Kavač Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sheltered anchorage in inner Tivat Bay near the airport. Good mud holding in 3–8m. Well sheltered from Bora and most wind directions by the surrounding mountains and Luštica ridge. The opening faces W which admits the afternoon Maestral but this is benign. Tivat airport is immediately adjacent — aircraft noise factor, especially during day operations. All Tivat services (Porto Montenegro, fuel, supermarket) are within 2nm.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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 — on the Luštica coast, SW swell can arrive with little warning and superyacht wash from Porto Montenegro can reach anchorages unexpectedly. 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 Kavač are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below. 70m in 3–6m on mud. Very sheltered inside Tivat Bay — one of the best protected anchorages in Montenegro. Bora is significantly reduced here compared to the outer bay. Superyacht wash from Porto Montenegro possible.

Excellent shelter year-round. Practical anchorage for boats using Tivat as a base.

Navigation Hazards

• Aircraft noise: Tivat airport approach is directly adjacent — noise from landing aircraft (especially jet aircraft) throughout operating hours
• Superyacht wash from Porto Montenegro — large vessels transiting Tivat Bay create wash
• W exposure to afternoon Maestral — manageable

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. Porto Montenegro berths €100–200+/night as an alternative.
• Maximum stay: 7 days
• Restrictions: Airport approach path overhead — aircraft noise. Watch for superyacht wash from Porto Montenegro. Check for any restricted zones near airport.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tivat / Porto Montenegro (2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Tivat / Porto Montenegro (2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Tivat / Porto Montenegro (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Best Bora shelter in Tivat Bay area for free anchoring — use as Bora refuge when Porto Montenegro is full or beyond budget
2. Porto Montenegro is within easy dinghy ride — use their services while enjoying free anchoring
3. If aircraft noise is a concern, Krtole (4nm SW) is quieter