Petrovac Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Pretty anchorage in 3–8m on sand and pebble off Petrovac town — a photogenic bay with an old Venetian fortress (Kastel), a small island (Sveta Nedjelja), and a sweeping sandy beach. Good holding on sand patches. The bay is exposed to S and SW — settled weather only for overnight stays. The Kastel fortress on the promontory and the offshore islets provide a distinctive and attractive backdrop. Keep clear of the small marina entrance at the NE end of the bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Petrovac is primarily sand and pebble 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 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, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Petrovac 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 sand/pebble. Good holding on sand patches. S/SW exposed — confirm settled forecast before overnighting. The small marina at NE has limited berths — check availability. Alarm must be kept active for overnight stays.

Best May–October. Quieter than Budva and more authentic in character. July–August sees summer tourism but remains manageable.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SW/W exposure — overnight only in settled conditions; Jugo forecast means Bar (14nm S) is the safe alternative
• Swimming buoys and roped beach areas in peak season — anchor clear
• Small marina entrance at NE — give clear berth

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. Small marina at NE end has berths for a fee.
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Restrictions: S/SW exposed — overnight only in settled weather. Keep clear of marina entrance at NE. Swimming buoys near beach in peak season.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Petrovac town (0.2nm)
• Restaurant: Good restaurants and cafes in Petrovac town behind the beach. Small marina may have water and power. Full services: Bar (14nm S) — fuel dock, supermarket.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the most photogenic anchorages on the Montenegro Riviera — anchor here for the sunset views of the Kastel fortress
2. The town behind the beach is far less crowded than Budva (12nm N) — better for quiet provisioning and exploring
3. Walk to the Kastel fortress on the promontory — the views along the Riviera from the old walls are excellent