Slano Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Slano, Slano Harbour, Slano
Slano Bay is one of the most spacious and well-sheltered anchorages on the mainland Dalmatian coast north of Dubrovnik. A wide, deep bay flanked by olive groves, the small village of Slano has a Franciscan monastery, a small marina, excellent konoba restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere far removed from the tourist intensity of Dubrovnik itself. The bay provides outstanding protection from N, NE, E, and S — the full range of dangerous Adriatic winds. An ideal provisioning or weather stop if planning to round the Pelješac Peninsula or cross to the Elafiti Islands. The anchorage is rarely crowded outside of peak weeks in August.
Quick Reference
GPS
42°47.5'N 17°53.0'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E, S
Exposed To
W, SW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor in bay; marina dues ~€40–80/night depending on boat size
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Marina dues apply if using marina berth.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m covers typical swing on sand/mud in 4–10m. Bay is large with good swinging room. Excellent shelter from most directions. Increase to 100m in deeper areas. W and SW exposure is the only concern — rare in summer.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Slano Bay has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Marina area — NW bay
- Depth: 2–5m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, SE, S
- Exposed to: W, SW
- Alarm radius: 50m
The marina at Slano occupies the NW corner of the bay. Visitors can berth at the marina or anchor in the bay. Marina is small but functional with water and electricity. Surrounded by olive groves and a small Franciscan monastery, the setting is idyllic. Excellent all-round shelter except from W/SW — these are the least common summer wind directions.
Zone 2: Bay centre — free anchoring
- Depth: 4–10m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, S
- Exposed to: W, SW
- Alarm radius: 80m
The main bay offers excellent free anchoring on sand and mud in good depths. The bay is large enough for many boats with no crowding. Superb protection from all common Adriatic wind directions. One of the best overnight anchorages on the mainland coast N of Dubrovnik.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Slano Bay is primarily sand and mud. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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, CQR.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius. 80m covers typical swing on sand/mud in 4–10m. Bay is large with good swinging room. Excellent shelter from most directions. Increase to 100m in deeper areas. W and SW exposure is the only concern — rare in summer.
Excellent May–October. Underused anchorage that gives good shelter in virtually all conditions. A genuine hidden gem close to Dubrovnik for those who prefer solitude to the crowded city.
Navigation Hazards
- W and SW exposure — rare in summer but can bring uncomfortable swell; marina berth is more sheltered
- Power boat wash from tourist day-trip boats in season
- Shallow patch on E side of bay entrance — approach from W of centre
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Marina dues apply if using marina berth.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor in bay; marina dues ~€40–80/night depending on boat size
- Maximum stay: 10 days
- Restrictions: No anchoring in the designated swimming area near the village beach. Keep clear of ferry quay.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
- SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Slano village (0.5nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Several good konoba restaurants in Slano village. Fish market occasionally in season.
- Provisions: Available nearby
- Wi-Fi: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Use Slano as a base for a day sail to the Elafiti Islands — excellent sheltered anchorage to return to in the evening
- The Franciscan monastery is charming and worth a brief visit
- Stock up on provisions here before heading to the Elafiti (Šipan, Lopud, Koločep have limited supplies)
- One of the few mainland anchorages near Dubrovnik where you are unlikely to fight for space even in August
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 Slano Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and alerts you the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius.
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