Simonov Zaliv (Simon's Bay) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Simon's Bay (Simonov zaliv) — a quieter anchorage 1nm NE of Izola marina in 3–7m over sand and mud. Protected from the W sector by the Izola headland; exposed to N, NE, and E. The bay has a small pebble beach accessible by dinghy. Anchor in minimum 5m at high tide to account for the 1m+ tidal range. The Parenzana trail (former narrow-gauge railway, now a cycling and hiking path) runs along the ridge above the bay. Good for an overnight stay in S or SW wind conditions. N/NE exposure means Bora arrives here quickly — be prepared to leave for Marina Izola (1nm SW) at first sign of NE cap clouds over the Karst plateau.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Simonov Zaliv (Simon's 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 3–7m, adding 1–1.5m to the charted depth to account for the 1m+ Northern Adriatic tidal range.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (35m chain at 7m 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, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Simonov Zaliv (Simon's Bay) are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E 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 65m radius before going below. 65m radius in 4–6m sand/mud. N/NE exposure means morning Bora can arrive quickly — set alarm conservatively and be prepared to leave for Marina Izola at short notice.

Best May–September. Most comfortable in settled SW or S wind conditions when the W-facing protection is most useful. Not appropriate in Bora season (October–March) as N and NE exposure makes this bay dangerous in katabatic NE gales. May and September offer the quietest visits with good conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• N/NE/E exposure — no shelter from Bora; leave for Marina Izola (1nm SW) at first sign of NE cap clouds forming over the Karst plateau above Koper
• Pebble beach shoaling near shore — anchor in 5m+ water and approach beach by dinghy only; the shallows extend further than they appear
• Fishing boat traffic near bay head early morning — local fishing vessels exit before dawn; maintain anchor light and watch

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 — public bay
• Restrictions: N/NE/E exposure — not suitable in Bora or NE wind. Anchor in minimum 5m at high tide. Pebble beach shoaling near shore — approach beach by dinghy only; do not anchor in less than 4m. Leave immediately if Bora cap clouds appear over the Karst plateau.

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 (1.2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Izola old town (1.2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Izola old town (1.2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. More secluded than the Izola waterfront anchorages — good for a quieter night in S or SW conditions when the marina is not needed
2. Parenzana trail above bay — excellent cycling and hiking from dinghy landing at the pebble beach; the trail follows the old narrow-gauge Parenzana railway route
3. Protected from W/SW — comfortable in Maestral when Izola outer bay is choppy from afternoon NW sea breeze
4. Leave immediately if Bora is forecast — no shelter from NE; Marina Izola (1nm SW) with 24-hour landing assistance is the refuge