Marina Izola Visitors Berths Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Marina Izola visitors pontoon in the main enclosed basin. Two large breakwaters provide all-round protection from all wind and swell directions — the most sheltered berth on the Slovenian coast. Pontoon berths for boats up to 30m LOA and 4.5m draft (the deepest berths in Slovenian waters). 24-hour landing assistance guaranteed — call VHF Ch 16 or phone before entry. The marina operates a 50-tonne travel lift for haulout and offers winter hard-standing for up to 50 yachts. No tidal impact in the berth at this alarm radius; the Northern Adriatic 1m+ tidal range is managed by the floating pontoons. The old fishing town of Izola is immediately behind the marina.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Marina Izola Visitors Berths is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Contact Marina Izola on VHF Ch 16 before arrival — 24-hour landing assistance is guaranteed. Max draft 4.5m. Confirm berth availability and depth for your keel.
2. Anchor in 2–4.5m, adding 1–1.5m to the charted depth to account for the 1m+ Northern Adriatic tidal range.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (23m chain at 4.5m depth) — tidal movement increases rode workload compared to Mediterranean anchorages.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Marina Izola Visitors Berths are excellent — the enclosed marina provides all-round protection including from Bora. The Northern Adriatic tidal range of 1m+ means your boat will swing through a wider arc than in most Mediterranean anchorages as the rode angle changes through the tidal cycle.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 30m radius before going below. 30m radius covers standard pontoon berth. Marina fully enclosed — Northern Adriatic tidal range minimal impact in berth. 24-hour landing assistance guaranteed by Marina Izola.

Open year-round. Summer (June–August) is moderate busy with visitors; the marina rarely fills completely. Winter hard-standing and storage make this a practical base for refit and lay-up. May and September are the most pleasant months — uncrowded, good weather, full facilities operating.

Navigation Hazards

• Entrance channel — follow leading marks; shoals on N side of outer breakwater; approach at slow speed on the charted line
• Bora wind: marina fully protected once inside, but the entrance approach can be rough in Bora — approach with caution in strong NE conditions and call marina for guidance on VHF Ch 16
• Fuel dock on main quay — confirm fuel availability before entry; berths at fuel dock are timed stops only

Rules & Regulations

• EU/Schengen — no customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU citizens: register with police within 3 days. Non-EU flagged boats: 18-month temporary importation relief (TIR).
• Anchoring fee: Pontoon berth: ~€45–100/night (LOA-dependent); 24-hour landing assistance guaranteed
• Restrictions: 24-hour landing assistance guaranteed — call ahead on VHF Ch 16 or phone. Max draft 4.5m. Follow leading marks on entry; shoals on N side of outer breakwater. Fuel dock on main quay — confirm fuel availability before entry.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Full marina facilities: water, electricity on pontoons, fuel dock, showers, laundry. Izola old town immediately behind marina — excellent local fish restaurants on the waterfront, supermarket, ATM. 50-tonne travel lift available for haulout.
• Provisions: Available
• Wi-Fi: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. 24-hour landing assistance guaranteed — call ahead on VHF Ch 16 or phone; a berthing assistant will meet you at the fuel dock or visitors pontoon
2. Max draft 4.5m — the deepest berths in Slovenian waters; suitable for deep-keel boats that cannot enter Marina Portorož
3. 50-tonne travel lift — full haulout and winter storage available; contact marina in advance for haulout bookings
4. Izola old town is walkable from the marina — excellent local fish restaurants on the waterfront; quieter and more authentic than Piran
5. Quieter and cheaper than Marina Portorož — a good alternative for extended stays or winter lay-up