Mirišta Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Beautiful cove on the S coast of Luštica in 3–7m on sand and rock. Holding is fair — sand patches among rock; probe with the anchor until you find a good sand patch and set carefully with 6:1 scope. The cove is sheltered from the N and NE (which puts it well inside the lee of the Luštica ridge in N or NE wind) but exposed to S and SW swell. Settled weather only. The crystal-clear water reveals the rock/sand composition — useful for choosing the best patch. Crowded in July–August: arrive by 10:00 for a spot.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mirišta is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–7m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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 Mirišta are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below. 75m in 3–5m on mixed sand/rock. Fair holding requires careful anchor placement — find a sand patch and set firmly before going below. The S exposure means swell from the S or SW can enter; alarm radius of 75m provides early warning if the anchor shifts on rock. Settled weather only — do not overnight with any S or SW in the forecast.

Best in May–June and September when crowds are lower and weather more settled. July–August is busy and the S exposure means a heightened weather watch is required. Avoid October onwards when SW systems become more frequent.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SW exposure — settled weather only; S swell can build quickly and make the anchorage untenable with very little warning
• Fair holding on mixed sand/rock — requires careful anchor placement; drag risk on rock patches
• Crowded July–August — arrive by 10:00 or you may find no suitable sand patch available
• SW Jugo swell: if Jugo is forecast anywhere in the Adriatic, do not anchor here overnight

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: 3 days
• Restrictions: Settled weather only. S and SW exposed — depart immediately if S swell builds. Fair holding on rock/sand mix — test carefully before going below.

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 (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Tivat / Porto Montenegro (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Tivat / Porto Montenegro (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Snorkel over the bottom before anchoring to identify the best sand patches — the water clarity here makes this easy
2. Visit in May or September for the best combination of warm water, beautiful surroundings, and manageable crowds
3. Always have Tivat or Bigova as your departure target if conditions deteriorate — both are within 30 minutes under engine
4. The cove is most beautiful at dawn before the charter boats arrive — reward yourself by anchoring overnight only in the most settled conditions