Bigova Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Bigova, Bigova Cove, Bigova
Bigova is the standout pre-Bora refuge for the entire Bay of Kotor region — a compact, sheltered cove tucked into the SE Montenegrin coast, approximately 5nm SE of the Tivat entrance channel, and therefore technically outside the main bay. The surrounding hills rise steeply on three sides, completely blocking the katabatic Bora from the NE. When cap clouds build on the Orjen massif and every forecaster is screaming Bora warning, Bigova is where experienced Adriatic sailors head. The mud holding is among the best in Montenegro — thick, deep, and reliable. The village of Bigova is a quiet cluster of stone houses with a small fishing community; a seasonal konoba occasionally operates in summer. The approach from the N is straightforward — enter on a heading of approximately 090° keeping to the centre of the bay. The bay is unlit, so approach in daylight. Montenegro cruising permit and tourist tax apply.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
42°22.3'N 18°40.3'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
mud, sand
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, NW
Exposed To
W, SW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor. Montenegro vignette covers anchorage in non-municipal waters.
Vignette Required
Yes — purchase at port of entry
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m covers typical swing on mud at 4–8m with a 5:1 scope. The bay head narrows significantly — reduce to 55m if other boats are nearby. In the deeper mid-bay (8–14m), extend to 110m. Bigova is outside the main Bay of Kotor (SE of the Tivat entrance channel), which means it is unaffected by cruise ship wash and inner-bay traffic. This is the single best Bora refuge for yachts approaching or leaving the Bay of Kotor.
Bay head — mud anchor ground: 75m recommended — The bay head in 4–8m on thick mud is the primary anchorage and provides exceptional holding.
Mid-bay — additional swing room: 110m recommended — Deeper mid-bay section for larger vessels or when the bay head is full.
N shore — stern-to olive groves: 45m recommended — A handful of yachts can anchor bow-out with stern lines to the N shore near the small village quay.
Anchoring Zones
Bigova 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.
Zone 1: Bay head — mud anchor ground
- Depth: 4–10m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, NW
- Exposed to: W, SW
- Recommended alarm radius: 75m
The bay head in 4–8m on thick mud is the primary anchorage and provides exceptional holding. The narrow inlet runs roughly E–W and the surrounding hills give all-round shelter except from W and SW. In Bora, this is the premier refuge for the outer bay: the mountains to the NE and E block the katabatic descent completely. Mud is deep and consistent — set anchor with engine reverse; the hook buries quickly. Swing room is moderate; 6–8 boats can fit comfortably before it gets crowded. Keep clear of the shallow shelf at the very head (less than 2m within 50m of the beach).
Zone 2: Mid-bay — additional swing room
- Depth: 8–16m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S
- Exposed to: W, SW, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 110m
Deeper mid-bay section for larger vessels or when the bay head is full. Mud holding remains excellent throughout. The W entrance opens slightly to the Maestral afternoon breeze but this is benign in summer. Increase scope in deeper water (at least 5:1 on 10–14m) and use a 110m alarm radius to account for deeper-water swing. Bora shelter here is very good — the bay entrance faces W and the katabatic NE wind is blocked by the hills.
Zone 3: N shore — stern-to olive groves
- Depth: 2–5m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S
- Exposed to: W, SW
- Recommended alarm radius: 45m
A handful of yachts can anchor bow-out with stern lines to the N shore near the small village quay. Sandy-mud in 2–4m. Good holding but shallow — confirm depth carefully before approaching the shore. The village waterfront has a few old stone houses and a small quay; the local fishermen use the NW corner. Stern lines can be tied to trees or rings on the quay wall.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Bigova Bay is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 4–10m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
- Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- Set the anchor alarm immediately after setting — in the Bay of Kotor, Bora can arrive with as little as 30 minutes' warning. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain length.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Bigova Bay are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below. 75m covers typical swing on mud at 4–8m with a 5:1 scope. The bay head narrows significantly — reduce to 55m if other boats are nearby. In the deeper mid-bay (8–14m), extend to 110m. Bigova is outside the main Bay of Kotor (SE of the Tivat entrance channel), which means it is unaffected by cruise ship wash and inner-bay traffic. This is the single best Bora refuge for yachts approaching or leaving the Bay of Kotor.
Usable May–October. Best in early season (May–June) when it is almost deserted and the olive groves above are green. July–August sees occasional visitors but never crowded. An important all-season Bora refuge — experienced crews use it year-round when Bora is forecast. The W exposure makes it unsuitable in persistent SW conditions.
Navigation Hazards
- W and SW exposed — the bay entrance faces W; Maestral is benign but SW Jugo-associated swell can enter in prolonged SE/S episodes; depart if SW swell builds overnight
- Shoal at bay head: depth drops to under 2m within 50m of the beach; always use echosounder on final approach and do not attempt in poor visibility
- Unlit bay — approach in daylight only; no navigation lights in the village; the entrance is clear but must be made before dark
- Occasional motorboat wash from Tivat-area charter traffic transiting the coast; not disruptive but anchor alarm must be set
- Montenegro customs: if arriving directly from Croatia (or any foreign port) without clearing in, anchoring here before clearing at Zelenika/Kotor is illegal — clear in first
Rules & Regulations
- Montenegro cruising permit (vignette): Mandatory for all foreign yachts — purchase at first port of entry. From ~€89/month.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor. Montenegro vignette covers anchorage in non-municipal waters.
- Maximum stay: 7 days
- Restrictions: No commercial facilities. Keep clear of local fishing boat routes at the bay head. Depths shoal rapidly within 50m of the beach — do not anchor in less than 3m. No fires on the beach.
- Risan Bay: Anchoring permanently prohibited in the entire Bay of Risan (underwater archaeological site).
For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tivat (5nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest at Tivat (5nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Tivat (5nm)
Skipper's Tips
- If Bora cap clouds are building on Orjen — those distinctive lenticular clouds sitting on the 1,894m peak — sail immediately for Bigova regardless of current conditions; Bora arrives faster than any forecast
- The mud holding is so tenacious that you will need full engine power in reverse to break out in the morning — budget an extra 10 minutes for departure
- Tivat is the best provisioning stop before or after Bigova: full supermarket, fuel dock, and the entire Porto Montenegro marine facility for any repairs
- Bigova makes an excellent first anchorage in Montenegro after clearing in at Zelenika — it is quiet, beautiful, and gives you time to settle into Montenegro bureaucracy paperwork without pressure
- From the hilltop above the bay (30-minute scramble), you can see both the outer Montenegrin coast and the entrance to the Bay of Kotor — a superb vantage point for assessing weather before committing to the inner bay transit
A note on this guide: Data has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Conditions — depth, holding, regulations — can change. Always check forecasts, NAVTEX, and current official charts before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Bigova Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts — essential in the Bay of Kotor where Bora can arrive within 30 minutes of the first cap clouds forming on the peaks.
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