Ada Bojana Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The Ada Bojana anchorage is in the river delta lagoon — a triangular island formed by two channels of the Bojana River and the sea beach. Anchor in 2–5m on sand in the lagoon W of the island. Good sand holding. The approach requires careful attention to depths — the delta is shallow and shifting. Enter from the NW on a rising tide if possible. The right (E) channel of the Bojana is Montenegro; the left (W) channel is Albania. IMPORTANT: Do not cross into Albanian waters. The island hosts the Ada Bojana naturist beach resort — Montenegro's famous nudist beach area.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ada Bojana is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 2–5m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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 south Montenegro coast, SW swell can build quickly and conditions can deteriorate faster than forecasts suggest. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain length.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Ada Bojana are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below. 60m in 2–4m on sand in the lagoon. Shallow area — use echosounder continuously on approach. The lagoon provides reasonable N and NE shelter. S and SW exposure to the sea; if SW Jugo builds, depart the lagoon and head N to Bar. The shifting delta bottom means anchor position must be checked carefully — the sand can be soft.

Best June–September in settled weather. The lagoon is most sheltered from the light N summer thermals. Avoid if any S or SW is forecast. October onwards SW systems become more frequent.

Navigation Hazards

• ALBANIAN BORDER: the left (W) channel of the Bojana River is Albanian territory — do not cross without customs clearance; navigation restrictions may apply
• SHALLOW DELTA: depths in the lagoon are 2–5m and shifting; approach only with echosounder active and caution; the approach from the sea requires careful pilotage
• S and SW exposure: Jugo swell can enter the lagoon — depart immediately if SW builds; head N to Bar or Ulcinj
• River current from the Bojana — at spring and after rain, the river current can affect the anchorage; anchor with extra scope

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 in the lagoon.
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Restrictions: CRITICAL: Albanian border — do not cross into Albanian waters without full customs clearance at an Albanian port. The left (W) channel of the Bojana River is Albanian territory. Navigation restrictions may apply — check current regulations. Shallow delta — depths shift; use echosounder continuously.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Ulcinj (12nm)
• Restaurant: Several restaurants on Ada Bojana island catering to beach resort visitors. Fish restaurants along the river are a local speciality. Nearest fuel: Ulcinj (12nm N) or Bar (30nm N).
• Provisions: None on site — Ulcinj (12nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Enter the lagoon from the NW on a rising tide and with a careful eye on the echosounder — the approach is not difficult but the depths are shallow
2. The fish restaurants on Ada Bojana island are some of the best in Montenegro — grilled river and sea fish cooked fresh
3. Always know where the Albanian border is and stay well clear — the maritime border in the Bojana channels is the division between the two countries
4. Check current navigation restrictions before visiting — the delta area status can change
5. Light thermal winds make Ada Bojana one of Montenegro's best windsurfing spots