Čanj Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sandy beach bay in 3–6m on sand with good holding. Exposed to S, SW, and W — settled weather only for overnight. Čanj is a popular summer beach resort with a sandy beach, beach bars, and seasonal facilities. Crowded in July–August with summer tourists. The sand holding is reliable when properly set. Approach from the N, anchoring in the centre of the bay clear of any swimming buoys or roped-off beach areas.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Čanj is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–6m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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 south Montenegro coast, SW swell can build quickly and conditions can deteriorate faster than forecasts suggest. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain length.

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

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below. 75m in 3–5m on sand. Good holding when properly set. S/SW exposed — day stops or settled overnight only. In any SW swell, depart for Bar (12nm N). Summer beach resort atmosphere; busy July–August.

Day stops June–September. Summer resort atmosphere July–August. Quieter May and October.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SW/W exposure — depart if SW swell builds; day stop preferred
• Swimming zone buoys near beach — anchor well clear
• Crowded July–August with tourist beach activity

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: 3 days
• Restrictions: Keep clear of swimming buoys and roped beach areas. S/SW exposed — settled weather only overnight.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Bar (12nm)
• Restaurant: Beach bars and restaurants open July–August. Nearest full services: Bar (12nm N) — full marina, fuel dock, supermarket.
• Provisions: None on site — Bar (12nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good day stop on passage Bar–Ulcinj — comfortable swimming and beach lunch
2. Bar (12nm N) is the proper overnight refuge if SW is forecast
3. Arrive early morning for the best anchoring position before the beach fills with tourists