Drace Harbour in Drace, South Dalmatia, Croatia
Drace Harbour, located in the scenic South Dalmatia region of Croatia, offers a tranquil base for sailors exploring the Adriatic. With shallow depths, a slipway, and nearby beaches, it's ideal for both short stays and longer cruising. Nearby, Marina Lumbarda provides additional berthing options.
Frequently asked questions
Is mooring available at Drace Harbour?
What is the maximum draft for safe entry?
Are there nearby marinas?
How should I navigate at night?
How do I reach Drace Harbour from the open sea?
Overview
Drace Harbour is a small, sheltered anchorage with a mooring line depth range of 0.3–2.6m. Key facilities include a fuel station and slipway. Navigators should be mindful of shallow areas and reefs near Galičak Island. The harbor is accessible via landmarks like the bell tower in Janjina village and the breakwater light.
Approach and navigation
Approach Drace Harbour by identifying the bell tower in Janjina village on the hill west of the harbor. The islands of Galičak and Dubovac lie to the east, with the harbor light on the breakwater guiding final approach. Village houses along the shore provide additional visual references.
Shelter, winds and sea
Drace Harbour offers limited natural wind protection, with exposure to open sea conditions. Sailors should monitor local weather forecasts and consider nearby anchorages for shelter during strong winds.
Depths, hazards and restrictions
Shallow areas and reefs pose navigation challenges:
- Reefs and shallows north and west of Galičak Island (Prigrada Rock)
- Shallow beds along northern and southern shores
- At night, use the red sector of the breakwater light for safe entry
Local sailing area
Drace Harbour serves as a gateway to the nearby beaches of Lučica and Ruža Vjetrova, as well as the historic village of Janjina. The harbor's proximity to Marina Lumbarda (4.3/5, 16 reviews) on Korčula Island provides alternative berthing options for larger vessels.
Visitor highlights
- Scenic views of Galičak and Dubovac Islands
- Proximity to 7+ beaches within 0.6 NM
- Slipway access for dinghy storage
- Shallow depths ideal for anchoring
What visitors appreciate
Visitors appreciate Drace Harbour's peaceful setting and strategic location between the islands of Korčula and Šolta. The shallow depths make it accessible for smaller yachts, while the nearby beaches offer easy shore excursions. Sailors note the importance of careful navigation near the reef-laden areas.
Practical information
Facilities: Fuel station, slipway. Restrictions: No overnight mooring for large vessels. Berthing type: Mooring line. Depth range: 0.3–2.6m. Coordinates: 42.9300°N, 17.4495°E.
Practical tips
• Check tide times before anchoring due to shallow depths
• Use the red sector of the breakwater light at night
• Explore nearby beaches like Lučica (0.1 NM) for snorkeling
• Consider Marina Lumbarda (12 NM) for longer stays
• Monitor weather conditions for sudden wind shifts
Important notes
- Reefs and shallow areas require careful navigation near Galičak Island
- Depth limitations (max 2.6m) may restrict larger vessels
- Night navigation should use the red sector of the breakwater light
Details
Depth:0.3 - 2.6 m
Facilities
Slipway
Safety
- mind the reefs and shallows and the rocks N and W of Galičak island (Prigrada Rock)
- it is shallows all along the shores N and S from the harbour, with reefs on the bed
- at night, sail in using the red sector of the head at the breakwater
Approach
- bell tower in Janjina village, on the hill W of the harbour - the islands of Galičak and Dubovac, E of the harbour - harbour light on the breakwater - village houses
Safety Note
- it is shallows all along the shores N and S from the harbour, with reefs on the bed
- at night, sail in using the red sector of the head at the breakwater
Approach
Nearby Marinas
Rated 4.3/5 based on 16 customer reviews
Marina in Lumbarda on the island Korčula, South Dalmatia, Croatia