Plavi Horizonti Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sand anchorage in 3–8m off the W-facing beach on Luštica's W coast. Good sand holding when properly set — use sufficient scope (6:1 minimum) as the sand can be compacted in places. The anchorage is exposed to W, SW, and S — settled weather only; this is an open roadstead that becomes untenable in any W or SW wind system. The beach (Plavi Horizonti) is one of the most beautiful on the peninsula — clear turquoise water and coarse sand. Suitable for daytime lunch stops in settled summer conditions; overnight stays require confirmed settled weather forecast.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Plavi Horizonti is primarily sand 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, Delta, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Plavi Horizonti are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW and NW and S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m in 3–6m on sand. Settled weather only — do not overnight here if any W or SW wind is forecast. Check forecast carefully; the anchorage can be approached and departed quickly if conditions deteriorate. The Luštica Bay new marina development to the N may provide a more sheltered alternative.

Day stops June–September in settled weather only. Avoid April–May and October when SW weather systems are more frequent. July–August afternoon Maestral is benign but monitor; any Jugo (SE) approaching means immediate departure.

Navigation Hazards

• EXPOSED TO W/SW/NW/S — settled weather only; do not overnight without confirmed settled forecast; depart immediately if W or SW wind builds
• Sand holding variable — set carefully with 6:1 scope minimum and test with engine reverse before going below
• Summer SW Jugo swell can enter from the S — monitor weather forecasts; depart early if swell builds
• Remote location — nearest services 6nm away at Tivat
• Luštica Bay development (N coast) — check current charts for new restricted zones or buoyed channels

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. Do not anchor in strong W or SW wind conditions. Luštica Bay development nearby — check for any new restricted zones on current charts.

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 (6nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Tivat / Porto Montenegro (6nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Tivat / Porto Montenegro (6nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the most beautiful day-stop beaches in Montenegro — worth the effort of navigating to the W Luštica coast on a settled summer day
2. Arrive early morning before the summer thermal builds; anchor by 09:00 for the best conditions
3. Always have a departure plan — if the Maestral builds to F4+ in the afternoon, weigh anchor and head N into the Bay of Kotor entrance for shelter
4. The water clarity here is exceptional — snorkelling over the sand and rock patches at the bay edges rewards with colourful Mediterranean marine life