Viganj Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Viganj, Viganj Bay, Windsurfer Bay Pelješac
Viganj is one of the most famous windsurfing destinations in Europe, sitting directly in the funnel of the Pelješac Channel between the Pelješac Peninsula and Korčula island. The consistent afternoon Maestral wind and occasional Jugo make the conditions world-class for windsurfers and kitesurfers. For cruising sailors, Viganj is a pleasant day stop or early-morning overnight — the bay is peaceful before the windsurfing schools set up, and watching the colourful sails of dozens of windsurfers in the afternoon against the backdrop of Korčula's mountains is spectacular. The small village has a characterful konoba and a relaxed, sporting atmosphere.
Quick Reference
GPS
42°59.5'N 17°10.0'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand, pebble
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, S
Exposed To
W, NW, SW
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Standard maritime regulations.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m on sand/pebble in 3–8m. Afternoon Maestral from NW is almost guaranteed in summer — expect lively conditions. Increase scope in the afternoon. For overnight, position in the more sheltered E corner. Strong W conditions make overnight uncomfortable — consider Korčula town (5nm) instead.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Viganj Bay opens W into the Pelješac Channel — the world-class windsurfing conditions result from the consistent afternoon Maestral (NW) and Jugo (SE) winds that funnel through this narrow channel between Pelješac and Korčula. Anchor in 3–8m on sand and pebble. Bay is sheltered from E but exposed W/NW/SW. Anchoring is perfectly comfortable in mornings; afternoons bring the windsurfers and their instructors — exciting to watch, adds wake and chop.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Viganj: primarily sand and pebble. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (56m at 8m). Set firmly in reverse and snorkel to verify bottom — avoid Posidonia (€2,000 fine).
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius. 75m on sand/pebble in 3–8m. Afternoon Maestral from NW is almost guaranteed in summer — expect lively conditions. Increase scope in the afternoon. For overnight, position in the more sheltered E corner. Strong W conditions make overnight uncomfortable — consider Korčula town (5nm) instead.
May–October. Best in June and September when wind is consistent but crowds manageable. July–August has the best windsurfing conditions but most boat traffic. Early mornings are serene regardless of season.
Navigation Hazards
- Afternoon Maestral from NW builds strongly through the Pelješac Channel — can reach F5–6; boats anchored in W-facing position will roll; position in E corner
- Windsurfer and kitesurfer traffic — respect their water space and avoid anchoring in launch zones
- W, NW, SW overnight exposure — not ideal in any wind above F3 from these directions; consider Korčula town
- Pelješac Channel currents — up to 2 knots during strong Maestral; account for current when setting anchor scope
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Standard maritime regulations.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 3 days
- Restrictions: 150m beach/shore exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15. Keep clear of windsurfing and kitesurfing launch areas — both sports have instructors on the water. Do not motor through active windsurfing sessions.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Korčula town (5nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Konoba Antony Boy — legendary local institution — at the waterfront. Open in season.
- Provisions: None — Korčula town (5nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Anchor before the wind picks up (before 11:00) for the best position in the sheltered E corner
- Watch the windsurfers from the cockpit with a cold beer — it is genuinely spectacular in a good Maestral
- Konoba Antony Boy serves outstanding local food with a view — one of the best meals on the Pelješac circuit
- Korčula old town is a 15-minute sail across the channel — an excellent day trip from here
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 Viganj
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