Lalzi Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

A broad sandy bay 8km S of Durrës in 4–8m over clean sand. Protection from W, NW, and SW is provided by the gradual curvature of the Albanian coast; the bay is open to N, NE (Bora), and E. Sand holding is good throughout — the sandy bottom is consistent and the anchor sets cleanly with engine reverse confirmation. The bay has seen significant beach resort development since 2018 with hotels, beach clubs, and water sports equipment in the summer months. Jet skis and speedboats operate throughout the bay in July–August and require constant vigilance. CRITICAL: North of Vlorë — anchoring in bays between official ports is technically forbidden; this bay is outside official ports and Albanian Coast Guard patrols may contact vessels anchored here. Use only as a day anchorage in settled conditions with port authority clearance if possible, and be prepared for Coast Guard interaction. Do not overnight.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Lalzi Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Check Bora forecast before anchoring — cap clouds over the Dinaric Alps to the NE are the warning sign. Bora gusts to 70+ knots arrive with minimal notice. If any Bora is forecast, use Cristian Marina shore lines rather than anchoring in exposed positions.
2. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 4–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
3. Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Lalzi Bay are feasible in settled conditions but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m alarm radius for the main Lalzi Bay position in 4–8m. The sandy bottom holds well in calm conditions but the N and NE exposure is the critical risk — in Bora conditions the bay is completely exposed and untenable. The 80m radius accounts for swing at the deeper end of the depth range; anchor in the shallowest practical area (4–5m) to minimise scope requirement and improve alarm reliability. The bay is within Coast Guard patrol range of Durrës — the 80m alarm is a safety backstop but a continuous human watch is essential given the regulatory environment and the Bora risk. If the alarm fires due to any N or NE wind, do not attempt to re-anchor — proceed directly to Cristian Marina at Durrës (4.5nm N).

Day use only, June–September in completely settled conditions. July and August provide the most reliable settled weather windows but also the heaviest water sports traffic; mornings are strongly preferred. June and September are better months due to lower water sports congestion and slightly lower Coast Guard attention on recreational day stops. Not suitable May or October due to higher Bora frequency. Lalzi Bay requires the same careful forecast checking as all northern Albanian coastal positions — never use it if there is any NE in the 24-hour forecast.

Navigation Hazards

• CRITICAL — forbidden anchoring zone: north of Vlorë, anchoring outside official ports is forbidden; Albanian Coast Guard patrol vessels operate regularly in Lalzi Bay as it is close to Durrës; have all documentation ready and be prepared to move to Durrës immediately if instructed
• NE Bora exposure: the bay is fully open to N and NE; in Bora conditions (gusts to 70+ knots in severe events) the anchorage is completely untenable; any NE cap clouds over the mountains are grounds for immediate departure to Durrës
• Jet ski and water sports traffic: in July–August the bay is heavily used by beach resort water sports with jet skis, speedboats, and parasailing — constant vigilance required; anchor well clear of the beach zone and maintain watch throughout the day
• Coast Guard interaction: the proximity of Durrës port means Coast Guard patrol vessels from the port may approach and board; this is a routine operation in Albanian waters and requires calm, professional response with all documents ready
• Overnight anchoring risk: if tide, current, or Bora conditions develop overnight in Lalzi Bay there is no shelter and no port within immediate reach — the 4.5nm return to Durrës in Bora conditions is dangerous; do not overnight here under any circumstances

Rules & Regulations

• FORBIDDEN north of Vlorë: Anchoring outside Durrës and Shëngjin is strictly forbidden and enforced by armed Coast Guard. Use official ports only.
• Albania entry — clearance agent mandatory: All foreign yachts must use a local clearance agent (~€100–150). Call Cristian Marina ahead on VHF Ch 12. Fly yellow Q flag on entry.
• Anchoring fee: Free. No facilities.
• Maximum stay: 1 days
• Restrictions: CRITICAL: Technically outside official ports north of Vlorë — Coast Guard contact possible. Day use only in settled conditions. Do not overnight without port authority clearance. Depart immediately if N or NE wind develops. Keep clear of beach resort water sports zones and swimming areas near the beach.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Durrës city centre (8km N) (4.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Durrës city centre (8km N) (4.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Durrës city centre (8km N) (4.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Lalzi Bay works best as a morning stop (08:00–13:00) on a settled day — anchor in 4–5m over sand, enjoy the beach by dinghy, and return to Durrës before the afternoon sea breeze develops any N or NE component
2. Notify Durrës port authority (VHF Ch 12) before proceeding to Lalzi Bay — explaining your intention to use the bay as a day stop before returning to Cristian Marina demonstrates responsible operation and reduces the likelihood of a problematic Coast Guard interaction
3. The sandy beach at Lalzi Bay is pleasant and the water clarity is reasonable by northern Albanian standards — the bay is genuinely attractive as a day stop and the resort development, while intrusive to the anchorage, provides the option of a shore-side lunch in summer
4. Anchor at the N end of the bay (furthest from the beach resort) to maximise distance from jet ski traffic and give the most separation from the resort swimming zone — this also provides a slightly better exit angle for a fast departure to Durrës if weather deteriorates
5. Keep engine-ready at all times while anchored in Lalzi Bay — this is not a position to have mechanical issues; if the engine fails to start on first attempt, investigate immediately rather than allowing the boat to continue anchored with a potentially unreliable means of rapid departure