Zapuntel Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Zapuntel, Zapuntel Cove, Molat Zapuntel
Zapuntel Bay on Molat island is the definition of outer archipelago tranquillity. Molat is a small, sparsely inhabited island approximately 18nm from Brbinj on Dugi Otok, in the outermost reaches of the Zadar Archipelago. The anchorage is wide, clean, and almost always uncrowded — the distances involved and the complete absence of tourist infrastructure keep the charter fleets away. The sand and mud bottom gives outstanding holding, and the surrounding low Mediterranean scrub and pine-fringed shores create a landscape of austere beauty. The small village of Zapuntel has perhaps 50 permanent residents and the facilities match — no fuel, no provisions beyond a basic shop, no restaurant with any certainty. This is an anchorage for sailors who want genuine solitude, self-sufficiency, and the experience of an Adriatic that is disappearing elsewhere.
Quick Reference
GPS
44°13.8'N 14°54.1'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E, SE
Exposed To
S, SW, W
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. No park fees. Standard maritime rules.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m for the bay head on sand/mud in 3–7m. The outer island position means Bura (NE) can be stronger than in the inner archipelago — set the anchor firmly with engine astern. No services available: ensure the boat is fully self-sufficient before arriving. If Jugo forecast, depart to a more sheltered location — the bay is open to S and SW.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Zapuntel Bay has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Bay head — sand/mud, very quiet
- Depth: 3–8m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, SE
- Exposed to: S, SW, W
- Alarm radius: 65m
The bay head in 3–7m on clean sand and mud. Excellent holding — the anchor sets instantly and holds firmly. Zapuntel is one of the quietest anchorages in the entire Zadar region; the outer island location deters most charter fleets. In peak season you may share the bay with 3–5 other boats at most. The small village of Zapuntel has minimal facilities — no fuel, no provisions beyond a very basic shop.
Zone 2: Mid-bay — deeper but still quiet
- Depth: 8–15m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E
- Exposed to: S, SW, W
- Alarm radius: 100m
Deeper mid-bay in 8–14m on mud and sand. Excellent holding. More sea room and suitable for larger yachts. Slightly more exposure to S and SW but the bay geometry provides reasonable protection. Ensure 5:1 scope in the deeper water.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Zapuntel Bay: primarily sand and mud. 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.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius. 65m for the bay head on sand/mud in 3–7m. The outer island position means Bura (NE) can be stronger than in the inner archipelago — set the anchor firmly with engine astern. No services available: ensure the boat is fully self-sufficient before arriving. If Jugo forecast, depart to a more sheltered location — the bay is open to S and SW.
May, June, September, October ideal. July–August can be used but the outer island Bura risk increases from August. This anchorage rewards experienced sailors who understand the forecasts. Not suitable for novice crews or boats without good self-sufficiency.
Navigation Hazards
- Outer archipelago Bura: stronger here than in the inner islands — the Velebit mountain Bura can reach F8–9 in extreme events; monitor forecasts carefully
- No services, no fuel: must arrive fully provisioned and with full fuel tanks
- Open to S and SW: Jugo makes the bay untenable — depart to Dugi Otok or back to Zadar if Jugo forecast
- Limited escape options in strong NE Bura: the outer island position means the passage back to Zadar can become very rough
- No marina, no rescue services nearby: self-sufficiency is essential
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. No park fees. Standard maritime rules.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: Standard Posidonia and beach exclusion rules apply. No significant local restrictions. Be considerate of the tiny resident community.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
- SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Brbinj (Dugi Otok) (18nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: None on site
- Provisions: None — Brbinj (Dugi Otok) (18nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Provision completely in Zadar or Brbinj before departure — there is nothing available at Molat or Ist
- Monitor the Velebit Bura forecast carefully; the outer islands get the full force of katabatic outflow before it reaches the inner archipelago
- The island interior has a network of walking trails through Mediterranean maquis — a rewarding morning walk with no other tourists
- If you see other cruising yachts in the bay, they are likely to be experienced independent sailors — conversations over sundowners are often the highlight of the trip
- The stars here are extraordinary: no light pollution from the mainland reaches this far out
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 Zapuntel Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position and alerts you the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — essential in the Zadar Archipelago where Bura can arrive fast.
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