Bol Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Zlatni Rat Anchorage, Bol Brač, Uvala Bol
Bol is home to Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), Croatia's most photographed beach — a natural shingle-and-sand spit that changes shape with currents and wind. The anchorage is east of the spit in relatively shallow sand and gravel. The setting is spectacular with the Vidova Gora mountain backdrop rising to 778m. However, the anchorage is exposed to W, SW and S, making it a fair-weather day stop rather than an overnight destination in unsettled conditions. The afternoon Mistral builds strongly here. Excellent provisioning in the busy town. The 150m beach exclusion zone strictly enforced in season.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
43°15.8'N 16°39.4'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand, gravel
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E
Exposed To
W, SW, S
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m appropriate for sand/gravel bottom in 3–5m with a 5:1 scope. The anchorage is open to W and SW — in afternoon Mistral above F4 the boat will be active; increase to 90m if lying in the outer position. Not recommended for overnight if Jugo is forecast.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Bol has 2 distinct anchoring zones with different depth, holding, and exposure.
Zone 1: East of Zlatni Rat — sandy spit anchorage
- Depth: 3–7m
- Bottom: sand, gravel
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E
- Exposed to: W, SW, S
- Alarm radius: 70m
Anchor E of the famous Zlatni Rat spit in 3–5m on sand and fine gravel. Holding is good once set. The 150m beach exclusion zone extends around the spit — keep well clear in season. The anchorage is exposed to W and SW — afternoon Mistral and any southerly swell make it rolly. Day stop only in strong W or SW conditions.
Zone 2: Town harbour approach — off the quay
- Depth: 4–8m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW
- Exposed to: S, SE, W
- Alarm radius: 60m
Off the main Bol town harbour in 4–7m on sand and mud. Better protection from W swell than the Zlatni Rat anchorage. Open to S and SE — Jugo makes this bay uncomfortable. Better for overnight in settled N or NE conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Bol is primarily sand and gravel with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly — check depth sounder. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m depth).
- Drop into wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
- Set firmly in reverse — apply moderate throttle for 30–60 seconds.
- Snorkel to verify — confirm anchor is on sand/mud, not Posidonia (anchoring on Posidonia carries fines up to €2,000 in Croatia).
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Bol are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to W and SW and S.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before sleeping. 70m appropriate for sand/gravel bottom in 3–5m with a 5:1 scope. The anchorage is open to W and SW — in afternoon Mistral above F4 the boat will be active; increase to 90m if lying in the outer position. Not recommended for overnight if Jugo is forecast.
May–June and September–October for best conditions. July–August very crowded with day-trippers from Split and Hvar; anchor in the early morning before the flotilla arrives. The Mistral blows strongly here from noon onwards in summer — plan around it.
Navigation Hazards
- Strong W and SW exposure — afternoon Mistral above F5 creates significant chop; departure recommended
- 150m beach exclusion around the entire Zlatni Rat spit in season — strictly enforced
- Tourist boat traffic circling the spit constantly in season — maintain watch
- Jugo (SE) sends uncomfortable swell into the bay; seek shelter at Milna or Maslinica
- Bura can accelerate off Vidova Gora ridge — NE gusts can be sudden and strong
- Sandy bottom transitions to Posidonia on bay fringes — snorkel to verify before setting anchor
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: No special permit required
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 3 days
- Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion strictly enforced around Zlatni Rat beach (Jun 15–Sep 15). No anchoring on Posidonia meadows. Do not obstruct the water-taxi and tourist-boat routes around the spit.
- 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: Bol town (0.5nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Many restaurants, bars, and a supermarket in Bol town — 10-min dinghy from anchorage.
- Provisions: Available nearby
Skipper's Tips
- Anchor for lunch rather than overnight — the spectacle of Zlatni Rat is best enjoyed at midday when the Mistral has not yet reached full strength
- The anchorage E of the spit is cleaner sand than the W side — prefer it in NE/E conditions
- Arrive before 10:00 for calm conditions and a shot at the nearest-to-beach position before the tourist boats arrive
- Bring paddleboards or kayaks — the shallow sand around the spit is perfect for watersports
- For overnight, continue W to Milna (8nm) — far better shelter and village facilities
A note on this guide: Data has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Always check current weather, NAVTEX/VHF bulletins, and HHI charts before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Bol
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and alerts you the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius.
Download Free for iOS