Krtole Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Quiet bay on the E coast of the Luštica Peninsula, inside Tivat Bay. Good mud holding in 3–8m. Well sheltered from most directions by the surrounding terrain. The bay is rarely crowded — a welcome contrast to the popular south Luštica anchorages. Suitable for extended stays. Porto Montenegro (4nm NE) generates superyacht wash that occasionally reaches here; the alarm must be kept active.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Krtole 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 — on the Luštica coast, SW swell can arrive with little warning and superyacht wash from Porto Montenegro can reach anchorages unexpectedly. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain length.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Krtole are feasible but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below. 70m in 3–6m on mud. Good shelter inside Tivat Bay — much better than the south Luštica coves in W or SW conditions. Occasional superyacht wash from Porto Montenegro (4nm NE). In Bora, the bay offers reasonable shelter with the Luštica ridge blocking direct NE exposure.

Excellent May–October. Rarely crowded. Good alternative to the busy Tivat anchorage in peak season.

Navigation Hazards

• Superyacht wash from Porto Montenegro (4nm NE) — large superyachts transiting Tivat Bay create sudden wash; keep anchor alarm active
• W and SW exposure across Tivat Bay — afternoon Maestral enters; manageable
• Tivat airport traffic overhead — noise factor

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: Keep clear of local boat moorings. Watch for Porto Montenegro superyacht wash.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tivat / Porto Montenegro (4nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Tivat / Porto Montenegro (4nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Tivat / Porto Montenegro (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. A quiet overnight alternative to Tivat town — peace and good holding within easy reach of Porto Montenegro's full services
2. Take the dinghy to Porto Montenegro for provisioning, fuel, and marine services without paying berth fees