Valdanos Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Beautiful bay surrounded by ancient olive groves — one of the largest ancient olive grove estates in Montenegro. Anchor in 3–8m on sand and mud at the bay head. Good holding. The bay is sheltered from N and NE but exposed to W and SW — settled weather only for overnight stays. Anchor clear of the olive trees and shoreline — the grove extends to the water's edge in places; maintain at least 50m distance from the shore to avoid anchor chain damaging the roots. The ancient olive trees (some over 1,000 years old) are protected.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Valdanos Bay is primarily sand and 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 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 Valdanos Bay 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/mud. Anchor clear of the olive grove shoreline — maintain 50m minimum distance from shore to protect the ancient tree root systems. Good holding in the centre of the bay. W and SW exposed — check forecast carefully before overnighting.

Excellent May–October. Quiet and rarely crowded. Best in May–June when the olive grove is at its greenest. September–October also excellent with calm sea conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• W and SW exposure — depart if SW swell builds; overnight only in settled forecast
• Ancient olive grove at shoreline — anchor chain must not contact root systems; maintain 50m from shore minimum
• No facilities — self-sufficient only; Ulcinj (5nm S) for services
• SW Jugo: do not overnight here if Jugo is forecast; head to Bar (17nm N) for shelter

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: IMPORTANT: Anchor clear of olive grove shoreline — maintain minimum 50m from shore. Ancient olive trees are protected; anchor chain must not contact root areas. W and SW exposed — settled weather only for overnight.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Ulcinj (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Ulcinj (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Ulcinj (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the most beautiful anchorages on the south Montenegro coast — the ancient olive grove is extraordinary
2. Take the dinghy ashore (maintain 50m clearance from the tree roots) and walk through the grove — the ancient gnarled trees are remarkable
3. The bay is at its most beautiful in the golden light of early morning and late afternoon
4. Ulcinj old town (5nm S) is an excellent destination from here — motor or sail down for the day