Anchorage GuideBrač Island, Croatia10nm from Split

Splitska Anchorage Guide

Also known as: Splitska Bay, Uvala Splitska, Splitska Brač

Splitska is a small, tranquil bay on the N coast of Brač facing Split across the eponymous channel. It is one of the closest overnight anchorages to Split for crews needing to provision or catch a flight. The village quay allows stern-to berthing for a few boats; anchoring in the bay is comfortable on sand and mud. The bay provides excellent protection from Bura and N/NW winds — the island itself acts as a shield. Historically noted as the source of the limestone used to build Diocletian's Palace in Split. Quiet, authentic Dalmatian village atmosphere with a good konoba.

Quick Reference

GPS Coordinates

43°21.8'N 16°30.8'E

Depth

26m

Bottom

sand, mud

Holding

Excellent holding

Protected From

N, NW, NE, E, W

Exposed To

S, SE

Best Months

May, June, July, August, September, October

Anchoring Fee

Free to anchor; harbour due at quay approx €10–15/night

Permit

No

55m

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

55m is sufficient for the bay head in 3–5m with 5:1 scope. The enclosed bay limits swing significantly. If Jugo threatens, leave before dark — the S exposure makes overnight uncomfortable in SE winds.

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The Anchorage

Splitska is a natural harbour on the N coast of Brač directly opposite Split. The sandy mud bottom in 2–5m gives excellent holding. Anchor off the village quay in the bay head. Very well protected from N, W and Bura — the Brač island mass shields the bay from NE katabatic winds. Open to S and SE — Jugo creates swell funnelled through the Brač channel.

Setting Your Anchor

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

  1. Approach slowly — check depth sounder. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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, Delta, CQR.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Splitska are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SE.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before sleeping. 55m is sufficient for the bay head in 3–5m with 5:1 scope. The enclosed bay limits swing significantly. If Jugo threatens, leave before dark — the S exposure makes overnight uncomfortable in SE winds.

Good May–October. The N-coast location means Bura protection is excellent. Summer crowds are minimal — typically just a few yachts overnight. In Jugo conditions depart promptly.

Navigation Hazards

  • S and SE exposure — Jugo creates uncomfortable swell in the bay; depart to N-coast anchorage or Split marina in SE conditions
  • Brač channel ferry traffic — Supetar ferries and Split excursion boats pass nearby; maintain radar watch
  • Shoaling at bay head — confirm depth on approach, especially near the quay
  • Posidonia on bay margins — anchor on the central sandy axis

Rules & Regulations

  • Permit: No special permit required
  • Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; harbour due at quay approx €10–15/night
  • Maximum stay: 5 days
  • Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion from any designated bathing area. No anchoring on Posidonia. Ferry priority applies — Supetar ferry passes close to the bay entrance.
  • 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: Supetar (Brač) (4nm)
  • Restaurant/Konoba: Good konoba near the quay. Small shop for basic provisions.
  • Provisions: Available nearby

Skipper's Tips

  1. Perfect staging anchorage before heading back to Split — 10nm across the channel in settled conditions
  2. The village is quiet and authentic — far fewer tourists than Bol or Milna
  3. The old quarry above the village is worth a short walk — same limestone used in Diocletian's Palace
  4. If Jugo threatens overnight, leave after dinner and motor back to Split harbour or ACI marina Trogir

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 Splitska

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