Vlonjat Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

A modest anchorage in 4–8m over sand in the SE portion of the Vlorë approach area, 5km SE of the commercial port. Good holding on sand — set with engine reverse and confirm before settling. Protected from N and NW by the Vlorë Bay geometry. Exposed to S and SW — comfortable only in NE or NW conditions. Limited swing room due to fish farm gear positions in the surrounding area — approach in daylight and chart the farm positions before anchoring. The commercial port of Vlorë is visible to the NW; the military zone is further W and N — this position remains well clear of the exclusion zone. Used primarily as a waiting position for boats arriving from the S to clear at Vlorë, or as an overnight stop in settled NW conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Vlonjat Bay is primarily sand 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 4–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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 Vlonjat 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 in 4–8m over sand with standard 5:1 scope. The holding on sand is good and reliable — the primary concern is the positional constraint imposed by fish farm gear positions in the surrounding area; before anchoring, spend 5–10 minutes at reduced speed scanning the immediate area for fish farm buoys and marker lines. The SW exposure means any southerly component in the forecast requires a move to Orikum Marina (well protected to the S) or the Vlorë port quay. The 80m alarm at the conservative end of the radius accounts for the constrained swing arc due to fish farm infrastructure; reduce to 65m if the farm positions allow and confirm there are no obstructions in the swing arc.

Usable May–October in settled NW conditions only. This is a transit anchorage — the season is defined by the Vlorë clearance schedule and the weather conditions rather than the inherent appeal of the location. May and June see the most settled conditions and the fewest fish farm complications. July–August: NW Maestral is most active and the bay is more uncomfortable; if the wind is NW, the protection from N and NW makes it workable. September is reliable. October: viable in good settled spells but S/SW weather frequency increases. Not recommended November–April.

Navigation Hazards

• Fish farm unlit gear — daylight only: the area around Vlonjat Bay has fish farm infrastructure with unlit buoys and mooring lines; the geometry of the farms changes seasonally — use a recent chart and confirm farm positions visually in daylight before anchoring; night approach is not safe
• S and SW exposure: the bay is exposed to southerly swell and SW sea — in any southerly weather the anchorage is untenable; if S or SW conditions are forecast, proceed immediately to Orikum Marina (8km S) which is fully sheltered
• Military zone proximity: the Bay of Vlorë military zone is NW of this position — maintain awareness of the exclusion zone boundary; do not anchor further NW than the position described, and do not allow the boat to swing NW into restricted waters
• Commercial port traffic: Vlorë commercial port traffic and ferry movements pass NW of this position; maintain VHF watch on Ch 12 (Vlorë port); position the anchor clear of the commercial approach fairway
• Limited utilities: this is a remote waiting position with no facilities; if anchored here awaiting clearance, the clearance agent must come to the boat by tender or you must proceed to the Vlorë outer anchorage (closer to the port quay) for the agent meeting

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: 1 days
• Restrictions: Daylight approach and departure ONLY — fish farm gear with unlit equipment in the area; approach in daylight, chart farm positions before anchoring. Keep SW clear of military zone — do NOT move NW into the Bay of Vlorë main area. Ensure anchor position is clear of all fish farm buoys and mooring lines before settling.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Vlorë city (5km NW, taxi from port quay) (2.7nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Vlorë city (5km NW, taxi from port quay) (2.7nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Vlorë city (5km NW, taxi from port quay) (2.7nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use Vlonjat Bay only as a short-term transit stop — plan the stay around the weather window and the clearance schedule; the Vlorë outer anchorage (0.5nm from the commercial port) is a better position if the clearance agent needs to reach the boat
2. Approach in early afternoon in daylight — this gives time to chart the fish farm positions, set the anchor, and confirm holding before evening; do not approach after sunset under any circumstances
3. The sandy bottom here sets a Rocna or Mantus anchor quickly and reliably — confirm set with brief astern engine thrust before deploying full scope; the holding is one of the better features of this otherwise basic anchorage
4. If the NW Maestral is forecast to abate by morning, Vlonjat Bay makes a reasonable overnight stop before proceeding to Vlorë for dawn clearance; the approach to the commercial port (5km NW) is straightforward in daylight with good visibility
5. In settled late-season conditions (September–October) this bay can be completely calm and pleasant for a single overnight; the views NW toward Vlorë city and the Albanian mountains above are distinctive and the isolation is complete