoys: Available — Included in NP entry fee or additional charge
- Maximum stay: 3 days
- Restrictions: All Mljet NP rules apply. No free anchoring, no fishing without permit, no fires.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Hotel Odisej shop (0nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Hotel Odisej restaurant and terrace open in season. Small shop near the hotel.
- Provisions: None — Hotel Odisej shop (0nm)
- Wi-Fi: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Use Pomena as the alternative when Polače is full — same park access, slightly less atmosphere
- The NP information office here is useful for park maps, lake walks, and boat hire to the monastery
- If arriving late in the day when Polače is full, Pomena is a reliable backup with buoys usually available
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 Pomena
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