Kumbor Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Kumbor anchors in 4–10m on thick mud with good holding. The former Yugoslav military base on the N shore is now derelict but structurally present — do not approach the old quay structures. The bay is reasonably sheltered from the NE Bora by the surrounding hills, making it notably calmer than the open Herceg Novi roadstead in Bora conditions. The W and SW remain exposed — the Maestral enters through the bay opening. Swing room is generous and the anchorage rarely crowds.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kumbor 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 Kumbor 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 appropriate for settled conditions in 4–8m. The bay's NE hill shelter provides significantly better Bora protection than Herceg Novi town — a practical intermediate stop between Zelenika and the inner bay. Extend alarm to 110m in Bora conditions and use maximum scope.

Usable May–October. Quiet and uncrowded throughout the season. Occasional visitors in July–August but rarely busy. Good early/late season anchorage.

Navigation Hazards

• Derelict military quay structures on N shore — keep clear on approach and at anchor
• W and SW exposure — Maestral enters through bay opening; uncomfortable but not dangerous in normal summer conditions
• Bora: better sheltered than Herceg Novi town but still exposed in severe events — move to Morinj for full Bora shelter
• Limited facilities — self-sufficient boat required; nearest services at Zelenika (2nm N)

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.
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Restrictions: Keep clear of derelict military quay structures on N shore. No facilities on site.
• 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: Zelenika (2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Zelenika (2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Zelenika (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Useful lunch stop or waypoint on passage between Zelenika and the inner bay — the mud holds quickly and departure is straightforward
2. The old military base gives Kumbor an unusual atmosphere; the derelict buildings are visible but do not attempt to land there
3. Better Bora shelter than Herceg Novi town — if Bora builds while you are at Herceg Novi, Kumbor is a quick intermediate refuge before committing to the deeper bay
4. Very quiet anchorage — often completely alone outside July–August