Vrulje Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Vrulje 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 Vrulje is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m 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 Vrulje are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and SW and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m at the bay head, where anchoring is possible but limited. The dramatic cliffs on both sides restrict any lateral swing. If anchoring in the entrance zone with a stern line, alarm radius can be reduced to 40m as movement is constrained by the line. Do not anchor in mid-bay — the rock bottom gives no purchase.

Best in May–June and September when Mistral is lighter and predictable. July–August works for daytime visits but the entrance can become busy by noon; overnight is feasible in calm settled spells only. Avoid entirely in W, SW, or NW winds above F3 — the entrance slot amplifies any westerly swell.

Navigation Hazards

• Very deep water with rocky bottom — most of the bay is unanchorable; lunchtime stop in calm only for mid-bay visit
• NW Mistral channels through the entrance slot and creates an uncomfortable swell in the outer section; depart or move to bay head if wind increases
• Stern lines to the cliff face are required for most viable overnight positions — ensure lines are well secured on reliable rock cleats or natural features
• Rock fall from the cliff faces is a theoretical risk in heavy rain or seismic activity; keep clear of cliff edges
• Very limited swinging room at the bay head — only 2–3 boats maximum; do not attempt to anchor here if already occupied
• Jugo (SE) makes the entrance approach unpleasant and sends swell in from the W side — avoid in SE conditions

Rules & Regulations

• Kornati NP entry permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Kornati National Park daily entry fee per person. Anchoring only at head or entrance — mid-bay rock bottom prohibits anchoring elsewhere.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; park entry fee per person per day
• Maximum stay: 1 days
• Restrictions: Anchoring on rocky mid-bay bottom not recommended — anchor only at bay head (sand patch) or entrance shelf. No fires or BBQ. No motorised water sports in the bay. The acoustic environment is extraordinary — please respect other visitors.
• 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) (16nm)
• Konoba (restaurant): None — nearest at Murter (mainland) (16nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Murter (mainland) (16nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Visit at midday when the sun is overhead and lights up the turquoise water inside the cliffs — the colour and reflection effects are extraordinary and make for exceptional photography
2. The best overnight technique: anchor on the sand patch at the bay head in 6–8m and run a long stern line to the cliff (150m+ of extra line useful) — keeps the boat stable in Mistral
3. Underwater freshwater springs can be felt by swimming near the bay head — look for the shimmer of fresh water meeting salt
4. Enter slowly and watch the echo-sounder carefully — the bottom profile drops sharply from 5m to 20m within a short distance
5. The walk up the cliff path (N side) to the ridge gives a spectacular aerial view back down into the bay — allow 45 minutes return