Arbanija Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The interior of Arbanija Bay in 2–5m on sand and weed gives good holding. The bay is well protected from N and W. Weed (mainly zostera/thin zostera) is present but anchors penetrate through to sand beneath. Snorkel in ambiguous patches — Posidonia may be present near the margins. Close to Trogir for provisioning.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Arbanija Bay is primarily sand and weed with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly — check depth sounder. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m depth).
2. Drop into wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
3. Set firmly in reverse — apply moderate throttle for 30–60 seconds.
4. Snorkel to verify — confirm anchor is on sand/mud, not Posidonia (anchoring on Posidonia carries fines up to €2,000 in Croatia).

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Arbanija Bay are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SE and E.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before sleeping. 55m appropriate for sand/weed bottom in 2–5m. The bay is moderately sheltered. In SE/S conditions the bay becomes exposed — increase alarm radius to 80m and monitor weather closely.

Usable May–October. Most useful as a staging anchorage for Trogir visits. The proximity to the town makes it a practical overnight option even in summer.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SE exposure — unprotected; Jugo swell can make the bay uncomfortable
• Local boat traffic from Trogir — maintain watch especially in mornings and evenings
• Weed/Posidonia mix on bay margins — snorkel to verify before setting anchor

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: No special permit required
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion from bathing areas in season. No anchoring on Posidonia. Keep clear of Trogir-Čiovo bridge approaches and local boat traffic.
• Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
• SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available — come provisioned
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Trogir (3nm)
• Restaurant/Konoba: Seasonal restaurant/bar in Arbanija village. Full facilities in Trogir (3nm).
• Provisions: None on site — Trogir (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use this as a base for a Trogir day visit — dinghy in from the anchorage to avoid marina fees
2. Trogir old town (UNESCO) is unmissable — arrive by water taxi or dinghy from the anchorage
3. The bay is quiet in the evenings when the day-trippers have left Trogir