Šešula Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Šešula, Uvala Šešulja, Sescula Bay, Sescula Šolta
Šešula (also written Šešulja) is consistently described by sailors as one of the most beautiful small bays in Dalmatia — a near-circular cove on the NE coast of Šolta with a sandy beach, crystal-clear water, and a remarkably unspoiled setting. The name is ancient Illyrian and the bay has been a sailors' refuge for millennia. In the prevailing summer NW Mistral pattern the bay lies in the lee of the Šolta ridge and the water surface is glassy and turquoise. The sand bottom gives good holding and the colours of the water over the pale sandy bottom rival anything in Croatia. The critical limitation is the NE orientation: Bura blows directly into the bay and can make it dangerous very quickly. Experienced Adriatic sailors use this bay only when confident of the NE forecast. In settled conditions it is among the most rewarding anchorages in central Dalmatia. No facilities of any kind — total self-sufficiency required.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
43°24.9'N 16°18.4'E
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand, fine gravel
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
W, NW, SW, S
Exposed To
N, NE, E
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor
Permit Required
Yes
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m in the main bay in 3–5m on sand/gravel. The bay is reasonably wide but not deep — swing room is adequate for 6–8 boats. Critical rule: if Bura (NE) is forecast or visible from signs (cloud cap on mainland mountains), depart immediately for the S coast anchorages or Rogač — the bay faces NE and Bura builds from calm to F7+ within an hour. SE corner: 50m is sufficient for the constrained space.
Main bay — primary anchorage: 65m recommended — The main bay opens to the NE coast of Šolta and offers good shelter from W, NW, and SW — protecting from the summer Mistral and from southerly Jugo.
SE corner — more Bura shelter: 50m recommended — The SE corner of the bay tucks slightly behind the SE headland, giving marginally better shelter from NE compared to the main bay.
Anchoring Zones
Šešula has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.
Zone 1: Main bay — primary anchorage
- Depth: 3–6m
- Bottom: sand, fine gravel
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: W, NW, SW, S
- Exposed to: N, NE, E
- Recommended alarm radius: 65m
The main bay opens to the NE coast of Šolta and offers good shelter from W, NW, and SW — protecting from the summer Mistral and from southerly Jugo. The bottom is sand and fine gravel in 3–5m, giving good holding. The NE orientation means Bura from the NE blows directly into the bay — this is the primary hazard and must be watched carefully. In the prevailing summer Mistral pattern (NW afternoon breeze), the bay lies in the lee of the Šolta ridge and remains calm. A beautiful small sandy beach at the bay head.
Zone 2: SE corner — more Bura shelter
- Depth: 3–5m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: W, NW, SW, S, SE
- Exposed to: N, NE, E
- Recommended alarm radius: 50m
The SE corner of the bay tucks slightly behind the SE headland, giving marginally better shelter from NE compared to the main bay. Sand bottom in 3–4m with excellent visibility for snorkelling. The SE corner is the best position in settled summer weather when Bura is not a concern. Limited space — 3–4 yachts maximum.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Šešula is primarily sand and fine gravel with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–6m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m depth).
- Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- Snorkel to verify bottom type. Posidonia is common on the Dalmatian coast — confirm your anchor is on sand, not Posidonia (anchoring on it carries heavy fines). Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Šešula are feasible but require monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below. 65m in the main bay in 3–5m on sand/gravel. The bay is reasonably wide but not deep — swing room is adequate for 6–8 boats. Critical rule: if Bura (NE) is forecast or visible from signs (cloud cap on mainland mountains), depart immediately for the S coast anchorages or Rogač — the bay faces NE and Bura builds from calm to F7+ within an hour. SE corner: 50m is sufficient for the constrained space.
May and June are the prime months: low Bura risk, settled Mistral pattern, uncrowded, and the water is warming up. September is also excellent. July–August works as a daytime stop but requires very careful forecast management for overnight. Avoid from October onwards as Bura frequency increases significantly. A daytime-only bay in uncertain weather.
Navigation Hazards
- Bura (NE katabatic): the bay faces NE directly — Bura enters unobstructed and builds to F7–8+ rapidly; this is the most dangerous wind for this anchorage; depart at the first Bura warning
- Limited overnight suitability in mixed forecasts: beautiful in settled weather but the NE exposure is unforgiving; do not overnight unless the 48-hour forecast is unambiguously stable NW Mistral pattern
- No facilities for emergency assistance: nearest help is Rogač ferry port (~5nm); assess safety margins before committing to overnight
- 150m beach exclusion zone: the sandy beach at the head is a major attraction — do not anchor within 150m Jun 15–Sep 15
- Crowding on the sandy beach area in peak season: day-tripper motorboats and water taxis use the beach; maintain clear passage and 150m zone
Rules & Regulations
- eNautička (MMPI) permit: Required for all foreign yachts — carry aboard at all times.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 3 days
- Restrictions: Anchoring on Posidonia meadows prohibited. 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15. No tying to trees or rocks. Depart if Bura (NE) is forecast — this bay is dangerous in NE wind.
- 150m beach exclusion (SSVO 2025): No anchoring within 150m of public beaches, June 15–Sep 15.
For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Rogač (Šolta ferry port) (5nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest at Rogač (Šolta ferry port) (5nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Rogač (Šolta ferry port) (5nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Visit Šešula as a lunchtime stop even if you do not overnight — the water colour and beach are exceptional and make for the best swimming of any Šolta bay
- Arrive early in the morning when the water is completely calm before the Mistral builds — the bay is magical at 08:00 with no other boats
- If staying overnight, check the Split HRMI forecast on Ch 67 at 0535 UTC and again at 1435 UTC — be ruthless about leaving if any NE component is forecast above F3
- The snorkelling off the SE headland is excellent — rock formations with good visibility and interesting marine life including octopus
- Šešula is at its most beautiful in May and early June before the charter fleet arrives — book this bay into your itinerary early in the season
A note on this guide: Data has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Conditions — depth, holding, regulations — can change. Always check forecasts, NAVTEX, and current HHI charts before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Šešula
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts — essential on the Dalmatian coast where bura and jugo can arrive overnight.
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