Katina Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Katina has 3 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Katina is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Snorkel to verify bottom type. Posidonia meadows are common in the Kornati — always confirm your anchor is on sand or mud, not Posidonia (anchoring on it carries heavy fines). Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Katina are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m for the south bay in 4–8m on sand/mud. The island mass gives good NE protection but the SW and W remain exposed. If anchoring in the NE bay, use 95m due to deeper water. The channel anchorage can use 65m for a fair-weather stop. Monitor for any current or tide effects near Prolaz Mali Ždrelac.

May–June and September are ideal: quiet anchorage, settled conditions, low traffic. July–August: usable in settled weather but the south bay is exposed — use as a day stop or transit point rather than overnight. Avoid in any Jugo or strong SW conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SW exposure: Jugo sends significant swell into the south bay — depart in any Jugo forecast
• Prolaz Mali Ždrelac shoals: the passage is narrow with minimum depths of approximately 1.8–2.2m (check current HHI charts) — do not attempt at speed or without current chart
• Bura can generate strong acceleration through the Prolaz Mali Ždrelac gap — approach with caution in NE winds
• NW Mistral chop enters the NE bay; the south bay is better protected from NW but exposed to S

Rules & Regulations

• Kornati NP entry permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Katina is within Kornati National Park — entry fee applies. The Prolaz Mali Ždrelac passage requires careful navigation; HHI charts essential.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; park entry fee per person per day
• Restrictions: Anchoring on Posidonia prohibited. Keep clear of the Prolaz Mali Ždrelac shoals — passage requires chart and careful approach. No anchoring in the navigation channel itself.
• Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit also required — obtain before entering Croatian waters.

For a full overview of Croatian anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available — come fully provisioned
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tisno (mainland, ~8nm NW) (8nm)
• Konoba (restaurant): None — nearest at Tisno (mainland, ~8nm NW) (8nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Tisno (mainland, ~8nm NW) (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. An ideal first or last night anchorage for a Kornati cruise — close to the mainland and the Prolaz Mali Ždrelac park entrance, with good holding in settled conditions
2. Time the passage through Prolaz Mali Ždrelac for calm conditions — the narrow channel is navigable but requires care; transit in the morning before the Mistral builds
3. No facilities available — ensure you have sufficient water, fuel, and provisions before anchoring here for the night
4. The north shore of Katina in the NE bay gives superb views S into the heart of the Kornati — classic Adriatic photography