Smokvica Vela Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Smokvica Vela has 2 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 Smokvica Vela is primarily sand and seagrass patches with variable holding that requires extra attention. 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. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on Posidonia or rock.

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 Smokvica Vela 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 appropriate for the main bay in settled conditions. The bay is open enough that swinging room is generous. In NE corner (better holding, some shelter) reduce to 70m. Do not overnight in W, SW, or NW conditions — the open exposure makes this a day stop only.

May–June and September are ideal for a calm-conditions day stop. July–August it can be a convenient lunch stop on a circuit of the outer Kornati. Not recommended for overnight unless very settled conditions with no S or W forecast. Avoid October–April as a destination.

Navigation Hazards

• Open to W, SW, and NW — any westerly wind makes this uncomfortable or dangerous; daytime stop only in unsettled conditions
• Posidonia patches on the bay bottom — inspect visually and snorkel to verify anchor placement
• Bura from NE can create confused seas at the bay entrance; monitor forecasts carefully
• Limited swinging room in the main bay if more than 4–5 boats present

Rules & Regulations

• Kornati NP entry permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Kornati National Park daily entry fee per person. Anchor on sand only — avoid Posidonia patches.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; park entry fee per person per day
• Restrictions: Posidonia anchoring strictly prohibited. Day stop recommended — not suitable for overnight in W, SW, NW conditions. No facilities on island.
• 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) (15nm)
• Konoba (restaurant): None — nearest at Murter (mainland) (15nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Murter (mainland) (15nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. A perfect lunch stop on passage between Vrulje and Lavsa — beautiful colours, clear water, and uncrowded even in peak season
2. Snorkel the anchor after setting to verify it is on sand and not dragging on Posidonia
3. The NE corner offers marginally better protection and holding if you want to stay longer in settled conditions
4. Bring all provisions from the mainland — nothing available on or near this island