Bijela Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in 4–10m on mud off Bijela village on the N shore of the inner outer bay. Good holding throughout. The shipyard (Arsenal) is to the E — keep clear of its approaches and the commercial quay area. The anchorage itself in the W part of Bijela Bay is pleasantly sheltered by the surrounding hills. Occasionally some industrialnoise from the shipyard carries across the water. A small beach and waterfront make for a relaxed atmosphere away from the commercial activity.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Bijela is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 4–10m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
2. Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
3. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Set the anchor alarm immediately after setting — in the Boka Kotorska, Bora can arrive with as little as 30 minutes' warning. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain length.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Bijela are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m in 4–8m settled conditions. Keep clear of the Arsenal shipyard fairway to the E. In Bora, the surrounding hills provide good shelter — better than the open outer bay. Extend alarm to 110m in Bora conditions.

Quiet throughout the season. Rarely busy. Practical transit anchorage rather than a destination in its own right.

Navigation Hazards

• Arsenal shipyard to the E — keep clear of commercial quay approaches and fairways
• Occasional commercial vessel movements in the bay — maintain watch when at anchor
• W and SW exposure: afternoon Maestral; manageable in summer
• Industrial noise from the shipyard may be audible at night depending on wind direction

Rules & Regulations

• Montenegro cruising permit (vignette): Mandatory for all foreign yachts — purchase at first port of entry. From ~€89/month. Always check current permit requirements.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor in the W bay area, clear of the shipyard.
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Restrictions: Keep well clear of Arsenal shipyard approaches and commercial quays to the E. Anchor in W part of the bay only.
• Risan Bay: Anchoring permanently prohibited in the entire Bay of Risan (underwater archaeological site). Morinj Bay is OK.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Herceg Novi (5nm)
• Restaurant: Small konoba and cafe in Bijela village. Nearest full provisioning: Herceg Novi (5nm W) or Tivat (8nm SE).
• Provisions: None on site — Herceg Novi (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor in the W part of the bay away from the shipyard for the most pleasant overnight experience
2. A practical waypoint when transiting the outer bay — good mud holding and convenient position between the outer and inner bay
3. Herceg Novi (5nm W) has better provisioning and more character for an extended stay