Cavtat Harbour in Cavtat, South Dalmatia, Croatia
Cavtat Harbour, located between Dubrovnik and the airport in southern Croatia, is a vibrant port ideal for yachts and tourists. The harbor is protected but requires caution during westerly winds. With depths ranging from 1.5m to 4m, it offers berths for vessels alongside and stern-to. Summer months see high activity, necessitating advance reservations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cavtat Harbour safe during strong winds?
What are the nearby marinas?
What are the depth requirements for anchoring?
Can I anchor in Tiha Bay?
How do I contact the harbor authority?
Overview
Cavtat Harbour serves as a key stop for sailors navigating the Adriatic. Its proximity to Dubrovnik and the airport makes it a strategic location. The harbor features a speed limit of 10 knots and is equipped with buoy fields in Tiha Bay. However, sailors must be mindful of unmarked shallows and local wind patterns that can affect safety.
Approach and navigation
Approach Cavtat Harbour via Cavtat Isles (west of the harbor), Supetar Islet (northwest), and the Rat Peninsula with its lighthouse on Sv. Rock Point. Navigation signals include W-0830-R-11 00-W-1 290-G-1 580, located 0.4 NM south of the harbor. The entrance is marked by a lighthouse on Seka Velika Rock and another on Sv. Rok Point at the northern entrance.
Shelter, winds and sea
Cavtat Harbour offers limited shelter during lebić (eastern wind) and zdvora (pre-bura wind) conditions. Tiha Bay is recommended as a safe anchorage during these periods. However, westerly winds can create hazardous conditions within the harbor, necessitating secure anchoring and careful navigation.
Depths, hazards and restrictions
Watch for unmarked Seka Mala shallows (0.1 NM) 120m west of Rat Point and Seka Velika shallows (marked as isolated dangers) northwest of Sustjepan Point. Rocks extend west of the harbor toward Bobara Island, and reefs (Mrkanac) lie near Mrkan Island. Depths range from 0.1m to 4m, requiring careful anchoring.
Local sailing area
Cavtat is strategically located near Mlini (2.4 NM) and Srebreno (6.3 NM) anchorages. Nearby harbors include Zaton (9.9 NM) and Uvala Sunj (13 NM). The area is rich in cultural heritage, with Dubrovnik’s historic sites just 5.8 NM away.
Visitor highlights
Highlights include the harbor’s proximity to Dubrovnik, well-protected berths, and access to nearby beaches like Gospe od Sniga and Banac. The harbor’s facilities cater to both yachts and tourists, with nearby restaurants and fuel stations enhancing its appeal.
What visitors appreciate
Visitors appreciate Cavtat Harbour’s strategic location and vibrant atmosphere, though they note the need for caution during strong winds. The harbor’s accessibility and nearby amenities make it a popular stop for both short stays and extended cruising.
Practical information
Contact: +385 20 478 065 / +385 91 798 55 81. Nearby marinas include ACI Marina Dubrovnik and Marina Frapa Dubrovnik. Berths are available alongside and stern-to with depths between 1.5m and 4m.
Practical tips
Anchor securely in Tiha Bay during lebić or zdvora winds. Maintain distance from piers during high traffic. Check for unmarked shallows and use the lighthouse sectors for safe navigation. Reserve berths in advance during peak season.
Description
Details
Stern-to
Short stay berthFew
Depth:0.1 - 4 m
Port of entry
Safety
- watch out for unmarked Seka Mala shallows (3m) on the W side of Rat Point 120m from the shore
- NW of Sustjepan Point are Seka Velika shallows (marked as an isolated danger)
- at night sail in the white sector of the lighthouse on Sv. Rock Point (S of Rat Point)
- there is a rock 100m from the shore, SE of Sustjepan Point
- mind the rocks W of the harbour continuing SE towards Bobara island, and the reefs and shallows (Mrkanac) in front of the SE point of the island of Mrkan
- the lebić is dangerous in the harbour
- after several days of the jugo and fifteen minutes before the bura begins, a local wind (zdvora) gets up, which can be just as dangerous as the lebić - take shelter in Tiha Bay
Ships and ferries can generate heavy swells here. Therefore, it is advisable to make sure the anchor holds well and, if necessary, to keep sufficient distance to the pier.
Approach
- Cavtat isles W of the harbour - Supetar islet NW of the harbour - mausoleum and an aerophare on Rat peninsula - light on Seka Velika Rock, at the entrance so the harbour, lighthouse on Sv Rok Point at the N entrance
Safety Note
- NW of Sustjepan Point are Seka Velika shallows (marked as an isolated danger)
- at night sail in the white sector of the lighthouse on Sv. Rock Point (S of Rat Point)
- there is a rock 100m from the shore, SE of Sustjepan Point
- mind the rocks W of the harbour continuing SE towards Bobara island, and the reefs and shallows (Mrkanac) in front of the SE point of the island of Mrkan
- the lebić is dangerous in the harbour
- after several days of the jugo and fifteen minutes before the bura begins, a local wind (zdvora) gets up, which can be just as dangerous as the lebić - take shelter in Tiha Bay
Ships and ferries can generate heavy swells here. Therefore, it is advisable to make sure the anchor holds well and, if necessary, to keep sufficient distance to the pier.
Approach
Contacts
+385 20 478 065
MOBILE PHONE
+385 91 798 55 81
Nearby Marinas
ACI Marina Dubrovnik
Rated 3.7/5 based on 9 customer reviews
Marina in Dubrovnik, South Dalmatia, Croatia
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Marina Frapa Dubrovnik
Rated 4.3/5 based on 8 customer reviews
Marina in Dubrovnik, South Dalmatia, Croatia