Portorož Bernardin Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay anchorage between Marina Portorož and Marina Bernardin — one of the few free anchoring options in the immediate Portorož area. Sand and mud bottom gives good holding in 3–6m. Exposed to W and SW swell — comfortable only in settled conditions or with NE wind component. The bay is within easy tender distance of the Portorož promenade. Good daytime anchorage for swimmers; overnight feasible in stable settled weather only. Tidal range 1m+: anchor in 5–6m at high tide to maintain clearance. Shoal on the NE corner — stay in 4m+ water. Jet skis and water taxis operate through the bay in season.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Portorož Bernardin Bay is primarily sand and 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 3–6m, adding 1–1.5m to the charted depth for the Northern Adriatic tidal range.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (30m chain at 6m 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 Portorož Bernardin Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW 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 60m radius before going below. 60m radius in 4–5m. Add 1–2m to alarm radius for Northern Adriatic tidal movement on rode. The open W/SW exposure means in any westerly conditions the boat will sheer and require full scope — 60m covers 5:1 scope at 5m plus tidal position variation.

Best May–September in settled NE or calm conditions. July–August the bay is busy with water sports and the promenade is lively — arrive before 10:00 for best anchorage position. September is quieter and the water remains warm. Not suitable for overnight from October onwards as westerly and southerly gale frequency increases.

Navigation Hazards

• SW swell exposure — no protection from W quadrant; anchorage deteriorates rapidly in any westerly; monitor the forecast closely overnight
• Jet skis and water taxis in season — the bay is an active water sports corridor
• Shallow shoal NE corner — stay in 4m+ water; approach the bay from the S or W
• Tidal range 1m+ — anchor at 5–6m at high tide to maintain keel clearance at low water
• Bora: no shelter from NE Bora; leave immediately for Marina Portorož (0.3nm) if Bora signs appear

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 — no fee for anchoring in the bay; marina berth is fee-based
• Restrictions: Fair-weather anchorage only — open to W and SW. Overnight only in firmly settled anticyclonic conditions with no SW forecast. Shallow shoal NE corner — stay in 4m+ water. Keep clear of marina entrance channels for both marinas.
• 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 (0.3nm)
• Restaurant: Portorož promenade restaurants and shops within 5 minutes by dinghy. Marina Portorož fuel dock accessible by dinghy in calm conditions.
• Provisions: None on site — Portorož promenade (0.3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive early for best position — bay can be busy midday Jul–Aug
2. SW swell makes this uncomfortable quickly — watch forecast
3. Portorož promenade restaurants within 5 minutes by dinghy
4. Set 5:1 scope minimum — tidal range 1m+ causes wider rode swings than expected