Tkon Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Tkon, Tkon Harbour, Pašman Channel Tkon
Tkon is the largest village on Pašman island and its bay is the premier all-weather anchorage of the inner Zadar Archipelago. The wide, deep bay is surrounded by the protective mass of Pašman island to the N and E, with the mainland coast of Biograd na Moru only 4nm to the W. The sand and mud bottom gives outstanding holding and the bay is large enough to accommodate dozens of yachts without crowding. The village of Tkon has a ferry connection to Biograd na Moru, a small harbour with local facilities, and a pleasant waterfront. For sailors wanting a secure overnight that is also close to mainland provisions and services, Tkon Bay is unmatched in the region. The bay's near-360-degree protection makes it a genuine storm refuge.
Quick Reference
GPS
43°55.5'N 15°24.9'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E, SE, S
Exposed To
W, SW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. No park fees. Standard maritime rules.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m for the bay head on sand/mud in 3–7m. The wide bay allows generous swing and multiple boats to anchor without conflict. The all-weather nature means this radius is rarely challenged. If anchoring deeper in mid-bay, increase to 90m. This is one of the few anchorages in the archipelago that can be used comfortably in almost any wind direction.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeAnchoring Zones
Tkon Bay has 3 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Bay head — wide sand/mud bay
- Depth: 3–8m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, SE, S
- Exposed to: W, SW
- Alarm radius: 70m
The bay head in 3–7m on clean sand and mud gives excellent holding. The wide bay provides generous swinging room for multiple vessels. This is one of the most all-weather anchorages in the inner archipelago — the surrounding topography of Pašman island and the mainland coast provides protection from nearly all directions. The ferry to Biograd na Moru operates from the pier at the village.
Zone 2: Mid-bay — all-weather zone
- Depth: 6–12m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, E, SE, S
- Exposed to: W
- Alarm radius: 90m
The mid-bay offers even more swinging room in 6–10m on mud and sand. Excellent holding throughout. Only the W and SW approach is exposed — Jugo (SE wind) can create some swell entry, but the bay geometry significantly attenuates it. Well-suited to larger yachts or those seeking maximum all-weather security.
Zone 3: N shore — shallow tuck-in
- Depth: 2–5m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, NW
- Exposed to: W, SW
- Alarm radius: 50m
Shallow shelf along the N shore for shoal-draft vessels. Sand bottom with good holding. Space for 2–3 yachts drawing less than 1.8m. Good option to tuck in close for maximum shelter from W. Approach slowly and watch the echo sounder.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Tkon 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, Delta, CQR.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius. 70m for the bay head on sand/mud in 3–7m. The wide bay allows generous swing and multiple boats to anchor without conflict. The all-weather nature means this radius is rarely challenged. If anchoring deeper in mid-bay, increase to 90m. This is one of the few anchorages in the archipelago that can be used comfortably in almost any wind direction.
Usable May–October and beyond in settled shoulder months. Peak season sees moderate use — the large bay accommodates all comers without conflict. Excellent storm refuge year-round.
Navigation Hazards
- Ferry wash: Tkon–Biograd na Moru ferries create significant wash — ensure anchor is well set and expect periodic rolling
- W and SW exposure: Jugo builds swell from SW; bay geometry attenuates it significantly but discomfort increases in prolonged Jugo
- Bura is well-moderated by Pašman island topography — this is one of the better Bura refuges in the archipelago
- Summer anchorage can become busy — arrive early July–August to secure the best inner bay position
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. No park fees. Standard maritime rules.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 7 days
- Restrictions: Keep clear of the ferry pier and ferry lane to Biograd. Standard Posidonia and beach exclusion rules apply. Local fishing boat traffic uses the bay.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
- SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tkon village / Biograd na Moru (via ferry) (0nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Several restaurants and konobas in Tkon village. Ferry to Biograd na Moru provides access to full mainland provisioning.
- Provisions: Available nearby
- Wi-Fi: Available
Skipper's Tips
- The best all-weather anchorage in the inner archipelago — when in doubt about the forecast, Tkon Bay is the safe choice
- Use the ferry to Biograd na Moru for major provisioning runs — much faster than sailing to the mainland and back
- The village church and the nearby Benedictine monastery of Tkon are worth a morning walk ashore
- In strong Bura, this bay holds better than most alternatives — the island mass absorbs the katabatic gusts effectively
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 Tkon 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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