Utjeha Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sheltered cove with pebble and sand bottom in 3–8m. Good holding on sandy patches between pebble. The bay is sheltered from N and NE; W and SW exposed. The bishop's beach (named for a former bishop's summer residence nearby) is a beautiful pebble and sand shore. Good swimming. Anchor in the centre of the cove to avoid the rock patches near the shore edges. A small beach bar may operate in summer (verify locally).

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Utjeha is primarily sand and pebble 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 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, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below. 75m in 3–6m on sand/pebble. Good holding when anchor finds sand patches. Pebble areas are less reliable — set with care and test with engine reverse. W and SW exposed — settled weather only for overnight. In SW conditions, Bar (14nm N) is the reliable refuge.

Best May–September in settled weather. Quiet and uncrowded. October can still be excellent but SW systems become more frequent.

Navigation Hazards

• W and SW exposure — overnight requires settled forecast; depart for Bar if SW swell builds
• Pebble bottom in places — anchor may drag if not set on sand; test carefully
• Rock patches near the shore edges — stay in centre of cove and use echosounder

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: 5 days
• Restrictions: W and SW exposed — settled weather only for overnight. Pebble/sand holding — test carefully.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Bar (14nm)
• Restaurant: Seasonal beach bar may operate July–August (verify locally). Nearest full services: Bar (14nm N) — full marina facilities, provisioning, fuel.
• Provisions: None on site — Bar (14nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the quieter bays on the south coast — worth seeking out for a peaceful overnight in settled conditions
2. Find the sandy patches before committing the anchor — probe with the echosounder and choose a position away from the pebble
3. Bar (14nm N) is the reliable all-weather alternative — use Utjeha only when the forecast is genuinely settled