Izola–Koper Passage Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Quiet overnight waypoint anchorage in 4–9m over mud on the low-lying coast between Izola and Koper. Good mud holding throughout. Protected from W, SW, and S; exposed to N, NE, and E. The coast here is low-lying agricultural land without significant tourist development — the Sečovlje saltworks (a Natura 2000 candidate site) are visible to the SW. Used primarily as an overnight waypoint when caught mid-passage in deteriorating conditions, or for a deliberate quiet anchorage away from both marina towns. Anchor in minimum 7–8m at high tide to account for the 1m+ tidal range. 75m alarm radius accounts for full scope deployment in mud at 6–8m and Northern Adriatic tidal movement. Completely self-sufficient essential — no facilities ashore at this position. N/NE/E exposure means Bora has no obstruction here; leave at first cap cloud sign for Marina Koper (5nm E) or Marina Izola (5nm W).

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Izola–Koper Passage Bay is primarily 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 4–9m, 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 (45m chain at 9m 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, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Izola–Koper Passage Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E 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 75m radius before going below. 75m radius in 6–8m mud. Good mud holding throughout. N/NE exposure — Bora arrives from NE; Marina Izola (5nm W) and Marina Koper (5nm E) are the two refuge options.

Best May–September as a passage waypoint or deliberate quiet overnight stop. The most common use is as an unplanned overnight when conditions deteriorate mid-passage — the good mud holding and W/SW protection make it reliable in those circumstances. As a planned overnight destination, the complete absence of facilities means self-sufficiency is essential. Not suitable from October onwards due to increasing Bora frequency; Marina Koper (5nm E) is the all-weather base for the Koper region.

Navigation Hazards

• N/NE/E exposure — Bora has no obstruction here; leave at first cap cloud sign and run for Marina Izola or Marina Koper
• No facilities — completely self-sufficient required; carry full water, fuel, and provisions before arriving
• Low coast provides minimal visual landmarks for night navigation — use GPS waypoints and echosounder
• Tidal range 1m+ — anchor in minimum 7m at high tide; Gulf of Trieste has the highest tidal range in the Mediterranean

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 — passage anchorage; no facilities
• Restrictions: Fair-weather anchorage — N/NE/E exposure. Leave at first Bora cap cloud sign for Marina Koper (5nm E) or Marina Izola (5nm W). Anchor in minimum 7–8m at high tide. Low coast provides minimal visual landmarks for night navigation — use GPS.

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 (3nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Koper old town (3nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Koper old town (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Sečovlje saltworks (UNESCO candidate) visible to the SW — worth exploring by bicycle from either marina
2. Genuine peace and quiet — no tourist development on this stretch of the Slovenian coast
3. Self-sufficient essential: carry full water, fuel, and provisions
4. Good passage anchorage if conditions deteriorate mid-passage Izola–Koper