Rovinj Red Island Anchorage Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Crveni Otok, Uvala Crveni Otok, Red Island Rovinj
Crveni Otok (Red Island) is actually two small islands — Crveni Otok and Maskin — connected by a causeway and occupied by a hotel resort. The anchorage off the NW side is one of the most iconic in Istria: stunning views of Rovinj's old town rising from the water with the distinctive campanile, crystal-clear water over sand and weed, and the atmospheric quality of Istrian pine and limestone. The island gets its name from the reddish stone quarried here that built much of old Rovinj. The anchorage is suitable for day stops and overnight in settled Mistral weather, but the NW exposure means Mistral afternoons require solid holding. Town is 20–25 minutes by dinghy. The hotel on Crveni Otok operates but does not provide facilities for anchored yachts.
Quick Reference
GPS
45°05.1'N 13°36.9'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand, weed
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
S, SE, E, NE
Exposed To
N, NW, W
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor in public waters
Permit
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m appropriate for the NW bay in 4–8m on sand/weed with 5:1 scope. Afternoon Mistral can push boats significantly so do not reduce below 70m. If anchoring in the SE channel deeper zone, increase to 100m. The two-island geography limits lateral swing toward the Crveni Otok hotel pier — maintain a respectful distance from the hotel waterfront.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Rovinj Red Island Anchorage has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: NW bay — main anchorage
- Depth: 4–10m
- Bottom: sand, weed
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E, NE
- Exposed to: N, NW, W
- Alarm radius: 80m
The NW-facing bay between Crveni Otok and the smaller Maskin islet offers good holding on sand and weed in 4–8m. Protected from the summer Jugo and SE swell. The two islands create a natural barrier from E and SE. Exposed to NW Mistral which builds from mid-morning — set a solid anchor before the breeze arrives. The view back to Rovinj's old town campanile is one of the most photographed in the Adriatic.
Zone 2: SE channel — calm water position
- Depth: 6–14m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, NW
- Exposed to: S, SW
- Alarm radius: 100m
The SE channel between Crveni Otok and the Rovinj peninsula provides shelter from N and NW winds. Sand and mud bottom with good holding. Deeper water (8–14m) suitable for larger vessels. Channel has some boat traffic from Rovinj marina — maintain clear passage for vessels. Open to S/SW Jugo swell.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Rovinj Red Island Anchorage: primarily sand and weed. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (70m at 10m). In the Kvarner, always set extra scope for potential Bura.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Bugel.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius. 80m appropriate for the NW bay in 4–8m on sand/weed with 5:1 scope. Afternoon Mistral can push boats significantly so do not reduce below 70m. If anchoring in the SE channel deeper zone, increase to 100m. The two-island geography limits lateral swing toward the Crveni Otok hotel pier — maintain a respectful distance from the hotel waterfront.
May–June and September–October are ideal: warm, manageable crowds, reliable afternoon Mistral. July–August brings the full charter season from Pula and Rovinj — the bay can host 20–30 boats. Winter is not recommended due to Bura risk and hotel closure.
Navigation Hazards
- NW Mistral builds strongly after 11:00 in summer — ensure anchor is well set before the afternoon breeze; holding on weed can be patchy
- Bura (NE katabatic) arrives rapidly in Istria — heavier and faster than in Dalmatia; depart for Rovinj marina if Bura forecast exceeds F5
- Hotel pier and mooring buoys for hotel guests — do not anchor in the pier fairway
- Ferry traffic to/from Rovinj passes close — maintain watch when dinghy ashore
- Posidonia meadows on bay margins — snorkel to verify anchor is on sand not Posidonia
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: No special permit
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor in public waters
- Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion zone applies to hotel beach and any public beach areas Jun 15–Sep 15. Do not approach hotel pier uninvited. Croatian eNautička cruising permit required for foreign vessels.
- 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: Rovinj (1.5nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: None on site
- Provisions: None — Rovinj (1.5nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive early morning (before 09:00) in July–August to secure the best sandy position in the NW bay
- The dinghy row to Rovinj old town is one of the great pleasures of Istrian sailing — tide and current are minimal
- Rovinj fish market opens 07:00–noon; row ashore early for the best selection of Istrian seafood
- The hotel on Crveni Otok has a restaurant open to day visitors — confirm by VHF or phone before landing
- Set the anchor alarm before going ashore — Mistral can build while you are in town and boats have been known to drag onto the rocks
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 Rovinj Red Island Anchorage
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position and alerts you the moment your boat drifts — essential in the Kvarner where Bura arrives fast.
Download Free for iOS