Ankaran Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in Ankaran Bay (Ankaranski zaliv) in 3–8m over sand and mud. Good holding throughout. Protected from S, SE, and SW by the Ankaran headland; exposed to N, NW, and W. A camping and beach area operates ashore in summer — dinghy landing at the beach is straightforward. Popular with local sailing clubs from Trieste and Koper on weekends. Protected from S and SW winds making it comfortable when Maestral is the concern. Anchor in minimum 5–6m at high tide to account for the 1m+ tidal range. The afternoon NW Maestral sea breeze can make this anchorage uncomfortable — arrive early and settle before 13:00. 70m alarm radius accounts for scope in 5–6m sand/mud and tidal movement.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ankaran Bay is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Monitor VHF Ch 16 before approaching Koper — commercial vessels have priority at all times. Stay well clear of the port approach channel.
2. Anchor in 3–8m, adding 1–1.5m to the charted depth to account for the Gulf of Trieste tidal range (the highest in the Mediterranean basin).
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (40m chain at 8m depth) — tidal movement at springs can significantly shift the rode angle.
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 Ankaran Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NW and W winds. The Gulf of Trieste tidal range — the highest in the Mediterranean basin — means your boat will swing further on the rode than anywhere else in the Adriatic.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below. 70m radius in 5–6m sand/mud. N/NW/W exposure — uncomfortable in Maestral afternoon sea breeze. Add 1–2m to alarm for Northern Adriatic tidal movement.

Best May–September. May and June are the quietest months — the camping area is not yet fully operational and the anchorage is typically empty on weekdays. July–August: weekend crowding from local sailing clubs is the primary constraint — arrive Friday evening or early Saturday. September: quieter again, warm water, and the afternoon Maestral is less reliable, giving more comfortable anchoring conditions. Not suitable from October onwards.

Navigation Hazards

• N/NW/W exposure — afternoon Maestral from NW makes this uncomfortable; anchor early and leave before 14:00 if planning to move
• Weekend crowding from Trieste and Koper sailing clubs — arrive before 11:00 Saturday for best position
• Bora: no shelter from NE; leave for Marina Koper (3nm SE) at first cap cloud sign on the Karst plateau
• Tidal range 1m+ — anchor at 6m+ at high tide; Gulf of Trieste tidal range is the highest in the Mediterranean basin

Rules & Regulations

• EU/Schengen — no customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: Koper is the official customs clearance point for Slovenia — fly yellow Q flag and contact harbour master on VHF Ch 16. 18-month TIR for non-EU flagged boats.
• Anchoring fee: Free — public anchorage; camping area ashore
• Restrictions: Fair-weather anchorage — N/NW/W exposure makes it uncomfortable in afternoon Maestral. Anchor in minimum 5–6m at high tide. Leave at first Bora cap cloud sign — Marina Koper (3nm SE) is the refuge.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Koper old town (3.2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Koper old town (3.2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Koper old town (3.2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good weekend anchorage — quiet weekdays, can be busy Sat/Sun with local sailing clubs from Trieste and Koper
2. Beach and camping ashore — dinghy landing at the beach straightforward
3. Protected from S/SW — comfortable when Maestral or Jugo is the concern
4. Weekday mornings are peaceful — ideal for a quiet overnight stop midweek