Lepetani Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage near the Lepetani–Kamenari car ferry crossing point in 3–8m on mud. Good holding. The ferry (Lepetani on the W bank, Kamenari on the E bank) runs continuously throughout the day — anchor clear of the ferry fairway, which is the narrow passage crossing the Verige Strait. The anchorage area for yachts is N of the ferry landing, away from the fairway. The Verige Strait is the narrows connecting outer and inner Bay of Kotor — cruise ships also transit here.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Lepetani 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 Lepetani 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, positioned clear of the ferry fairway. The Verige Strait is a busy shipping channel — keep anchor alarm active at all times for wash from ferry and cruise ship traffic. Extend alarm to 90m during busy summer days when multiple ships transit.

Usable transit stop May–October. Not recommended for extended stays.

Navigation Hazards

• FERRY TRAFFIC: the Lepetani–Kamenari ferry runs continuously — keep absolutely clear of the ferry fairway; do not anchor in the crossing lane
• CRUISE SHIP TRANSIT: cruise ships up to 360m transit the Verige Strait — the wash is significant and arrives suddenly
• W and SW exposure — afternoon Maestral; manageable but combined with ferry wash can create uncomfortable motion

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, clear of ferry fairway.
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Restrictions: Keep absolutely clear of the ferry fairway — the ferry runs continuously and does not deviate. Cruise ship transit channel also passes through the Verige Strait.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tivat (3nm)
• Restaurant: Small konoba near the ferry landing. Full services at Tivat (3nm S) — Porto Montenegro.
• Provisions: None on site — Tivat (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use as a transit stop only — not recommended for a relaxing overnight stay given the ferry and ship traffic
2. Anchor N of the ferry landing well clear of the crossing fairway; mark the fairway on your chartplotter to avoid drifting into it
3. The Verige Strait narrows are dramatic and worth the visit — but transit them at engine speed, keeping clear of the ferry