Vlaka Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Vlaka, Luka Vlaka, Vlaka Bay Hvar
Vlaka is a quiet, elongated inlet on the N coast of Hvar island, tucked into the hills just 4nm E of Stari Grad. The bay has a distinctly fjord-like character in its inner section, with steep hillsides dropping to the water and the sense of genuine remoteness that Hvar Town's celebrity can make hard to find. The bay is far less visited than the major anchorages and offers a more authentic experience of the Dalmatian coast. Sand and mud bottom in the inner bay gives good holding with shelter from S and SW — ideal when Jugo is a concern. The N entrance leaves the bay exposed to Bura, so careful weather monitoring is essential. A small stone hamlet stands at the bay head with no tourist infrastructure — bring everything you need. The Hvar island ridge above provides spectacular walking if you have the energy to scramble up. Rod Heikell describes Vlaka as 'a useful alternative to the busy Stari Grad anchorage with good shelter from the south'.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
43°12.3'N 16°38.9'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
S, SW, SE, W, E
Exposed To
N, NW, NE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor
Permit Required
Yes
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m in the inner fjord section on sand/mud at 3–7m. The narrow fjord topography limits swing considerably — reduce to 50m if other boats are present. Open N entrance means Bura exposure is real: if Bura is forecast, depart for Stari Grad Bay or a south-coast anchorage. Outer bay: 100m for more scope in deeper water.
Inner bay — fjord anchorage: 65m recommended — The inner section of Vlaka narrows to a fjord-like inlet with excellent shelter from S and SW winds, including Jugo.
Outer bay — more swing room: 100m recommended — Outer Vlaka opens to the N and is exposed to Bura.
Anchoring Zones
Vlaka 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: Inner bay — fjord anchorage
- Depth: 3–8m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: S, SW, SE, W, E
- Exposed to: N, NW, NE
- Recommended alarm radius: 65m
The inner section of Vlaka narrows to a fjord-like inlet with excellent shelter from S and SW winds, including Jugo. Sand and mud bottom in 3–7m gives good holding. The inlet runs roughly N–S, so the N entrance is open to Bura (NE katabatic). In settled summer conditions this is a peaceful overnight stop. Watch for shoals on the E and W sides of the inner bay — keep to the centre. Space for 5–8 yachts.
Zone 2: Outer bay — more swing room
- Depth: 5–12m
- Bottom: sand, posidonia patches
- Holding: Fair holding
- Protected from: S, SW, W
- Exposed to: N, NW, NE, E
- Recommended alarm radius: 100m
Outer Vlaka opens to the N and is exposed to Bura. The bottom transitions to sand with Posidonia patches — check carefully before anchoring. More swing room available but Posidonia is a hazard and Bura exposure is significant. Daytime stop or overnight only when Bura is not forecast. Avoid anchoring on Posidonia.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Vlaka is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, Bugel. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Vlaka are feasible but require monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to N and NW and NE winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below. 65m in the inner fjord section on sand/mud at 3–7m. The narrow fjord topography limits swing considerably — reduce to 50m if other boats are present. Open N entrance means Bura exposure is real: if Bura is forecast, depart for Stari Grad Bay or a south-coast anchorage. Outer bay: 100m for more scope in deeper water.
May–June and September are best: Bura risk is lower, conditions are stable, and the bay is virtually empty. July–August can be used in calm spells but monitor Bura carefully. Avoid October onwards as Bura frequency increases dramatically. This is not a winter anchorage. In settled summer weather with no Bura forecast it is an ideal 1–2 night stop.
Navigation Hazards
- Bura (NE katabatic) enters directly through the N-facing entrance — the inner bay is partially sheltered but strong Bura above F6 makes the anchorage untenable; depart to Stari Grad if Bura is forecast
- Posidonia patches in the outer bay — do not anchor on protected meadows; fine well enforced
- Shoals on E and W inner bay margins — enter on the centreline and keep to mid-channel
- No facilities: carry sufficient water, food and fuel before entry; self-sufficient operation required
- Remote location: medical assistance is at least 30 min away by sea; assess risk carefully for crew with health conditions
Rules & Regulations
- eNautička (MMPI) permit: Required for all foreign yachts — carry aboard at all times.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: Anchoring on Posidonia meadows strictly prohibited. 150m beach exclusion applies Jun 15–Sep 15. No tying to trees or rocks ashore. No anchoring in the outer bay in forecast Bura conditions — exit before wind develops.
- 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: Stari Grad (4nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest at Stari Grad (4nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Stari Grad (4nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Use Vlaka as a quiet alternative when Stari Grad is crowded or when you want total peace — the bay is rarely visited by charter fleets who head directly to Hvar Town
- The inner fjord section can be tight for larger yachts over 14m LOA — the narrowing limits swing room; smaller yachts (under 13m) are ideal here
- Arrive by mid-afternoon to allow time to set the anchor well and explore the bay by dinghy before sunset
- The ridge walk above the bay offers panoramic views across the Hvar Channel toward the mainland; scramble up the stone walls from the hamlet at the head and follow the track W toward Stari Grad plain
- Monitor HRMI weather forecasts on VHF Ch 67 (0535 & 1435 UTC) religiously here — the bay's Bura exposure means a developing NE forecast demands early departure
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 Vlaka
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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