Bačvice Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchoring off Bačvice is permitted in the outer bay beyond the beach exclusion zone. Sand and mud bottom in 3–6m gives good holding. The location near Diocletian's Palace and the old town is extraordinary for an urban anchorage. Exposed to S, SE and SW — any Jugo swell makes this uncomfortable. Significant boat traffic from the ferry terminal and the ACI marina approaches.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly — check depth sounder. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. Drop into wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
3. Set firmly in reverse — apply moderate throttle for 30–60 seconds.
4. 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 Bačvice Bay are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SE and SW.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before sleeping. 70m appropriate for sand/mud in 4–6m. High boat traffic means maintaining a good alarm radius is essential. The open S exposure and ferry wake can cause active swinging — do not reduce below 60m. In any S sector wind, depart to Split ACI marina or head to Šolta.

Day use only in summer. May and October offer the best combination of settled weather and manageable crowds. Avoid overnight in any S sector wind.

Navigation Hazards

• S, SE and SW fully exposed — Jugo makes the anchorage untenable; use Split ACI marina instead
• High-speed ferry traffic — Split is a major ferry hub; keep well clear of all approach lanes
• 150m beach exclusion from Bačvice beach strictly enforced
• Urban anchor theft risk — do not leave dinghy unattended on beach at night
• Wave wash from ferries and high-speed boats creates constant movement

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: No special permit required
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor in outer bay
• Maximum stay: 2 days
• Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion strictly enforced around Bačvice beach — maritime police active in summer. No anchoring within ferry terminal approach zones. Urban noise regulations apply.
• 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: Available
• Restaurant/Konoba: Unlimited restaurants, bars, markets, and provisioning in Split city centre.
• Provisions: Available nearby

Skipper's Tips

1. This is a day anchorage for city visits rather than an overnight destination — use Split ACI marina for overnight
2. The dinghy landing at Bačvice is free; Diocletian's Palace is a 5-min walk
3. The fish market (Pazar) opens at 07:00 — an essential Split experience for provisioning
4. If staying overnight, run an anchor watch — the ferry wash and S exposure mean the anchor can work loose