Lavsa Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Lavsa 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 Lavsa 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m for the main N bay in 4–8m on sand/mud with 5:1 scope. Reduce to 55m in the passage between the islands. The N bay can be tightened to 55m in calm conditions with good density of boats. S bay: use 85m. Lavsa's protection from NE/E winds makes it a reliable Bura shelter alongside Šipnate and Kravljačica.

May–June and September are perfect: the konoba is open, the anchorage is uncrowded, and conditions are settled. July–August: come for the konoba experience but be prepared for a busy anchorage — arrive by noon for a mooring buoy and book dinner early. October: quieter, konoba may be closed — call ahead.

Navigation Hazards

• Extremely crowded July–August: arrive by 12:00 or mooring buoys and anchoring spots will all be taken
• Shallow sandy spit extends from the NW corner of the N bay — minimum depth 2m on the spit; approach from E only
• NW Mistral enters the N bay entrance and creates an uncomfortable swell if sustained above F4–5; S bay is slightly more sheltered in NW
• Bura: despite good NE shelter, extreme katabatic gusts (F8+) can surmount the island ridge in exceptional events; keep anchor well set
• Posidonia patches on bay margins — anchor on central sand/mud only; snorkel to verify

Rules & Regulations

• Kornati NP entry permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Kornati National Park daily entry fee per person. Konoba operates with a park concession.
• Anchoring fee: Anchoring is free; park entry fee per person per day applies
• Mooring buoys: Available — Mooring buoys available near the konoba — fee typically €10–20 per night depending on vessel size (2025 rates). Konoba guests receive priority.
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Restrictions: Posidonia anchoring prohibited. Keep clear of shallow spit (NW corner N bay). Konoba mooring buoys have priority booking — contact konoba in advance in peak season. No fires ashore.
• 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: Murter (mainland) (20nm)
• Konoba (restaurant): Renowned konoba on the N shore serving Adriatic lobster (jastog), grilled fish, lamb, and local Kornati wine. Booking strongly advised for evening meals in July–August. A second smaller konoba sometimes operates on the S shore. Both konobe offer water by dinghy for guests.
• Provisions: None on site — Murter (mainland) (20nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Book the konoba by VHF Ch 16 or mobile phone by 10:00 on the day you plan to arrive — Lavsa's konoba is one of the most in-demand in Croatia in July–August
2. Mooring buoys near the konoba are convenient but fill quickly; anchor early in the bay if buoys are taken and arrive by dinghy for dinner
3. The passage between Lavsa and Lavsa Mala is a superb overnight spot for smaller yachts (under 12m) when the main bays are full
4. Walk the ridge to the old dry-stone walls (gomile) on the island — these medieval-era walls divided the island into sections for grazing; a remarkable landscape feature
5. Use a snubber or anchor bridle to reduce chain noise and boat movement in the afternoon Mistral chop