Zelenika Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Zelenka, Zelenika Bay, Uvala Zelenika
Zelenika is the primary port of entry on the NW shore of Herceg Novi Bay — the first proper anchorage encountered when arriving from Croatia and Dubrovnik, approximately 3nm W of Herceg Novi town. It is a working port with commercial quays, a ferry terminal, and a customs/port authority office — which is precisely what you need when clearing into Montenegro for the first time. The anchorage for yachts is off the commercial quays in 5–14m on mud and sand. The holding is good and the shelter is adequate in summer conditions. However, Zelenika sits squarely in the path of Bora funneling down from the mountain passes of the Orjen range above — in severe Bora events, gusts of 40–70 knots have been recorded here, making it one of the more exposed positions in the outer bay during Bora episodes. Clear in quickly and move to a better Bora refuge (Bigova or Morinj) if the forecast looks threatening.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
42°27.4'N 18°34.6'E
Depth
5–14m
Bottom
mud, sand
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S
Exposed To
W, SW, NW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor after clearance. Vignette cost scales with vessel LOA (approx €89/month for ~13.6m).
Vignette Required
Yes — purchase at port of entry
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m appropriate for the main yacht anchorage in settled conditions. In Bora, increase scope dramatically (6:1 minimum) and extend alarm radius to 130m — the funneling effect through the passes above Zelenika produces the most violent Bora gusts in the outer bay. Depths of 8–14m require generous scope. Keep the alarm set all night; Bora gusts arrive in seconds.
Anchorage off commercial quay — NE quadrant: 90m recommended — Yachts anchor in the bay NE of the commercial ferry quays in 5–12m on mud and sand.
S of customs quay — check-in area: 60m recommended — The customs check-in area is S of the main quay in 3–5m on mud.
W of ferry pier — off N shore: 100m recommended — W of the ferry pier offers additional swing room for larger vessels or during busy periods.
Anchoring Zones
Zelenika 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: Anchorage off commercial quay — NE quadrant
- Depth: 5–14m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S
- Exposed to: W, SW, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 90m
Yachts anchor in the bay NE of the commercial ferry quays in 5–12m on mud and sand. Holding is good. The commercial traffic (ferry, small cargo) uses the main quay — anchor clear to the NE to stay out of the fairway. In Bora, this anchorage funnels wind from the NE mountain passes above — gusts 40–70 knots in severe Bora. Maximum scope here: lay at least 6:1 in Bora conditions. A dedicated yacht anchorage area is marked on local charts; confirm position with port authority on VHF Ch 10.
Zone 2: S of customs quay — check-in area
- Depth: 3–6m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE
- Exposed to: W, SW
- Recommended alarm radius: 60m
The customs check-in area is S of the main quay in 3–5m on mud. Anchor here temporarily while completing entry formalities — do not leave the boat unattended until clearance is complete (captain must remain aboard per Montenegro regulations). Mud holding is excellent. Move to the main anchorage zone after clearance.
Zone 3: W of ferry pier — off N shore
- Depth: 6–12m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, S
- Exposed to: W, SW, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 100m
W of the ferry pier offers additional swing room for larger vessels or during busy periods. Mud and sand bottom, good holding. Slightly more exposed to SW fetch across the Herceg Novi Bay. Keep clear of the ferry transit lane — the Herceg Novi–Zelenika ferry runs regularly throughout the day.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Zelenika is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 5–14m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (98m chain at 14m 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, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Zelenika are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW and NW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m appropriate for the main yacht anchorage in settled conditions. In Bora, increase scope dramatically (6:1 minimum) and extend alarm radius to 130m — the funneling effect through the passes above Zelenika produces the most violent Bora gusts in the outer bay. Depths of 8–14m require generous scope. Keep the alarm set all night; Bora gusts arrive in seconds.
Used year-round as a port of entry. Pleasantly uncrowded in May–June and September–October. Peak season July–August sees more charter boats clearing in but the anchorage can accommodate them. Avoid lingering here in autumn and winter when Bora is most frequent and violent — clear in and move immediately.
Navigation Hazards
- BORA: Zelenika is one of the most Bora-exposed positions in the outer bay — katabatic winds funnel directly from the mountain passes overhead; in severe Bora, gusts 40–70 knots; treat any cap cloud formation on Orjen as an immediate Bora warning
- Ferry traffic: the Herceg Novi–Zelenika ferry runs all day and creates wash; anchor well clear of the ferry fairway
- Commercial shipping: small cargo vessels and occasional larger ships use the main quay — maintain watch and anchor in designated yacht area only
- Bora onset is sudden: Bora can go from 0 to 50 knots in under 5 minutes in this location — always keep anchor alarm active and ensure the engine starts readily
- W and SW exposure: afternoon Maestral can create a lop from the W; nothing dangerous but uncomfortable if boat is beam-on
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 after clearance. Vignette cost scales with vessel LOA (approx €89/month for ~13.6m).
- Maximum stay: 3 days
- Restrictions: Do not enter Montenegro waters without clearing in here (or at Bar, Kotor, or Tivat). Anchor clear of ferry fairways and commercial quay approaches. Do not go ashore until clearance complete.
- 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: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Zelenika village / Herceg Novi (0.5nm)
- Restaurant: Several cafes and konobas in Zelenika village, 10-minute walk from quay. Nearest fuel: Tivat marina fuel dock (~10nm), or Herceg Novi town (~3nm).
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Call Zelenika port authority on VHF Ch 10 before entering — they will direct you to the correct anchorage area and confirm customs are present (they close at certain hours)
- Have all documents in a single waterproof folder ready on deck: passports, registration, insurance, and departure clearance from Croatia — Montenegro customs are thorough
- If Bora is even a possibility in the next 24 hours, do not overnight here — move to Bigova (outside bay, 5nm S of Tivat) or Morinj (inside bay, 12nm SE) after clearing in
- The local supermarket in Zelenika town (15-minute walk) is a useful provisioning stop after the clearance formalities — Montenegro is notably cheaper than Croatia
- After clearing in at Zelenika, you can proceed directly to Kotor without stopping again — the vignette covers the entire Montenegrin coast
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 Zelenika
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.
Download Free for iOS