Trpanj Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Trpanj, Trpanj Harbour, Pelješac N coast
Trpanj is the principal harbour on the north coast of the Pelješac Peninsula, connected to the mainland by the Ploče–Trpanj car ferry. A proper harbour town with quay, fuel, provisions, and several good restaurants, Trpanj provides genuine all-weather shelter for yachts. The Neretvanski kanal (Neretva channel) to the N is wide and somewhat exposed, but the Trpanj harbour itself is well protected. Strong SE Jugo is the only significant weather concern. An excellent base for exploring the Pelješac wine country — the Dingač and Postup wine regions are a short drive up the stunning mountain road. The harbour has a pleasantly workaday character compared to the more touristy anchorages further along the peninsula.
Quick Reference
GPS
43°01.0'N 17°16.0'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E, W, S
Exposed To
SE
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor; quay dues ~€20–50/night depending on boat size
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Harbour dues apply for quay berths.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m on sand/mud in 4–10m. Excellent all-weather harbour except in strong SE Jugo. In SE conditions move to the inner anchorage E of ferry quay which has more shelter from the breakwater. Reduce to 50m in the sheltered inner area.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Trpanj has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Harbour bay — good all-weather
- Depth: 4–10m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, W, S
- Exposed to: SE
- Alarm radius: 70m
Trpanj is the main harbour on the N coast of Pelješac, facing the Neretvanski kanal. The Ploče–Trpanj car ferry docks here; keep the ferry berth clear. Large bay with excellent holding on sand and mud. Protected from all directions except SE. Well-established harbour with quay, services, and a pleasant town. An excellent all-weather anchorage and staging post for the N tip of Pelješac.
Zone 2: Inner anchorage — E of ferry berth
- Depth: 3–6m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, W, S
- Exposed to: SE
- Alarm radius: 50m
Free anchoring E of the ferry berth and quay. Sand and mud at 3–6m — excellent holding. This section is out of the ferry wash. The town of Trpanj is immediately at hand for provisions, restaurants, and fuel. Good base for exploring the Pelješac wine country inland.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Trpanj: 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 70m radius. 70m on sand/mud in 4–10m. Excellent all-weather harbour except in strong SE Jugo. In SE conditions move to the inner anchorage E of ferry quay which has more shelter from the breakwater. Reduce to 50m in the sheltered inner area.
Good May–October. Year-round harbour with all facilities. July–August is busy but manageable. The best-equipped harbour on Pelješac for cruising purposes.
Navigation Hazards
- Ferry traffic — Ploče car ferry runs multiple times daily; give way to ferry at all times
- SE Jugo exposure — outer bay becomes uncomfortable; inner anchorage E of quay is more sheltered
- Neretvanski kanal current — up to 1.5 knots in the approaches; allow for current on approach
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Harbour dues apply for quay berths.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; quay dues ~€20–50/night depending on boat size
- Maximum stay: 7 days
- Restrictions: Keep ferry berth clear at all times — car ferry to Ploče runs multiple times daily. 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant/Konoba: Several restaurants along the waterfront. Good range of local fish and wine.
- Provisions: Available nearby
- Wi-Fi: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Fuel and water here before heading S to the Mljet anchorages — last reliable fuel before Korčula
- Hire a car or taxi for a half-day Pelješac wine tour — Dingač and Postup cellars are superb and only 20–30 minutes up the mountain
- Good all-weather harbour — reliable for a weather-bound day if Jugo or Bura is running
- The ferry brings regular vehicle traffic — the harbour has a lively, working character unlike the quieter Pelješac bays
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 Trpanj
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