Baška Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Baška, Baska Krk, Baška Beach Anchorage
Baška is famous throughout Croatia for its 1.8km pebble beach — the finest in the Kvarner and arguably the best in Croatia. The white-grey pebbles slope into crystal-clear turquoise water that is cleaner and clearer than almost any beach in the northern Adriatic. The town behind the beach is charming, with good restaurants and the famous Baška Tablet museum (the oldest known Glagolitic inscription, 1100 AD). The anchorage in the wide bay is suitable for day stops and early evening in settled conditions, but the S exposure and Mistral exposure make overnight anchoring less reliable than in more sheltered bays. This is a 'visit by day, leave by evening' destination in uncertain weather. The surrounding Velebit mountain scenery and Kvarner sea create a spectacular setting.
Quick Reference
GPS
44°58.1'N 14°45.6'E
Depth
5–14m
Bottom
sand, pebble
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E
Exposed To
S, SW, W
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m in the main bay at 5–12m on sand/pebble. The open S/SW/W exposure means this is not an ideal overnight anchorage — afternoon Mistral from the W can push a significant swell into the bay. If overnight is planned, use the E sheltered position with 75m alarm radius and monitor carefully. Bura risk: Baška faces directly into the Kvarner Bura channel; gusts can exceed 50kt in major Bura events — depart well in advance.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Baška Bay has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Main bay — NW of beach
- Depth: 5–14m
- Bottom: sand, pebble
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E
- Exposed to: S, SW, W
- Alarm radius: 100m
The main anchorage area NW of the famous Baška pebble beach in 5–12m on sand and pebble. Good holding when anchor is set on sand; pebble substratum can be patchy. Open to S, SW and W — exposed to the prevailing summer Mistral from NW when it swings W in the afternoons. Bay is wide and open — significant fetch to the S. Monitor afternoon conditions; this is primarily a day and early-evening anchorage.
Zone 2: E of beach — sheltered position
- Depth: 3–8m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E
- Exposed to: S, SW
- Alarm radius: 75m
E end of the bay, behind the rocky headland, gives better protection from NW Mistral. Clean sand at 3–7m with excellent holding. The 150m beach exclusion applies to Baška beach — anchor east of the exclusion zone. Dinghy landing on the beach is possible but be aware of the tourist zone in season.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Baška Bay: primarily sand and pebble. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (98m at 14m). In the Kvarner, always set extra scope for potential Bura.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Spade, Mantus, Bugel.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius. 100m in the main bay at 5–12m on sand/pebble. The open S/SW/W exposure means this is not an ideal overnight anchorage — afternoon Mistral from the W can push a significant swell into the bay. If overnight is planned, use the E sheltered position with 75m alarm radius and monitor carefully. Bura risk: Baška faces directly into the Kvarner Bura channel; gusts can exceed 50kt in major Bura events — depart well in advance.
May–June and September–October: ideal conditions, manageable Mistral, low crowd. July–August: outstanding beach but crowded and exposed to afternoon Mistral/Bura risk. Avoid entirely in strong NE (Bura) or strong S (Jugo) — the bay is genuinely dangerous in these conditions.
Navigation Hazards
- KVARNER BURA: Baška is one of the most exposed positions in Croatia to Kvarner Bura; the Velebit mountains channel NE katabatic down directly onto this bay; gusts can exceed 60kt; NEVER stay overnight if Bura is forecast
- S/SW/W exposure: significant swell can develop in the open bay; afternoon Mistral from W frequently freshens to F5 in July–August
- 150m beach exclusion: strictly enforced by maritime police June 15–September 15; heavy fines
- Pebble bottom: anchor can skate on loose pebbles; ensure set on sand; snorkel to verify
- Crowded in peak season: 30–50 boats on a summer day; limited swinging room; use shorter scope and 100m alarm
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: No special permit
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion strictly enforced at Baška beach Jun 15–Sep 15. Maritime police patrol actively. Croatian eNautička permit required.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
- SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Baška (0.5nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Good selection of restaurants and konoba in Baška town, 10 min walk from beach landing.
- Provisions: Available nearby
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive early morning (before 09:00) for the best sandy position E of the beach
- Leave by 16:00 if the afternoon Mistral is freshening — the bay becomes choppy quickly
- The Baška Tablet replica in the town museum is worth 30 minutes — the original 1100 AD Glagolitic inscription that establishes Croatian as a liturgical language
- Walk or cycle the Starigrad-Paklenica trail from Baška for spectacular Velebit views — dinghy to shore and explore inland
- If Bura is forecast: the best refuge is ACI Marina Krk (14nm) or Punat marina on the E coast of Krk — both well-sheltered
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 Baška Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position and alerts you the moment your boat drifts — essential in the Kvarner where Bura arrives fast.
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