Lucija Bay Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Lucija outer bay — a quieter anchorage east of Portorož with good mud holding in 3–7m. Industrial canal entrance to the N is not navigable by yacht — do not enter. The bay is less frequented than the main Portorož anchorages. Exposed to S and SE — overnight feasible only in settled conditions with no Sirocco (Jugo) forecast. Lucija town is accessible by dinghy — small supermarket and bus connections to Portorož and Piran. Shoaling along the N shore — stay in the mid-bay 4m+ water. Tidal range 1m+: anchor in 5–6m at high tide. 65m alarm radius in 5m mud.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Lucija Bay Anchorage is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Call Marina Portorož on VHF Ch 17 to confirm berth availability before approaching — especially in July–August when the marina is at capacity.
2. Approach from the NW. Entrance channel: 22m wide, 3.5m deep. Anchor in 3–7m, adding 1–1.5m to the charted depth for the Northern Adriatic tidal range.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (35m chain at 7m depth) — tidal movement means the rode will work harder than in the Mediterranean.
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 Lucija Bay Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds. The Northern Adriatic tidal range of 1m+ is the key consideration: 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 in 5m mud. Good holding. Add tidal allowance — 1m+ tidal range at springs here in the Northern Adriatic. The S/SE exposure means in any southerly the boat will sheer on full scope; 65m covers this.

Best May–September. One of the quietest options close to Portorož — useful if the main marina anchorages are crowded. Good mud holding makes overnight stays viable in settled conditions. The Lucija supermarket is a practical advantage for provisioning. Not suitable from October onwards as S and SE gale frequency increases.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SE exposure — uncomfortable in Sirocco (Jugo) conditions; the southern arc is open and swell builds quickly; leave for Marina Portorož (0.6nm W) if Jugo is forecast
• Industrial canal entrance — do not enter by yacht; the canal serves commercial traffic only
• Shoaling along N shore — stay in the mid-bay 4m+ water; approach from the W or S
• Tidal range 1m+ — anchor at 5–6m at high tide to maintain keel clearance at low water
• Bora: limited shelter; Marina Portorož is 0.6nm W — proceed there if Bora is forecast

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 — public anchorage in outer bay; no facilities
• Restrictions: Do not enter the industrial canal entrance to the N — not navigable by yacht. Shoaling along N shore — stay in mid-bay 4m+ water. Overnight only in settled conditions; exposed to S and SE.
• Strunjan Nature Reserve: Central zone (Holy Cross Bay / Ronek) — navigation and anchoring prohibited (Natura 2000). Outer zone — navigation permitted, no anchoring. Verify position against official Slovenian charts.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Portorož promenade (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Portorož promenade (0.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Portorož promenade (0.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the less-crowded options near Portorož
2. Mud holding is reliable — set well and test before going below
3. Lucija town has a supermarket — useful for provisioning
4. Ferry services and bus connections to Piran from Lucija waterfront