Rukavac Bay Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Rukavac Bay has 3 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 Rukavac Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, Bugel. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below. 70m covers typical swing in 3–6m on clean sandy bottom with 5:1 scope. The bay fills in season so reduce to 50m if boats are close and swing circles would overlap. If anchoring deeper (8–12m) in the outer bay, increase to 120m. Jugo (SE/S) makes the bay untenable — depart if swell begins to build from the south.

May and June offer warm water, uncrowded conditions, and the Mistral pattern establishing reliably. July–August is peak season — beautiful weather but very busy. September is outstanding: fewer boats, still warm, stable conditions. October can be used in settled spells. Avoid the S coast entirely in Jugo or any S/SW forecast above F3.

Navigation Hazards

• Open to S, SW, and SE — Jugo (SE) sends large swell into the bay very quickly; depart immediately if Jugo forecast exceeds F3
• Posidonia meadows on eastern and western bay margins — strictly protected; fines enforced
• 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15 — do not anchor within 150m of the sandy beach
• Peak season crowding July–August — swing circles overlap; dragging incidents occur when boats anchor too close
• Mistral afternoon chop from NW can make the bay uncomfortable for smaller boats — use a snubber
• No fuel or water: top up at Vis Town before proceeding to this anchorage

Rules & Regulations

• eNautička (MMPI) permit: Required for all foreign yachts — carry aboard at all times.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Restrictions: Anchoring on Posidonia strictly prohibited — fines up to €2,000. 150m beach exclusion zone in force Jun 15–Sep 15. Standard Croatian maritime regulations apply.
• 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 (7nm)
• Restaurant: Several konobe at the bay head serving grilled fish, peka, and local wine. Quality is generally good; busy in season so arrive early or reserve via dinghy.
• Provisions: None on site — Vis Town (7nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 09:30 in July–August to secure the prime sandy area near the beach head
2. The Mistral sets in from the NW around 11:00 and brings a manageable chop — a snubber significantly improves comfort
3. The konobe at the bay head are best visited by dinghy in the evening; walk along the beach after sunset for a classic Adriatic evening
4. Check Jugo forecasts each morning — south-coast bays on Vis are exposed to the full SW/S fetch and deteriorate faster than sheltered bays
5. Snorkel immediately after anchoring to confirm the hook is on sand, not Posidonia
6. Milna (Vis) and Stiniva are within easy daysail reach — plan a circular route from Vis Town