Ploce Harbour, Croatia

Located at the mouth of the Neretva River, Ploce Harbour is strategically positioned for access to the Adriatic and inland waterways. Sailors should follow the marked W course for entry and report to the harbourmaster via VHF when entering or exiting. The area is known for strong bura winds in the entry channel, requiring careful navigation around sandbanks and shallows.

Entry Procedures: Sail only along the marked, dredged W course from the river mouth. Report to the Ploče harbourmaster on VHF when entering the Neretva River and 1.5 miles before exiting. During strong jugo winds or heavy rain, maintain mid-channel or lateral buoy proximity due to SW currents. Maximum sailing speed is 6 knots.

Weather Considerations: Bura winds can be fierce in the entry channel. Watch for shallow areas near the Neretva River mouth and in the approach channel. Currents may reach 2-3 knots during bura, with inward flows up to 3 knots during strong southerly winds. The Mala Pošta arm experiences 1 knot currents influenced by Rijeka Crna.

Depth and Hazards: The harbour has a minimum depth of 6.6m. Avoid sandbanks near the river mouth. Traffic exiting the harbour has right of way, with large vessels operating under special regimes. Currents can affect navigation, particularly during bura or jugo winds.

Ploce Harbour is part of South Dalmatia's coastal network, connecting to nearby harbors like Gradac, Opuzen, and Drače. A fuel station is available locally, and the area offers access to the Neretva Delta's beaches and inland routes. The harbour serves as a midpoint for trips to the Pelješac Peninsula and Korčula Island.

• Fuel station on-site for convenience
• Safe anchorage with marked navigation channels
• Proximity to Neretva Delta beaches and coves
• Strategic location for Adriatic and inland sailing
• Historic port with access to Pelješac Peninsula

Visitors appreciate Ploce Harbour's reliable facilities and strategic position for exploring the Adriatic. The fuel station and clear navigation channels make it a practical stop, while the surrounding coastline offers opportunities for anchoring in scenic bays and exploring the Neretva Delta.

Contact the harbourmaster via VHF for entry/exit reports. Fuel is available locally. Check current conditions before entering, particularly during bura or jugo winds. The harbour is well-suited for short stays before continuing to nearby destinations like Korčula or the Pelješac Peninsula.

Plan entry during calm conditions to avoid bura winds. Use lateral buoys as reference points during heavy rain or jugo winds. Explore nearby beaches like Ploce Beach (0.2 NM) or Baćina Beach (0.8 NM) for shore excursions. The harbour is a good base for day trips to the Neretva Delta or inland routes.