Rezan Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Small quiet cove S of Sveti Stefan in 3–7m on rock and sand. Fair holding — anchor must find sand patches between the rock; probe with echosounder and snorkel if necessary to confirm bottom. The cove is small — 3–5 boats maximum before it becomes crowded. Exposed to S and SW. The cove is quieter than the busy Sveti Stefan bay N of the isthmus and offers a more private alternative for boats that want the same dramatic backdrop without the excursion boat crowds.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–7m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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 Rezan are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below. 70m in 3–5m on rock/sand. Fair holding requires careful anchor placement on sand patches. The alarm radius of 70m is appropriate for the exposed position — anchor shift on rock will fire the alarm early. S/SW exposed — confirmed settled forecast required for overnight. The small cove size means reduced swing room; reduce alarm to 50m if other boats are present.

Best May–September in settled conditions. Small and quiet — often completely alone. July–August may see occasional charter boats.

Navigation Hazards

• Rock/sand bottom — fair holding; must find sand patches and test carefully; drag risk on rock
• S/SW/W exposure — day stop or settled overnight only; depart for Budva if SW swell enters
• Small cove — little room for more than 4–5 boats; anchors can foul in crowded conditions

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: S/SW exposed — settled weather only. Fair holding on rock/sand — test carefully. Small cove — maximum 5 boats.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Budva (6nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Budva (6nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Budva (6nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Snorkel the bottom to locate sand patches before committing the anchor — worth the effort in a small cove with rock/sand mix
2. A quieter and more private alternative to Sveti Stefan Bay — good for those who want the backdrop without the crowds
3. Budva marina (6nm N) is the practical overnight refuge if conditions deteriorate or the cove fills up