Velika Plaža Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The approaches to Velika Plaža (Montenegro's 13km sandy beach) in 3–6m on sand. Good sand holding when properly set. However, this is an open roadstead facing S and SW with minimal shelter — it is suitable only for day stops in absolutely settled conditions. The beach stretches 13km between Ulcinj and Ada Bojana, making it one of the longest sandy beaches in the eastern Adriatic. The anchorage off the beach is exposed to S, SW, W, and SE swell. An alarm radius of 90m provides early warning given the exposed position.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Velika Plaža is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–6m, 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 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 Velika Plaža are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m in 3–5m on sand — open roadstead; day stop only. Do not overnight here; the beach is exposed from essentially all sea directions. Have Ulcinj or Ada Bojana lagoon as departure targets if conditions deteriorate.

Day stops June–September in settled weather only. Not suitable for extended or overnight use.

Navigation Hazards

• OPEN ROADSTEAD: exposed to S/SW/W/SE — day stop only; overnight stay requires absolutely settled forecast and is not recommended
• S and SW swell can build with little warning — depart immediately for Ulcinj or Ada Bojana if conditions deteriorate
• No shelter available — in deteriorating conditions, the nearest refuge is Ulcinj (4nm NW)

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: 1 days
• Restrictions: Day stop only — no overnight stays in anything other than the most settled conditions. Exposed roadstead — depart at first sign of S or SW swell.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Ulcinj (4nm)
• Restaurant: Seasonal beach bars and restaurants along Velika Plaža in July–August. Nearest full services: Ulcinj (4nm NW).
• Provisions: None on site — Ulcinj (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use as a lunch stop on passage between Ulcinj and Ada Bojana — anchor in the morning settled conditions, enjoy the beach, and depart before the afternoon Maestral builds
2. The 13km beach walk from Ulcinj to Ada Bojana is worth the trip — dinghy ashore and explore
3. Always have an exit plan — conditions can deteriorate faster than forecasts suggest on this open coast