Barjaci Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Barjaci has 2 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 Barjaci is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–6m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m depth).
2. Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
3. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Snorkel to verify bottom type. Posidonia is widespread around Vis — confirm your anchor is on sand, not Posidonia (anchoring on it carries fines up to €2,000). Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Barjaci are feasible but require monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to S and SE and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below. 55m for the stern-to rocks position where movement is partly constrained by the stern line. Outer sandy shelf: 75m. The cove is open to S — Jugo (SE/S) makes Barjaci untenable immediately; Vis Town is 3nm W and provides full shelter. Alarm radius can be reduced to 35m if stern-to-rocks with a reliable line ashore.

Best June–September in settled summer conditions. This cove is well suited to the typical Mistral-dominated summer pattern. Outside of June–September, the frequency of Jugo events makes overnight here inadvisable.

Navigation Hazards

• Open to S and SE — Jugo makes this cove immediately dangerous; at first sign of S deterioration, depart to Vis Town (3nm W)
• Rocky bottom with limited sand patches — poor holding if anchor is on bare rock; snorkel to identify sand before setting
• Stern lines to rocks require long lines (30m+) and reliable attachment points — inspect mooring rings for condition before loading
• Limited space — only 3–4 boats maximum; the cove is small and overlapping swing circles create dragging risk

Rules & Regulations

• eNautička (MMPI) permit: Required for all foreign yachts — carry aboard at all times.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Restrictions: Stern lines to rocks require care — use mooring rings where present. S exposure: monitor forecasts; depart to Vis Town at first sign of Jugo.
• 150m beach exclusion (SSVO 2025): No anchoring within 150m of public beaches, June 15–Sep 15.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Vis Town (3nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Vis Town (3nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Vis Town (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Carry 40m+ of dedicated stern line as the rocks may be 15–20m behind the boat at anchor
2. The proximity to Vis Town is the main appeal — 15 minutes by dinghy puts you at the market, fuel quay, and ACI Marina facilities
3. Bring snorkel gear — the sandy patches between the limestone rocks are beautiful in the morning light and excellent for watching small reef fish
4. Check the Vis Town VHF weather broadcast (Ch 16) each morning — the cove gives no warning of deteriorating S conditions