Trogir South Channel Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The S channel between Trogir old town (mainland side) and Čiovo island is one of the most sheltered stretches of water in the Split area. Mud and sand bottom in 3–5m gives excellent holding. Multiple anchorage positions E of the town bridge. Town quay on the Trogir side allows stern-to berthing for a few boats (harbour dues apply). Channel width limits swinging room — use minimal scope or a stern line to shore.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Trogir South Channel is primarily mud and sand 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.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Trogir South Channel are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SE.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before sleeping. 55m in the channel — the narrow width means swing is limited by the banks. Reduce to 40m if using a stern line to the Čiovo shore. Excellent mud holding means you can use less scope than usual — but do not reduce below 4:1 as the channel depth is variable.

Excellent May–October. A must-visit anchorage for the cultural experience even if only for a night. July–August is crowded with tourist boats but the anchorage charm survives. September–October is more peaceful.

Navigation Hazards

• Channel traffic — tourist boats, kayaks, and local ferries pass at all hours; maintain anchor watch
• S and SE exposure in E bay — Jugo creates swell; the channel itself is more protected
• Limited swing room in the channel — use stern line or minimum scope
• High tourist footfall from Trogir old town — secure dinghy properly

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: No special permit required
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor in channel; harbour dues at town quay €15–25/night
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Restrictions: Channel traffic — local boats, tourist boats, and water-taxis use the channel constantly; maintain clearance. Maximum speed limit in channel (no wake). 150m beach exclusion from bathing areas. Do not anchor directly under the town bridge.
• 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: Trogir market (0nm)
• Restaurant/Konoba: Extensive restaurants, cafes, and excellent fish market in Trogir old town — 2-min walk.
• Provisions: Available nearby
• Wi-Fi: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive early morning before the tourist boats start circling — 08:00 is ideal
2. Trogir old town (UNESCO World Heritage) is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean — spend at least a morning exploring
3. The Cathedral of St Lawrence contains a masterpiece chapel by Juraj Dalmatinac — not to be missed
4. Use a stern line to Čiovo shore to reduce swing in the channel — ask harbour staff for the protocol