Medulin Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Medulin, Medulin, Medulin Anchorage
Medulin Bay is a large, almost landlocked bay south of Pula — one of the most sheltered anchorages on the entire Istrian coast. The bay is protected by the Istrian peninsula from N, NW and NE winds and the low surrounding hills buffer even strong Bura. The sand and weed bottom offers good holding across a wide area. The village of Medulin provides good provisioning, several konoba restaurants, and a small marina. The bay is used extensively by local sailors and charter fleets based in Pula. The ACI Marina Pula (9nm north) provides backup facilities. Medulin is the southernmost natural harbour of Istria before the open Kvarner Gulf begins.
Quick Reference
GPS
44°49.6'N 13°56.3'E
Depth
4–11m
Bottom
sand, weed
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NW, W, NE
Exposed To
S, SE
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m in the central bay at 4–10m on sand/weed. Bay is large so swing room is generous. For the inner N position in 3–6m, reduce to 70m. The bay is well-protected from the dominant N, NW wind pattern so overnight conditions are usually calm. S exposure: if Jugo is forecast, move to inner bay or seek marina in Pula.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Medulin Bay has 3 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Main bay — central anchorage
- Depth: 4–11m
- Bottom: sand, weed
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NW, W, NE
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Alarm radius: 90m
The large central Medulin Bay provides good all-round shelter from N, NW and NE — the Istrian peninsula blocks the worst of the continental weather. Sand and weed bottom with generally good holding; snorkel to verify anchor in sand and not resting on thick weed. Depths of 4–10m across a wide area. Bay is large enough that even in peak season swing room is reasonable. Open to S/SE but SE Jugo rarely exceeds F4 here.
Zone 2: N inner bay — calm position
- Depth: 3–7m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, W, E
- Exposed to: S
- Alarm radius: 70m
The northern inner bay near Medulin village provides excellent all-round shelter in 3–6m on sand and mud. Shallowest position in the bay — draught limit approximately 2.0m at MHWS. The most sheltered overnight position in the bay. Village pier nearby for dinghy landing.
Zone 3: SE approach — sea anchorage
- Depth: 7–15m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, NW
- Exposed to: S, SE, SW
- Alarm radius: 110m
Deeper SE approach anchorage for vessels that prefer more water under the keel. Clean sand, good holding. More exposed to S/SE but provides good water depth for larger yachts. Best as a day anchorage with confirmed settled forecast for overnight.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Medulin Bay: primarily sand and weed. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (77m at 11m). In the Kvarner, always set extra scope for potential Bura.
Recommended anchor types: Bugel, Spade, Rocna, Mantus.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius. 90m in the central bay at 4–10m on sand/weed. Bay is large so swing room is generous. For the inner N position in 3–6m, reduce to 70m. The bay is well-protected from the dominant N, NW wind pattern so overnight conditions are usually calm. S exposure: if Jugo is forecast, move to inner bay or seek marina in Pula.
May–October: the bay is sheltered enough to use through the whole sailing season. July–August busy but never overwhelmingly crowded due to the bay's large size. Autumn (September–October) is outstanding: fewer boats, still warm water, reliable settled spells.
Navigation Hazards
- Weed on sand bottom — anchor can skate off dense weed; snorkel to verify good set on sand; Bugel or Spade anchor types preferred
- S exposure: Jugo can send swell into the bay; N inner bay is most protected position in SE winds
- Shoal area near Medulin village pier — approach carefully; minimum depth charted at 1.8m on approach
- Tourist beach exclusion zones in summer — several designated beaches; check HHI chart for exact limits
- Bura: NE Kvarner Bura is moderated here by the Istrian peninsula but still requires attention; F7 gusts possible in severe episodes
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: No special permit
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion applies Jun 15–Sep 15 (tourist beaches in the bay). Croatian eNautička permit required for foreign vessels. Speed limit 5kt inside the bay.
- 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: Medulin (0.3nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Several konoba restaurants in Medulin village, 300m from anchorage by dinghy. Fresh Istrian seafood available.
- Provisions: Available nearby
Skipper's Tips
- The inner N bay gives all-round protection — the safest overnight position in the bay for summer and shoulder seasons
- Medulin is the best provisioning stop before heading into the Kvarner islands — supermarket in village is well-stocked
- The Pula amphitheatre (one of the world's best-preserved Roman arenas, 1st century AD) is 9nm by boat or accessible by bus from Medulin — unmissable
- ACI Pula marina nearby provides excellent haul-out and maintenance facilities if needed during the season
- Anchor in the N inner bay for a Mistral day; the bay remains flat calm while conditions offshore can be quite lively
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 Medulin Bay
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