Srebrna Bay Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Srebrna 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 Srebrna Bay is primarily sand and fine gravel with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–7m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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 Srebrna Bay are feasible but require monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below. 65m for the bay head in 3–6m on sand with 5:1 scope. The bay is small and the head fills quickly — reduce to 45m in calm settled conditions if boats are close. The S coast exposure is the critical hazard: Jugo (SE/S) renders this bay dangerous very quickly — monitor forecasts closely. In Mistral (NW), the bay is adequately protected.

Suitable for day use or very short overnight stops only in June and September when the weather is most stable and the Jugo least frequent. July–August thunderstorm cells can develop rapidly from the S with little warning. Avoid entirely October–April when Jugo episodes are frequent and violent.

Navigation Hazards

• Fully exposed to S and SW — Jugo (SE/S wind) makes this bay extremely dangerous; large swell builds fast from the open Mediterranean fetch; depart immediately at first sign of S deterioration
• Small bay with limited swinging room — only 4–6 boats; do not attempt entry if already occupied by boats at the limits of swing
• Posidonia patches in mid-bay — anchoring on Posidonia is prohibited; snorkel before setting hook
• Rocky eastern and western flanks — approach centrally; shoals extend from both sides of the entrance
• No facilities and no rescue services nearby — self-sufficient seamanship required
• 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15 applies to the sandy beach head

Rules & Regulations

• eNautička (MMPI) permit: Required for all foreign yachts — carry aboard at all times.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
• Maximum stay: 2 days
• Restrictions: Anchoring on Posidonia strictly prohibited. 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15. S coast anchorage — closely monitor weather forecasts; Jugo develops rapidly.
• 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: Komiža (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Komiža (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Komiža (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Visit for lunch only unless you have a stable forecast for the following 24 hours with zero S or SW component — the bay offers no escape route in deteriorating conditions from the south
2. The water colour and clarity is extraordinary — bring snorkel gear and an underwater camera; the bottom detail visible from the cockpit is remarkable
3. Arrive before 11:00 in settled June weather before the Mistral builds any NW chop
4. Use a trip line on the anchor — the sandy patches can have rocky outcrops beneath that may trap flukes
5. Check the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (meteo.hr) and Windy for S component wind models before committing to overnight