Lojena Bay Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Lojena Bay 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 Lojena Bay is primarily sand and fine gravel with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, Bugel. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m covers typical swing in 3–6m on sandy bottom with a 5:1 scope. Bay fills quickly in summer so reduce to 50m if boats are close. If anchoring deeper (8–12m) in the outer bay, increase to 110m. Open to S and SW — if Jugo develops, the bay becomes uncomfortable and departure is recommended.

May and June are ideal: warm, uncrowded, settled Mistral pattern establishes. July–August is exceptional weather but extremely crowded — arrive at dawn for a spot. September is outstanding: fewer boats, stable conditions, warm water. October can still be used in settled spells but watch for early Bura and Jugo episodes. Avoid entirely in strong S, SW, W conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• Open to S, SW and W — Jugo (SE wind) sends swell into the bay making it untenable; Mistral from NW also sends chop in if sustained above F4; depart if either develops
• Posidonia meadow margins — do NOT anchor on or near the Posidonia; fines are enforced by park wardens
• 150m beach exclusion zone: do not anchor within 150m of the sandy beach Jun 15–Sep 15 or approach at speed
• Extreme crowding July–August: 20–40 boats by afternoon, swing room is tight; dragging incidents common when boats anchor too close
• Bura can funnel through the saddle on Levrnaka from the NE — early morning gusts possible in unstable late-season weather
• No facilities: carry sufficient water and provisions before entering the park

Rules & Regulations

• Kornati NP entry permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required (eNauticka.hr). Kornati National Park daily entry fee: ~€15–25 per person per day. Park ticket must be shown on request. No camping ashore on Levrnaka.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; park entry fee applies per person per day
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Restrictions: Anchoring on Posidonia meadows strictly prohibited. 150m beach exclusion zone in force Jun 15–Sep 15. No anchoring in the protected Posidonia zones marked on HHI chart. No fires ashore. No loud music after 23:00. Park wardens patrol May–October.
• 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) (18nm)
• Konoba (restaurant): None — nearest at Murter (mainland) (18nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Murter (mainland) (18nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 10:00 to secure the best sandy spot near the beach head; by noon in peak season the bay is wall-to-wall with charter boats
2. Snorkel to the anchor immediately after setting — the sandy bottom is clearly visible and you will quickly spot if the flukes have caught Posidonia
3. Tie a snubber or use a bridle to reduce jerking in the afternoon Mistral chop from the W
4. The most photogenic spot is from the beach looking back at the anchored fleet — worth a morning swim to the beach
5. Check the Jugo forecast before committing to overnight: if Jugo is forecast above F3 by morning, leave before dark and seek shelter at Šipnate or Kravljačica
6. Park wardens accept park fee payment on the water by dinghy — have cash (euro) ready as card machines are not always reliable in season