Koper Bay North Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay anchorage N of the Koper commercial port in 4–10m over mud. Good mud holding throughout. Protected from W and SW; exposed to N, NE, and E. Outside the commercial port limits — no port authority restrictions at this position. Commercial vessel traffic is visible but does not affect this anchorage directly. Very little tourist traffic — one of the quietest anchorages on the Slovenian coast. Anchor in minimum 7m at high tide to account for the 1m+ tidal range. Bora from the NE arrives with 20–30 minutes of warning at most; Marina Koper (1nm S) is the Bora refuge. This is a fair-weather anchorage — N/NE/E exposure makes it unsuitable in any forecast wind from those directions. 75m alarm radius accounts for full scope deployment in mud at 6–8m depth and the Northern Adriatic tidal movement.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Koper Bay North 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 4–10m, 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 (50m chain at 10m 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 Koper Bay North 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. N/NE/E exposure — Bora arrives from NE with minimal warning; Marina Koper 1nm S is the Bora refuge. 1m+ tidal range — add 15m to your usual Mediterranean alarm setting.

Best May–September in settled conditions. May and June offer the most reliably settled mornings and fewest Bora events. July–August is the peak summer period — the anchorage remains quiet as most visiting yachts opt for Marina Koper or Marina Izola. September remains warm with generally settled conditions. October and later: Bora frequency increases significantly — this open bay should not be used as an overnight stop after September.

Navigation Hazards

• N/NE/E exposure — Bora from NE arrives with 20–30 minute warning at most; leave for Marina Koper (1nm S) at first cap cloud sighting on the Karst plateau
• Commercial vessel wakes — occasional large vessel movements from the Koper commercial port can cause swell at this position
• Tidal range 1m+ — anchor in minimum 6–7m at high tide; the Gulf of Trieste has the highest tidal range in the Mediterranean basin
• No facilities — completely self-sufficient required; carry full water, fuel, and provisions

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 — open bay anchorage outside commercial port limits
• Restrictions: Fair-weather anchorage only — N/NE/E exposure. Leave immediately if Bora is forecast. Anchor in minimum 7m at high tide to account for 1m+ tidal range. Keep clear of commercial port approach traffic.

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

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the quietest free anchorages on the Slovenian coast
2. Good mud holding — set well with engine reverse and you will hold reliably
3. Commercial traffic visible but does not affect this anchorage — observe and enjoy the port activity
4. Leave immediately if Bora is forecast — Marina Koper (1nm S) is the refuge