Izola Outer Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay NW of Marina Izola's outer breakwater in 4–8m over sand and mud with good holding. Protected from NE, E and SE by the marina breakwaters; exposed to the W, NW, and N. Used as a waiting anchorage before entering Marina Izola or as an overnight stop in settled weather. The marina is accessible by dinghy. The tidal range in the Gulf of Trieste (1m+) requires extra scope — anchor in minimum 6m at high tide. Afternoon Maestral sea breeze (NW) can make this anchorage choppy from 13:00–16:00; alarm is particularly important during afternoon NW Maestral.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Izola Outer Bay 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 4–8m, adding 1–1.5m to the charted depth to account for the 1m+ Northern Adriatic tidal range.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (40m chain at 8m 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 Izola Outer Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to W and NW and N winds. 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 70m radius before going below. 70m radius in 5–7m sand/mud. Add 1–2m to alarm radius for Northern Adriatic tidal movement (1m+ range at springs). W/NW exposure — alarm critical in Maestral afternoon sea breeze.

Best May–September in settled conditions. A practical waiting anchorage in any season, but overnight use is only appropriate in settled anticyclonic conditions with no W or NW forecast. The afternoon Maestral (NW sea breeze) is the daily challenge in summer — arrive early in the morning for the calmest conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• W/NW/N exposure — deteriorates rapidly in afternoon Maestral or Bora; be prepared to move to Marina Izola at short notice
• Shoal on N side of marina outer breakwater — stay clear of breakwater end; approach from NW only on the outer arc
• Tidal range 1m+ at springs — anchor in minimum 6m at high tide; Gulf of Trieste tidal range is significantly greater than central Adriatic

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: Free anchoring — no fee in outer bay
• Restrictions: W/NW/N exposure — fair-weather anchorage only. Anchor in minimum 6m at high tide to account for 1m+ tidal range. Keep clear of marina entrance channel and leading marks. Shoal on N side of outer breakwater — stay clear of breakwater end.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Izola old town (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Izola old town (0.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Izola old town (0.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good holding in sand/mud — set well with 5:1 scope minimum; reverse thrust test after anchoring
2. Marina Izola accessible by dinghy if marina berth is needed urgently — call VHF Ch 16 from the anchorage
3. Best in settled E or NE wind conditions — W exposure means afternoon Maestral can make this uncomfortable; monitor forecast
4. VHF Ch 16 for Marina Izola if conditions deteriorate; 24-hour landing assistance guaranteed by the marina