Šipnate Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Šipnate 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 Šipnate is primarily mud and sand 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, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m appropriate for bay head on mud at 4–8m with 5:1 scope. Fjord-like topography limits swing. If anchoring deeper in the outer reach, increase to 120m. The bay head can be tightened to 55m in calm conditions when other boats are present.

Usable May–October and even in shoulder months in settled weather. July–August sees moderate traffic but nothing like Lojena. This is a prime autumn anchorage when Bura risk increases — the fjord shape gives it year-round capability for experienced crews. In Jugo (SE wind) the outer bay can become uncomfortable — move to the bay head.

Navigation Hazards

• W and SW exposed — afternoon Mistral creates a lop in the outer bay; move to bay head if Mistral exceeds F4
• Shoal extends from the S shore — approach on the centreline, minimum 5m on approach; use charts carefully
• Bura: despite good protection from NE, violent katabatic gusts can be deflected through the gap at the W entrance in extreme Bura events; keep anchor well set
• Depths increase rapidly in outer section — ensure sufficient scope (5:1 minimum) in deeper water
• Limited departure options in NE Bura or SE Jugo simultaneously — assess conditions before final commitment

Rules & Regulations

• Kornati NP entry permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Kornati National Park daily entry fee per person. Anchor in designated zone at bay head only.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; park entry fee per person per day
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Restrictions: Anchoring on Posidonia prohibited. No anchoring outside designated zones. No fishing without park permit. No fires or BBQ ashore. The bay is within Kornati NP — all park rules apply.
• 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) (22nm)
• Konoba (restaurant): None — nearest at Murter (mainland) (22nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Murter (mainland) (22nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. This is the Kornati anchorage to head for when the weather forecast shows anything concerning — the fjord shape makes it almost all-weather
2. Drop the hook in the bay head on mud in 5–7m and put out at least 35–40m of chain; the holding is so good you may need to use engine power to break out
3. In July–August, arrive by 14:00 at the latest as the bay head fills; a second row of boats anchors in the outer reach
4. The walk along the ridge of Kornat above the bay gives spectacular views across the entire archipelago — a dinghy to shore and a 30-min scramble is rewarding
5. No park checkpoint here — pay park fees at Piškera or Lavsa before entering if arriving from outside the park