Morinj Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Morinj Bay lies at the SW approach to Risan Bay — IMPORTANT: Risan Bay itself is FORBIDDEN for anchoring (underwater archaeological site). Morinj Bay is perfectly OK to anchor. Excellent thick mud in 3–8m with outstanding holding. The surrounding mountains provide all-round shelter except from the SW. In Bora, Morinj is one of the premier refuges inside the bay — the NE katabatic wind is blocked by the mountain ranges, making it dramatically calmer than the outer bay. The small village of Morinj has a handful of stone houses and a seasonal konoba. Named in the Imray pilot as one of the best Bora refuges in the entire bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Morinj is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
3. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Set the anchor alarm immediately after setting — in the Boka Kotorska, 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 Morinj are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below. 65m in 3–6m on excellent mud. One of the premier Bora refuges inside the Bay of Kotor — extend scope to 7:1 minimum in Bora conditions but the excellent holding means the alarm radius can remain at 65–80m. IMPORTANT: Do not stray E into Risan Bay — anchoring there is permanently prohibited (underwater archaeological protection zone). Stay within Morinj Bay.

Excellent May–October. One of the most reliable Bora refuges year-round for experienced sailors. Quiet and uncrowded even in peak season — most tourists do not venture this far into the inner bay.

Navigation Hazards

• RISAN BAY TO THE EAST: Anchoring strictly and permanently prohibited in the entire Bay of Risan — underwater archaeological protection zone (Roman mosaics). Stay in Morinj Bay. Do not proceed E past Morinj with any intention of anchoring
• BORA: Morinj provides excellent Bora shelter but the Risan Bay area (E) has the most extreme Bora in the Adriatic (up to 250 km/h) — never attempt to enter Risan Bay
• SW exposure: the bay is open to SW fetch; in prolonged SW winds the anchorage becomes uncomfortable
• Depths shoal rapidly near the inner village quay — use echosounder on approach

Rules & Regulations

• Montenegro cruising permit (vignette): Mandatory for all foreign yachts — purchase at first port of entry. From ~€89/month. Always check current permit requirements.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor.
• Maximum stay: 7 days
• Restrictions: CRITICAL: Do not anchor in Risan Bay (E of Morinj). Risan Bay anchoring is permanently prohibited — underwater archaeological site. Moor only in Morinj Bay itself. Keep clear of local fishing boats near the village.
• Risan Bay: Anchoring permanently prohibited in the entire Bay of Risan (underwater archaeological site). Morinj Bay is OK.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Kotor / Tivat (12nm)
• Restaurant: Small seasonal konoba in Morinj village. Nearest full services: Kotor or Tivat (~12nm SE).
• Provisions: None on site — Kotor / Tivat (12nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the best Bora refuges in the entire Bay of Kotor — when Bora is forecast, this is where experienced sailors head
2. The mud holding is outstanding — sets immediately on mud that seems almost bottomless; use full engine reverse to confirm hold
3. NEVER anchor in Risan Bay (E of Morinj) — the prohibition is strictly enforced and penalties are severe (fines, vessel seizure)
4. The village is tiny and very quiet — a complete contrast to the busy tourist centres of Kotor and Herceg Novi
5. Cap clouds on the Orjen massif above Risan are the visual Bora warning — at Morinj you are in one of the best shelter positions when they appear