Dukati Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The main anchorage at Dukati Bay in 5–10m over sand and mud, 12km S of Vlorë port on the coast E of the Karaburun Peninsula head. Good holding on sand and mud — the anchor sets quickly and holds reliably in the summer conditions. Protected from N and NW by the surrounding hills descending from the Karaburun ridge line; exposed to S and SW. The approach from the N or S stays strictly E of the Karaburun ridge line — do NOT cross to the W (Ionian) face of Karaburun due to MPA restrictions. Fish farm gear may be present — check recent charts and approach in daylight to identify any farm buoys before anchoring. The bay has no facilities and is rarely visited by foreign yachts — a genuinely quiet and remote overnight stop in settled NW conditions for boats transiting the coast between Porto Palermo and Vlorë.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Dukati Bay is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Confirm your position relative to the military zone before anchoring near Vlorë — the Bay of Vlorë (W of the commercial port) and Sazan Island are strictly restricted. Stay E and S of the port approach.
2. Approach in daylight only — unlit fish farm gear in the Vlorë bay approaches. Time arrivals at least 2 hours before sunset.
3. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 5–10m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
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 Dukati Bay are feasible in settled conditions but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m alarm radius for Dukati Bay in 5–10m over sand and mud. The depth range means scope varies between 25m (at 5m depth, 5:1) and 50m (at 10m depth, 5:1) — the 80m radius covers the maximum scope plus adequate swing buffer at the deeper end. The good holding on sand/mud at this location means anchor drag is less likely than in rock/sand anchorages, but the S and SW exposure means weather development from those directions must be caught early. Set the alarm at 80m and check at 30 minutes after anchoring to confirm no movement. If fish farms are present in the swing arc, reduce the radius and reposition to ensure the arc is clear of farm infrastructure.

Good May–October in settled NW conditions. Dukati Bay is at its quietest in May and June — completely deserted, clear water, and settled weather; the transit passage timing works well in the morning calms. July–August: NW Maestral afternoons can make the approach from the N uncomfortable; plan arrival before noon. September is excellent — the sea state in the Vlorë approach area is typically settled and the passage timing is flexible. October: viable in good settled spells; the S wind frequency increases and this bay's SW exposure becomes more limiting. Not recommended November–April.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SW exposure — Ionian fetch: the bay is exposed to S and SW with significant fetch across the southern Adriatic and Ionian; any southerly system produces swell that makes the anchorage untenable; in any forecast with a S or SW component, proceed to Porto Palermo (all-round shelter, 15km S) or Orikum Marina (14km N)
• Fish farm unlit gear: fish farms with unlit infrastructure may be present in the area — positions change seasonally; check recent charts and approach in daylight to identify current farm positions; do not anchor in darkness
• Karaburun-Sazan MPA boundary proximity: the MPA boundary runs along the W coast of Karaburun — stay E of the ridge line; do not round the Karaburun headland to the W; patrol vessels from the MPA authority are active in the area
• Remote location — no emergency facilities: Dukati Bay has no facilities, no communication infrastructure, and no nearby assistance; in a medical or mechanical emergency the passage to Vlorë (12km N) or Porto Palermo (15km S) is the only option; ensure VHF is operational on Ch 16 at all times
• Sazan Island military exclusion zone: Sazan Island is visible from the Vlorë approaches to the NW — the exclusion zone around the island extends several nautical miles; do NOT approach Sazan Island under any circumstances; the military zone is actively enforced by armed patrol vessels

Rules & Regulations

• MILITARY ZONE: Bay of Vlorë and Sazan Island — do NOT enter or anchor. Armed patrol vessels enforce this restriction.
• Albania entry — clearance agent mandatory: All foreign yachts must use a local clearance agent (~€100–150). VHF Ch 16/12 at Vlorë. Fly yellow Q flag on entry.
• Anchoring fee: Free. No facilities.
• Maximum stay: 2 days
• Restrictions: Stay E of the Karaburun ridge line — do NOT approach the W (Ionian) face of Karaburun due to MPA restrictions and patrol enforcement. Do NOT approach Sazan Island (military exclusion zone). Daylight approach ONLY — fish farm gear with unlit equipment possible in the area. Overnight use appropriate only in settled NW conditions with a clean overnight forecast.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Orikum Marina (14km N) or Porto Palermo (15km S) (7.6nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Orikum Marina (14km N) or Porto Palermo (15km S) (7.6nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Orikum Marina (14km N) or Porto Palermo (15km S) (7.6nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Dukati Bay is best used as a midpoint overnight stop on the 25nm passage between Orikum/Vlorë and Porto Palermo — anchor for the night in settled NW conditions and continue the following morning; the overnight passage timing works particularly well in May and June when settled nights are reliable
2. The isolation is the main attraction — this is one of the emptiest anchorages on the Albanian coast; the hillside above the bay has wild orchids in spring and the birdlife (eagles, falcons, and coastal species) is distinctive; bring binoculars
3. Anchor in 6–8m on the sand/mud bottom — this depth gives adequate clearance in light tidal changes while keeping the scope manageable; set with engine reverse and confirm holding before deploying full scope
4. The views from Dukati Bay over the Vlorë approaches and toward the Karaburun Peninsula ridge are outstanding at sunset — the mountain light changes rapidly through orange and purple tones; plan the arrival to be anchored and settled before the evening light peaks
5. Carry a trip line on the anchor in this area — if fish farms are present, the submerged mooring lines can foul an anchor without a trip line; a 15m line from the crown of the anchor through a buoy makes recovery straightforward even if the anchor is fouled under infrastructure