Okuklje Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Okuklje, Okuklje Bay, Mljet S shelter
Okuklje is the jewel of SE Mljet — a nearly perfectly enclosed round bay entered through a narrow channel that provides complete protection from all wind directions. When Jugo or Bura develop and the open anchorages of Mljet and the surrounding area become untenable, experienced sailors head for Okuklje. The narrow entrance filters out all swell and once inside the bay, the water is flat calm regardless of what is happening outside. The bottom is excellent sand and mud. The tiny hamlet at the head of the bay has a handful of houses — no marina, no konoba, no facilities. Pure, peaceful Adriatic refuge. Outside the national park boundaries, so free anchoring is permitted.
Quick Reference
GPS
42°43.0'N 17°41.0'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E, SE, S, SW, W
Exposed To
None
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Outside Mljet NP — no park fee. Standard maritime regulations.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m in the inner bay on sand/mud. The enclosed nature of the bay means minimal swing in any conditions. 360-degree protection — you can sleep comfortably here in Bura, Jugo, or Mistral. The anchor alarm is a safeguard against dragging, not exposure.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Okuklje has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Inner bay — perfect all-round shelter
- Depth: 4–10m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, SE, S, SW, W
- Alarm radius: 65m
Okuklje is one of the best all-weather anchorages in southern Dalmatia. The narrow entrance channel (minimum 8m depth, 20m wide) opens into a perfectly enclosed round bay offering 360-degree protection. Sand and mud bottom with excellent holding. The bay is virtually landlocked — swell cannot penetrate the narrow entrance. A handful of houses and a tiny quay; no commercial facilities. Perfect Bura and Jugo refuge. Anchor in 4–8m and deploy maximum scope.
Zone 2: Entrance approaches — caution
- Depth: 8–15m
- Bottom: sand, rock
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, S
- Exposed to: W, NW
- Alarm radius: 80m
The approaches to Okuklje's entrance require care — rock outcrops on both sides of the channel. Enter slowly, centrally. Once inside, the bay widens and the water calms completely regardless of conditions outside. Do not anchor in the entrance channel itself.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Okuklje: primarily sand and mud. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (70m at 10m). Set firmly in reverse and snorkel to verify bottom — avoid Posidonia (€2,000 fine).
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta, CQR.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius. 65m in the inner bay on sand/mud. The enclosed nature of the bay means minimal swing in any conditions. 360-degree protection — you can sleep comfortably here in Bura, Jugo, or Mistral. The anchor alarm is a safeguard against dragging, not exposure.
Excellent May–October and even shoulder seasons. This is the all-weather refuge of SE Mljet — use it when conditions deteriorate elsewhere. One of the most secure anchorages in southern Croatia.
Navigation Hazards
- Narrow entrance channel — rocks on both sides; approach slowly, centrally, in daylight or with excellent chartplotter
- Tight anchoring space — the bay can hold 8–12 boats comfortably; tight in peak August
- No facilities — arrive self-sufficient
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Outside Mljet NP — no park fee. Standard maritime regulations.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: Narrow entrance — give way to exiting vessels. No tying to shore trees. Respect the quiet residential character of the bay.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Korčula town (18nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: None on site
- Provisions: None — Korčula town (18nm)
Skipper's Tips
- The go-to refuge in Jugo or Bura — head here when other SE Mljet anchorages become exposed
- Enter at low speed, watch the depth, keep to the centre of the channel
- The silence inside the bay is remarkable — completely cut off from the sea conditions outside
- Combined well with a visit to Saplunara beach (6nm E) on the same day — anchor Okuklje for security overnight
A note on this guide: Always check current weather, NAVTEX/VHF bulletins, and HHI charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm — never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Okuklje
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position and alerts you the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius.
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