Ulcinj (Old Town Bay) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in 3–8m on sand off the Ulcinj old town (Stari Grad) — the ancient citadel rising on a promontory above the sea. Good sand holding when properly set with 6:1 scope minimum. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW — settled weather only for overnight stays. The old town walls date from Venetian and Ottoman occupation; the view from the anchorage looking up at the citadel is dramatic. Small marina north of the old town may offer berths — check availability on arrival.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ulcinj (Old Town Bay) is primarily sand 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Ulcinj (Old Town Bay) 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. S and SW exposed — check forecast carefully before overnighting. If SW Jugo is forecast, use the small marina or depart for Bar (20nm N). The sand holding is reliable when properly set. Always keep anchor alarm active.

Best May–June and September–October when the anchorage is quieter and SW weather is less frequent. July–August sees summer tourism crowds but the old town is always worth visiting.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SW exposure — Jugo (SE) swell makes the anchorage untenable; depart for Bar if Jugo forecast
• Commercial and excursion boat traffic near the old town waterfront
• Albania is 12nm S — do not cross the maritime border without proper customs clearance
• Depths shoal rapidly in the inner bay near the old town walls — use echosounder

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 bay. Small marina may offer berths for a fee.
• Maximum stay: 7 days
• Restrictions: S and SW exposed — settled weather only for overnight. Check with Ulcinj port authority for any restricted zones near the old town walls.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Ulcinj town (0.3nm)
• Restaurant: Good restaurants and cafes in the old town and along the beach promenade. Full provisioning available in Ulcinj town. Nearest fuel: Bar (20nm N).
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. The old town of Ulcinj is one of the most historically layered places in Montenegro — allow at least a full day for exploration
2. The Turkish quarter, the hammam, the old mosque, and the fortress walls are all within easy walking distance
3. Bar (20nm N) has better facilities and is the official port of entry — clear in there before heading S to Ulcinj
4. The sunset from the old town walls, with the anchorage and open sea below, is extraordinary