Anchoring Zones

Maslinica has 2 distinct anchoring zones with different depth, holding, and exposure.

Zone 1: Inner harbour — village quay and mooring buoys

Depth: 2–5m
Bottom: sand, mud
Holding: Excellent holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, NW
Exposed to: W, SW
Alarm radius: 45m

The tiny inner harbour at Maslinica has excellent holding on sand/mud in 2–4m. Mooring buoys are available from the local harbour master in summer — highly recommended as they keep boats from swinging into each other. The old castle/restaurant dominates the quay. Excellent all-round shelter; only W and SW are open but the outer islets partially reduce swell.

Zone 2: Outer bay — deeper anchoring

Depth: 5–10m
Bottom: sand, mud
Holding: Good holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, S
Exposed to: W, SW, NW
Alarm radius: 75m

The outer bay S and SW of the village provides extra space in 5–8m. Sand and mud holding is good. Partially sheltered from W by the outer islets of the Maslinica archipelago (Balkun, Stipanska, Polebrnjak). More exposure than the inner harbour but good for the occasional night when the inner berths are full.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Maslinica is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.

Approach slowly — check depth sounder. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Maslinica are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to W and SW.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 45m radius before sleeping. 45m for the inner harbour in 2–4m — the enclosed basin limits swing substantially. If on a mooring buoy, reduce to 25–30m. In the outer bay at 5–8m, increase to 75m. The islets to the W reduce W swell significantly.

Best May–June and September–October. July–August is the busiest period with bareboats from Split, but the charm survives the crowds. October remains warm enough for swimming and the anchorage is quiet.

Navigation Hazards

W and SW exposure — Mistral chop enters the outer bay; inner basin and buoys are comfortable
Shallow inner basin — minimum 2m, confirm depth carefully on approach especially near quay ends
Congestion in July–August — inner harbour fills by early afternoon; arrive by 14:00
Posidonia present in the outer bay margins — anchor on the sandy central axis

Rules & Regulations

Permit: No special permit required
Anchoring fee: Free to anchor outside inner harbour
Mooring buoys: Available — Mooring buoy approx €15–25/night (paid to harbour master)
Maximum stay: 5 days
Restrictions: Keep clear of ferry approach and fishing boat routes. No anchoring on Posidonia. 150m beach exclusion applies to bathing beaches. No tying to trees or rocks on the outer islets.
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: Stomorska (Šolta) (4nm)
Restaurant/Konoba: Castle restaurant (Martinis Marchi) — excellent but book in advance for dinner. Simple konoba and terrace cafe also available.
Provisions: Available nearby
Wi-Fi: Available

Skipper's Tips

Pick up a mooring buoy early — they go fast in July–August and the holding in the inner basin is excellent on a buoy
The castle restaurant (Martinis Marchi) is worth a splurge — one of the best dining experiences in the Šolta islands
The outer islets make for excellent snorkelling and dinghy exploration — crystal clear water
Strong Mistral: the outer islets provide enough W shelter to make the inner harbour comfortable even in F5 Mistral

Maslinica Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference