Šunj Bay, Lopud Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Šunj, Sunj Bay, Lopud South Bay
Šunj Bay on the south coast of Lopud island is widely regarded as the best beach anchorage in the Elafiti Islands. The wide crescent of pale sand, car-free island atmosphere, and reliable Adriatic sunshine make this a highlight of any Dubrovnik area cruise. The village of Lopud on the north coast has excellent konoba restaurants and a regular ferry to Dubrovnik. The bay is sheltered from all northerly winds but open to SE — in summer this is rarely a problem, but Jugo can make it uncomfortable quickly. Mooring buoys are available in the northern section; free anchoring on sand in the south. The 150m beach exclusion zone applies during bathing season.
Quick Reference
GPS
42°41.0'N 17°56.0'E
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E, W
Exposed To
S, SE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor on sand; mooring buoys ~€15–25/night
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required (eNauticka.hr). No national park fee — Elafiti Islands are not a national park. Standard Croatian maritime regulations apply.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m appropriate for sandy bottom in 2–6m. Reduce to 45m when other boats are present. Bay is exposed to SE Jugo — monitor forecasts and increase scope if Jugo develops overnight. On mooring buoys set 45m radius.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Šunj Bay, Lopud has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Sandy bay head — primary anchorage
- Depth: 2–6m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, W
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Alarm radius: 60m
The south-facing bay on Lopud island has one of the finest sandy beaches in the Elafiti chain. Anchor in 2–6m on clean sand — holding is excellent and the bottom is clearly visible. Mooring buoys are laid in the N part of the bay; anchoring is permitted in the southern half clear of the buoy field. The 150m beach exclusion zone applies Jun 15–Sep 15. In July–August the bay is busy but manageable; avoid in strong SE Jugo as swell rolls in quickly from the south.
Zone 2: Mooring buoy field — N bay
- Depth: 3–7m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, W
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Alarm radius: 45m
Mooring buoys in the N section of Šunj Bay are available for hire from the konoba operators. Pick up a buoy and use the tender to go ashore — the beach taverna is excellent. Buoy fees typically €15–25/night in season. Buoys are removed by late October. If buoys are full, anchor in the sandy southern half.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Šunj Bay, Lopud is primarily sand. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m depth). Set firmly in reverse and snorkel to verify — avoid anchoring on Posidonia (fines up to €2,000).
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius. 60m appropriate for sandy bottom in 2–6m. Reduce to 45m when other boats are present. Bay is exposed to SE Jugo — monitor forecasts and increase scope if Jugo develops overnight. On mooring buoys set 45m radius.
May–June and September are ideal. July–August is excellent weather but crowded with day-trip boats from Dubrovnik and charter fleets. October is quiet and often very settled. Avoid when Jugo is forecast.
Navigation Hazards
- Exposed to SE — Jugo sends swell rolling into the bay rapidly; depart or move to Šipanska Luka if SE swell develops
- 150m beach exclusion zone during bathing season — approach slowly and anchor clear of the zone
- Ferry traffic on N coast of Lopud (Gruž ferry) — no impact on Šunj Bay but note if sailing around the island
- Peak season crowding Jul–Aug: anchor early and set well to avoid dragging chains
- Snorkel to verify anchor is on sand not Posidonia near bay margins
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required (eNauticka.hr). No national park fee — Elafiti Islands are not a national park. Standard Croatian maritime regulations apply.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor on sand; mooring buoys ~€15–25/night
- Mooring buoys: Available — ~€15–25/night in season
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15. Keep clear of Lopud–Dubrovnik ferry approach on N coast. No tying to rocks or trees. Respect local marine environment.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
- SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Lopud village (N coast) (1nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Konoba/beach bar at the bay head, open Jun–Sep. Full range of restaurants in Lopud village (15-min walk over the hill or dinghy around the island).
- Provisions: None on site — Lopud village (N coast) (1nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive before 11:00 in July–August to secure a buoy or good sand spot
- Walk or take a dinghy to Lopud village for excellent seafood at the restaurants on the main promenade
- The beach itself is one of the best in Southern Dalmatia — worth an early morning swim before the day crowds arrive
- Check the Jugo (SE wind) forecast before committing to overnight — if SE forecast above F3 by morning, sail to Šipanska Luka instead
- The car-free island gives the area a peaceful character entirely different from mainland Croatia
A note on this guide: Always check current weather, NAVTEX/VHF bulletins, and HHI charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm — never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Šunj Bay, Lopud
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