Sakarun Bay Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Sakarun Bay has 3 distinct anchoring zones.

Setting Your Anchor

Bottom at Sakarun Bay: primarily sand. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (56m at 8m). Set firmly in reverse and snorkel to verify bottom — avoid Posidonia (€2,000 fine).

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Set GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius. 80m for the main bay in 3–8m on white sand. In peak season with 100+ boats, alarm radius accuracy is critical — reduce to 60m and set with engine astern to ensure the anchor is buried, as chain can pile on top of anchor in dense crowds. ARRIVE BEFORE 09:00 in July–August. The bay is open to S and SW — departure is mandatory if Jugo develops. The 150m beach exclusion zone must be respected; stay beyond 150m from the shoreline Jun 15–Sep 15.

May and early June are outstanding — few boats, full beauty. July–August is spectacular scenery but operationally demanding. September is the sweet spot: warm water, normal crowds, Mistral pattern reliable. October is beautiful but watch for Bura and Jugo. Avoid in any S sector wind.

Navigation Hazards

• Extreme crowding Jul–Aug: 80–120 boats by midday; dragging anchors and swing conflicts are common; set firmly with engine astern at 1,500 rpm
• 150m beach exclusion zone: enforced by maritime police Jun 15–Sep 15 — fines issued to non-compliant vessels
• Open to S, SW and W: Jugo makes the bay completely untenable — departure required when Jugo forecast above F3
• NW Mistral creates afternoon chop in the outer bay — the inner bay (close to beach limit) is better protected
• Day-trip speedboats: constant high-speed traffic in the outer approaches creates wake and hazards to swimmers and dinghies
• No provisions or water: must be fully self-sufficient before arrival

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. No park fees (outside Telašćica). Standard maritime rules. 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15 strictly enforced by maritime inspectors.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor (outside 150m exclusion zone)
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion zone strictly enforced Jun 15–Sep 15 (SSVO 2025). No PWC within 150m of beach. No overnight fires on beach. Extremely crowded Jul–Aug — arrive before 09:00. Open to S and SW — departure mandatory if Jugo develops.
• Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
• SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Brbinj (Dugi Otok) (14nm)
• Restaurant/Konoba: None on site
• Provisions: None — Brbinj (Dugi Otok) (14nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 09:00 — this is the only strategy that guarantees a spot in July–August; by 11:00 the bay is typically at capacity
2. Set the anchor with full engine astern for 30 seconds on the clean sand — with 100 boats around you, a dragging anchor is a serious incident
3. Snorkel the anchor immediately — the clear water and white sand make verification easy and essential in crowded conditions
4. Stay at least 150m from the beach at all times Jun 15–Sep 15; use the chart plotter's distance tool to verify
5. The bay at first light (06:00–08:00) before the day boats arrive is one of the most beautiful moments in Adriatic sailing
6. If the bay is full, Telašćica (S tip of Dugi Otok, 20nm) or Neviđane Bay on Pašman are excellent alternatives