Neviđane Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Neviđane, Nevidjane Cove, Nevidjane Bay Pasman
Neviđane Bay on the SE coast of Pašman island is one of the quietest and most rewarding anchorages in the inner archipelago. The bay is oriented to open SE but is well-protected from the more common Bura (NE) and Mistral (NW) winds, and the clean sandy bottom gives outstanding holding. The village of Neviđane is tiny and unspoiled — a few dozen houses, a small pier, and the rhythms of traditional island life unchanged by mass tourism. The lack of regular ferry service and the relatively remote SE position of the bay mean that charter fleets rarely venture here, making it a genuine hidden gem for independent sailors. The crystalline water over the sand bottom rivals anything in the more famous outer islands.
Quick Reference
GPS
43°52.5'N 15°28.5'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E, W
Exposed To
S, SE
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
60m for the bay head in 3–6m on sand with 5:1 scope. The bay geometry and low traffic mean the anchor rarely drags if set on sand. Reduce to 45m in calm conditions with other boats nearby. Do not overnight if Jugo forecast — the SE exposure makes the bay untenable in S or SE conditions above F4.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Neviđane Bay has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Bay head — excellent holding on sand
- Depth: 3–7m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, W
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Alarm radius: 60m
The SE-facing bay head in 3–6m on clean sand gives outstanding holding. The anchor sets immediately on the firm sandy bottom. The bay is oriented to open to the S and SE only, making it an excellent refuge from Bura (NE) and Mistral (NW). Excellent swing room with only 2–3 boats present at any given time in shoulder season.
Zone 2: Outer bay — additional depth
- Depth: 7–14m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E
- Exposed to: S, SE, SW
- Alarm radius: 90m
Deeper outer bay in 7–12m on sand and mud. Good holding. More exposed to S and SE swell from Jugo. Suitable for day stops or overnight in settled conditions without Jugo forecast.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Neviđane Bay: primarily sand. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (49m at 7m). 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 60m radius. 60m for the bay head in 3–6m on sand with 5:1 scope. The bay geometry and low traffic mean the anchor rarely drags if set on sand. Reduce to 45m in calm conditions with other boats nearby. Do not overnight if Jugo forecast — the SE exposure makes the bay untenable in S or SE conditions above F4.
Best May, June, September, October. July–August can be used but monitor S forecasts carefully. Avoid entirely in Jugo conditions.
Navigation Hazards
- Open to S and SE: Jugo (SE wind) makes the bay untenable above F4 — this is a fair-weather anchorage only in S sector winds
- No provisioning: carry sufficient food and water; the village konoba is the only facility
- Bura shelter is good but the outer bay is exposed — keep anchor firmly set with adequate scope in NE conditions
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 150m beach exclusion rules apply. No significant local restrictions.
- 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: Biograd na Moru (mainland) (8nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Small seasonal konoba in Neviđane village — typically open June–September. Very limited menu based on local catch.
- Provisions: None — Biograd na Moru (mainland) (8nm)
Skipper's Tips
- One of the best-kept secrets in the Zadar Archipelago — you may well have this anchorage entirely to yourself in May, June or September
- The sand bottom is so clean and clear that you can see the anchor flukes from the cockpit — a rarity in the Adriatic
- Visit the small stone church above the village for panoramic views of the outer archipelago toward Dugi Otok
- Provision fully in Tkon or Biograd before coming here — there is nothing available beyond the basic konoba
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 Neviđane 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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