Ploče Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Scenic cove at the SW tip of Luštica in 3–8m on sand and rock. Fair holding — requires careful placement on sand patches between the rock outcrops. The cove is open to S, SW, and W — settled weather only. The N and NE directions are sheltered by the Luštica peninsula ridge. Some swell enters from the SW in moderate conditions; departure should be immediate if SW swell builds. The water clarity is exceptional — rock and sand bottom clearly visible in 5–6m. Suitable for day stops and overnight in the most settled summer weather only.

Setting Your Anchor

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

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 Ploče are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m in 3–6m on mixed sand/rock. Fair holding requires careful anchor placement — snorkel to locate best sand patch if uncertain. The SW exposure means the alarm can fire quickly if swell enters and the anchor shifts on rock. Do not overnight without a confirmed settled forecast.

Day stops June–September in settled weather only. Not suitable for off-season use given SW exposure.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SW/W exposure — day stop only or overnight in absolutely settled weather only; depart at first sign of SW swell
• Fair holding on mixed rock/sand — drag risk; always test anchor carefully
• Remote — nearest services 5nm at Tivat; ensure engine is reliable before anchoring here
• SW swell can enter with little warning — keep watch on weather and sea state

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: 2 days
• Restrictions: Settled weather only. Fair holding on rock/sand — test carefully. S and SW exposed.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tivat (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Tivat (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Tivat (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Best visited as a lunch stop on passage along the S Luštica coast — the water is brilliant for swimming
2. Snorkel the bottom to find the best sand patches before anchoring
3. The views from the Luštica tip — S to the open Adriatic, N into the Bay of Kotor entrance — are worth the navigation
4. If uncertain about conditions, Tivat Bay (5nm NE inside the bay) offers much better shelter for overnight