Anchoring Zones

Krtole has 3 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics.

Zone 1: Off village waterfront — main anchorage

Depth: 4–8m
Bottom: sand, mud
Holding: Good holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, W, NW
Exposed to: S, SW
Recommended alarm radius: 65m

The anchorage in 4–7m on sandy-mud off the Krtole village waterfront. Good holding. The village is on the outer S side of the Tivat Bay entrance area on the Lustica Peninsula — the surrounding hills provide shelter from N and NE Bora. Some S and SW exposure to longer fetch from the outer bay direction. Local fishing boats use the small pier; anchor clear of the pier approach.

Zone 2: N of village — more Bora shelter

Depth: 5–10m
Bottom: mud
Holding: Excellent holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, W, NW
Exposed to: S, SW
Recommended alarm radius: 75m

N of the village pier in 5–9m on mud — slightly more Bora shelter from the hills to the NE. Mud holding is excellent. This position gives more swing room and is preferred for overnight stays. The view N looks directly into Tivat Bay with Porto Montenegro visible in the distance.

Zone 3: Cove entrance — lunch stop position

Depth: 6–12m
Bottom: sand
Holding: Fair holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, NW
Exposed to: S, SW, W
Recommended alarm radius: 90m

Outer entrance position in 6–10m on sand. Fair holding — set with care. More exposed to S and SW. Suitable for a daytime lunch stop when passing along the Lustica coast but not recommended for overnight anchoring. Depart if any S swell builds.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Krtole is primarily sand and mud 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 4–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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 Krtole are feasible but require monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below. 65m appropriate for the village anchorage in 4–7m. The S and SW exposure is the main limitation of Krtole — in any persistent S or SW wind, swell can enter the outer bay and make the anchorage uncomfortable. Monitor the S weather carefully and be prepared to move to Tivat Bay if S/SW conditions develop.

Best May–September. The S exposure makes October onwards less reliable — Jugo season begins and the anchorage can become uncomfortable quickly. May and September are the sweet spot: warm, calm, and the konoba may still be operating. Not suitable for winter passage anchoring.

Navigation Hazards

S and SW exposure: the outer bay direction is open to southerly swells — monitor weather forecast carefully; depart if SW conditions develop overnight.
Sandy-mud holding is less reliable than pure mud — set the anchor firmly and confirm holding before going ashore.
Limited shelter in southerly gales — this is not a Jugo (SE/S storm) refuge; move to Tivat Bay proper if Jugo is forecast.
Village pier approach in constant low use — anchor clear of the pier and leave a free approach lane.
Unlit approach — approach in daylight only; the village has no navigation lights.

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.
Maximum stay: 5 days
Restrictions: Keep clear of the village fishing pier and local boat moorings. Do not anchor within 20m of the shore. Monitor S and SW weather carefully — the anchorage is exposed to southerly swell.
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 town (2.5nm N by sea) (2.5nm)
Restaurant: Seasonal konoba in Krtole village — operates July–August, verify locally. Fresh fish and local seafood. No other provisions. Tivat town (2.5nm N) for full provisioning.
Provisions: None on site — Tivat town (2.5nm N by sea) (2.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

Krtole is an excellent intermediate stop when exploring the outer Lustica coast — anchor here for the night after a day visiting the Lustica W coves, then sail back to Tivat the next morning.
The seasonal konoba is worth seeking out if open — one of those authentic, undiscovered fish restaurants that the charter fleet never finds; confirm with the fishermen on the pier whether it is operating.
Arrive by early afternoon to secure a good position before the bay fills with any passing traffic.
The hills above Krtole are accessible on foot (30-minute scramble) and give a panoramic view over the outer Tivat Bay entrance and the Lustica coast — worth the climb on a clear morning.
From Krtole, the transition between the sheltered Tivat Bay world and the outer Adriatic is immediately apparent — the open sea starts here; check the weather before heading further S or W.

Krtole Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference