Nečujam Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Nečujam, Necujam, Nečujam Šolta
Nečujam is one of the largest and most sheltered bays on Šolta — a long, wide inlet with several branching coves providing excellent all-round shelter except from S and SE. The bay sits partly within a nature park zone (not a national park) and the water is clean and clear. Multiple anchoring positions allow crews to choose based on wind direction. Excellent holding on sand and mud throughout. The pine-lined shores and stone beaches make for a classic Dalmatian setting with minimal tourism infrastructure — no marina, no large hotel.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
43°23.1'N 16°17.4'E
Depth
3–9m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, W, E
Exposed To
S, SE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m for the main bay in 4–7m. The large bay gives good swing room. In inner coves, reduce to 50m. If Jugo is forecast, the S exposure becomes significant — move to the most N-protected inner cove or depart to Rogač.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Nečujam Bay has 2 distinct anchoring zones with different depth, holding, and exposure.
Zone 1: Main bay — central anchorage
- Depth: 3–9m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, W, E
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Alarm radius: 65m
Nečujam is a large, well-sheltered bay on the N coast of Šolta with excellent holding on sand and mud. Multiple coves branch off the main bay, offering choices depending on wind direction. The NP (nature park) zone covers part of the bay — avoid anchoring in the designated protected areas. The main central anchorage in 4–7m is comfortable and spacious.
Zone 2: Inner coves — off the beach
- Depth: 2–5m
- Bottom: sand, posidonia patches
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, W
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Alarm radius: 50m
The inner coves at the bay head are shallower and more intimate. Sandy patches provide good holding but Posidonia is present — snorkel to verify before setting. The 150m beach exclusion applies to the sandy beach in the main cove. Excellent swimming off the boat.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Nečujam Bay is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly — check depth sounder. 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 — 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 Nečujam Bay are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SE.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before sleeping. 65m for the main bay in 4–7m. The large bay gives good swing room. In inner coves, reduce to 50m. If Jugo is forecast, the S exposure becomes significant — move to the most N-protected inner cove or depart to Rogač.
Excellent May–October. The N-coast location gives good Bura protection. July–August brings moderate traffic from Split day-trippers but the multiple coves spread the load. September is outstanding — quiet, warm, clear water.
Navigation Hazards
- S and SE exposure — Jugo sends swell into the bay; depart to inner cove or Rogač in SE conditions
- Nature park zone — do not anchor in the designated protected areas
- Posidonia in inner coves — snorkel to verify before setting anchor
- 150m beach exclusion around the sandy beach in the main cove
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: No special permit required
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: Nature park zone — observe designated protected areas marked on HHI charts. No anchoring on Posidonia. 150m beach exclusion in season. No water skiing within the bay. No loud music after 23:00.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
- SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available — come provisioned
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Rogač (Šolta) (3nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Seasonal konoba at the bay head — open Jun–Sep, irregular hours.
- Provisions: None on site — Rogač (Šolta) (3nm)
Skipper's Tips
- The NW cove gives the best Bura protection — head there if a NE front is forecast
- Arrive by 15:00 in peak season for a choice of spots — the main bay can accommodate 20+ boats comfortably
- Excellent snorkelling off the rocks at the bay entrance — clear water and good fish life
- The nature park atmosphere makes this one of the most tranquil bays near Split despite the proximity to the city
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 Nečujam Bay
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