Bigova Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Bigova, Bigova, Bigova (Tivat approach)
Bigova is the standout pre-Bora refuge for the entire Tivat area — a compact, sheltered cove tucked into the SE Montenegrin coast on the outer side of the Lustica Peninsula, approximately 5nm SE of Tivat by sea and therefore technically outside Tivat Bay proper. It is listed here because sailors based in or transiting Tivat Bay use it as their primary Bora refuge, in exactly the same way as sailors using the Bay of Kotor. 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 issues a Bora warning, Bigova is the unambiguous destination. The mud holding is among the best in Montenegro — thick, deep, and reliable. A quiet fishing village with a handful of stone houses; a seasonal konoba occasionally operates in summer. The approach from the N is straightforward — enter on approximately 090° keeping to the bay centre. The bay is unlit: approach in daylight only.
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. 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. In the deeper mid-bay (8–14m), extend to 110m. Bigova is located outside Tivat Bay proper — SE of the Tivat entrance channel on the outer Montenegrin coast — which means it is unaffected by Verige Strait cruise ship wash and inner-bay ferry traffic. When cap clouds build on the Orjen massif and Bora is forecast, Bigova is where experienced Adriatic sailors head regardless of which part of the bay they are exploring. It is also referenced in the Bay of Kotor guide as the premier outer-bay Bora refuge — sailors arriving from Tivat use it identically.
Bay head — primary Bora refuge: 75m recommended — The bay head in 4–8m on thick mud is the primary anchorage and the single best Bora refuge for the entire Tivat area.
Mid-bay — additional swing room: 110m recommended — Deeper mid-bay section for larger vessels.
N shore — stern-to option: 45m recommended — A handful of yachts can anchor bow-out with stern lines to the N shore near the small village quay in 2–4m.
Anchoring Zones
Bigova Bay has 3 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics.
Zone 1: Bay head — primary Bora refuge
- 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 the single best Bora refuge for the entire Tivat area. The narrow E–W inlet is flanked by steep hills that completely block the katabatic NE Bora descent. Mud is deep and consistent — set with engine reverse; the hook buries immediately. Swing room fits 6–8 boats comfortably. Keep clear of the shallow shelf at the very head (less than 2m within 50m of the beach). Note: Bigova is technically outside Tivat Bay proper — it lies SE of the Tivat entrance channel on the S coast of the Lustica Peninsula, approximately 5nm SE of Tivat by sea.
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. Mud holding remains excellent throughout. The W entrance opens slightly to the afternoon Maestral 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 surrounding hills.
Zone 3: N shore — stern-to option
- 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 in 2–4m. Sandy-mud, good holding. Confirm depth carefully before approaching — shoals rapidly near the shore. Local fishermen use the NW corner. This position gives direct access to the village waterfront and any seasonal konoba that may be operating.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Bigova Bay is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Check for shellfish farm buoys before approaching. Orange buoys mark the farm perimeter — stay well clear and anchor only in the SE section of the bay.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 4–10m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Mud and sand bottom sets well on the first attempt.
- Note ferry and superyacht wash. The Lepetane ferry and Porto Montenegro traffic create periodic wash — ensure you have adequate scope and use the scope calculator to confirm chain length.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Bigova Bay are feasible but require monitoring — 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. In the deeper mid-bay (8–14m), extend to 110m. Bigova is located outside Tivat Bay proper — SE of the Tivat entrance channel on the outer Montenegrin coast — which means it is unaffected by Verige Strait cruise ship wash and inner-bay ferry traffic. When cap clouds build on the Orjen massif and Bora is forecast, Bigova is where experienced Adriatic sailors head regardless of which part of the bay they are exploring. It is also referenced in the Bay of Kotor guide as the premier outer-bay Bora refuge — sailors arriving from Tivat use it identically.
Usable May–October. Best in early season (May–June) when it is almost deserted. July–August sees occasional visitors but never crowded. An important all-season Bora refuge used year-round by experienced crews. 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 under 2m within 50m of the beach; use echosounder on final approach.
- Unlit bay — approach in daylight only; no navigation lights in the village.
- Occasional motorboat wash from Tivat-area charter traffic transiting the outer coast.
- Montenegro customs: if arriving directly from Croatia without clearing in, anchoring here before clearing at Tivat or Porto Montenegro is illegal — clear in first.
Rules & Regulations
- Montenegro cruising permit (vignette): Mandatory for all foreign yachts. Porto Montenegro is a valid port of entry. From ~€89/month.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor. Vignette covers anchorage in non-municipal waters.
- Maximum stay: 7 days
- Restrictions: 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.
- Shellfish farms: Do not anchor in W or NW Tivat Bay — active mussel/oyster farms with submerged lines.
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 — the 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 extra time for departure.
- Tivat is the best provisioning stop before or after Bigova: full supermarket, fuel dock, and Porto Montenegro marine facilities for any repairs.
- Bigova makes an excellent Bora waypoint when sailing the Tivat–Dubrovnik coast — tuck in here and wait out any Bora episode before continuing S.
- From the hilltop above the bay (30-minute scramble), you can see both the outer Montenegrin coast and the entrance to Tivat Bay — a superb vantage point for assessing weather.
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 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
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