Vlorë Outer Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The recommended waiting and customs anchorage for foreign yachts at Vlorë — in the outer bay E of the commercial port in 6–12m over sand and mud. This is the position where the clearance agent meets incoming yachts; anchor here, contact the agent, and await the customs, border police, and port authority visit before proceeding to Orikum Marina or the inner quay. The commercial port entrance and its quay are visible 0.5nm to the NW. Good holding on sand and mud — set the anchor with engine reverse and confirm before going below. Protected from N and NW by the bay geometry and the headland N of the port. Exposed to S and SW — comfortable only in NE and NW conditions. CRITICAL: Do NOT anchor W of the commercial port in the Bay of Vlorë main area — this is a military zone enforced by armed patrol vessels. The 90m alarm radius reflects 6:1 scope at average depth of 8m with adequate buffer for tidal and wind-induced sheering.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Vlorë Outer Anchorage 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 6–12m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m 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 Vlorë Outer Anchorage are feasible in settled conditions but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m alarm radius in the outer bay in 6–12m. The exposure to S and SW is the primary weather consideration — in S or SW swell (uncommon in summer but possible during weather transitions in spring/autumn) the anchorage becomes uncomfortable; in such conditions either proceed to Orikum Marina (5nm S) or wait inside the commercial port quay with agent permission. The alarm radius is deliberately generous to account for the depth range (6–12m) and the consequent variation in scope; confirm anchor position on GPS when first set and monitor for the first 30 minutes. The military zone to the W means the swing arc must be monitored — do not allow the boat to swing W of the commercial port approach line.

Usable May–October for the specific purpose of customs clearance at Vlorë. The outer anchorage is not a destination in its own right — it serves as the mandatory customs waiting position for boats entering Albania at Vlorë. May and June see fewer boats and faster clearance; July–August is peak season with potentially more boats waiting; September and October are efficient — fewer boats, experienced agents, and settled weather. Not recommended for overnight use November–April due to increased Adriatic storm frequency and the S/SW exposure.

Navigation Hazards

• Military zone W of port — armed enforcement: the Bay of Vlorë W of the commercial port approach line is a military zone; armed patrol vessels enforce this boundary actively; do NOT anchor or transit W of this line under any circumstances; the anchorage position must remain E of the commercial port
• Fish farm unlit gear — daylight approach only: fish farms with unlit equipment are present S of the Vlorë port approaches; arrival and departure must be in daylight; check recent charts for current farm positions as they change seasonally
• S and SW exposure: the outer bay is exposed to S and SW swell; in southerly conditions the anchorage becomes uncomfortable and untenable; if southerly weather is forecast, seek shelter at Orikum Marina (5nm S) or inside the commercial port with agent assistance
• Mandatory clearance on arrival: do NOT go ashore or proceed to any other anchorage before customs clearance is formally complete; Albanian authorities are strict on this requirement; the clearance agent is the key to smooth entry — have their contact number before approaching Vlorë
• Commercial port traffic: Vlorë is an active commercial port with ferry and cargo vessel traffic; maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 12; position the anchor well clear of the commercial approach lane and the ferry fairway

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 to anchor in the outer bay waiting position. No anchorage fee. Commercial port quay (if assigned by port authority during clearance): nominal fee may apply.
• Maximum stay: 2 days
• Restrictions: CRITICAL: Do NOT anchor W of the commercial port entrance — the Bay of Vlorë main area is a MILITARY ZONE enforced by armed patrol vessels. DAYLIGHT ONLY in Vlorë approaches — fish farms with unlit gear S of port. Maintain VHF watch on Ch 16 and Ch 12. Do NOT proceed ashore until customs clearance is formally complete. Keep clear of commercial port approach lane (NW sector).

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 centre (0.5nm NW, by dinghy post-clearance) (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Vlorë city centre (0.5nm NW, by dinghy post-clearance) (0.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Vlorë city centre (0.5nm NW, by dinghy post-clearance) (0.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Contact the clearance agent at least 24 hours before arriving at Vlorë — give them your ETA and they will coordinate the customs, border police, and port authority visits to your boat in the outer anchorage; a good agent makes the process smooth and typically 2–3 hours total
2. Approach Vlorë from the S (from Orikum direction) in daylight, keeping strictly E of the Karaburun headland — the approach corridor is well-defined; do not cut across the bay from the open Adriatic to the W as this risks transiting the military zone
3. Anchor E of the commercial port in the 6–10m zone — this keeps you clear of the military zone to the W, the commercial fairway to the N, and the fish farm gear to the S; the agent will be able to find you easily in this position
4. Bring all documentation in order and easily accessible: passports (all crew), ship's registration, insurance documents, and crew list; the Albanian clearance process covers customs, border police (immigration), and port authority in three separate visits — have multiple copies of the crew list
5. After clearance, move to Orikum Marina (5nm S) for a proper berth — the outer anchorage is exposed to S and unsuitable for comfortable extended stays; Orikum provides the secure base for exploring the Vlorë area with the security of the clearance formalities behind you