Žanjic Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Popular anchorage in 2–6m on sand and pebble below the scenic Luštica hillside. Good holding on sandy patches between pebble. This is one of the most popular south Luštica anchorages — July–August sees it fill completely by midday. Arrive before 10:00 for a choice of positions. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW — settled weather only. The N and NE directions are sheltered by the Luštica ridge. The Maestral (W thermal, F3–4 afternoon) is manageable. No facilities but day-trip boats may offer water taxi to Tivat.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Žanjic is primarily sand and pebble with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 2–6m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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 Žanjic are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below. 65m in 2–5m on sand/pebble. The anchorage can be crowded in July–August — reduce to 45m when boats are close. In the afternoon Maestral, the anchor holds well on sand; pebble patches are less reliable. Always check forecast for S or SW — the anchorage must be vacated if SW swell enters.

Best May–June and September. July–August crowded. The SE-facing slope above the cove holds its colour well into autumn — September and early October are beautiful here.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SW exposure — settled weather only; depart immediately if S swell enters; do not overnight with S or SW in forecast
• Very crowded July–August — arrive by 10:00 for space; wash from charter boats and superyachts from Porto Montenegro can be significant
• Superyacht wash from Porto Montenegro (4nm N) — charter superyachts transiting the coast can create sudden large wash
• Shallow inner areas: 2m or less near beach — use echosounder; do not anchor in less than 2.5m

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. Crowded July–August — arrive early. Always check current permit requirements.

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 (4nm)
• Restaurant: Seasonal beach bar/restaurant may operate July–August (verify locally — unreliable). No reliable facilities. Nearest: Tivat (4nm N) — Porto Montenegro, fuel, full provisioning.
• Provisions: None on site — Tivat / Porto Montenegro (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 10:00 in July–August for a good position — by noon the anchorage is packed
2. Visit in May or early June for the best combination: warm enough to swim, clear water, minimal crowds
3. Porto Montenegro superyacht wash can arrive unexpectedly — keep anchor alarm active at all times
4. The Luštica ridge above offers a short but rewarding walk with panoramic views across the bay entrance and out to the open Adriatic