Full Description & Details
Lokrum Island sits about 0.5 nautical miles southeast of Dubrovnik's old harbor, a forested nature reserve with no permanent residents. The island's main anchorage is the small bay of Portoc on the northwest side, facing the mainland. The bay offers shelter from prevailing summer winds but is open to southerly and westerly swell. Water depth in the anchorage ranges from 5 to 15 meters, with a sandy and rocky bottom that generally holds well. Mooring is typically done bow or stern to the stone quay, using your own anchor and lines.
The quay has limited space, and during peak season it fills quickly, so arriving early is advisable. There are no dedicated berths for visitors, and anchoring outside the marked area is not permitted due to the protected status of the island. The island is a popular day-trip destination, and the anchorage is best used for short stops rather than overnight stays, as the swell can make nights uncomfortable. Facilities on the island are minimal: a small cafe near the ferry landing, basic toilets, and walking trails. There is no fuel, water, or electricity at the quay.
The island is a nature reserve, so visitors must respect the rules, including staying on marked paths and not removing plants or animals. The botanical garden and the old Benedictine monastery ruins are the main attractions. The island is accessible only by foot from the quay, and the terrain is hilly, so sturdy shoes are recommended. The best season for visiting is from May to September, when the weather is settled and the ferry service from Dubrovnik runs regularly. Outside this period, the anchorage is exposed and less protected, and the island's facilities are often closed.
There are no formal restrictions on anchoring overnight, but the exposed nature of the bay and the lack of services make it a poor choice for extended stays. The island's proximity to Dubrovnik means that most visitors come for a few hours, and the anchorage is best treated as a daytime stop rather than a base for cruising.
How to get there
Approaching Lokrum from the north, the island is easily identified by its dense pine forest and the prominent fort on the highest point, Fort Royal. The main anchorage, Portoc, is on the northwest side, directly facing the mainland and the old town of Dubrovnik. From the north, steer toward the western tip of the island, keeping the mainland shore to port. The bay opens up once you pass the small peninsula that forms its western breakwater.
There are no marked channels or buoys, and the water is deep close to shore, so you can approach the quay slowly, watching for rocks that extend from the eastern side of the bay. The quay itself is a stone wall with bollards, and you will need to set your anchor in the sand or mud at a depth of 5 to 10 meters, then back down to the wall. The holding is generally good, but the bottom is weedy in places, so a careful set is required. There is no VHF channel for the island; contact is not possible, and the harbor master, if present, is only on site during the day.
The nearest port of refuge is Dubrovnik's main harbor, about 1 nautical mile north, which offers full services including fuel, water, and repairs. For land access, the island has a ferry that runs from Dubrovnik's old harbor every 30 minutes during the summer, and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. The ferry lands at the same quay as the anchorage, so be aware of its schedule when mooring, as it uses the central part of the wall. There is no road on the island, and all movement is on foot along marked trails.
The nearest town is Dubrovnik, with its airport about 20 kilometers away, reachable by taxi or bus from the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anchoring allowed at Lokrum Island?
Anchoring is allowed only in the designated bay of Portoc on the northwest side, and you must use your own anchor and lines, as there are no mooring buoys.
Are there facilities like water and electricity at Lokrum?
No, there is no water, electricity, or fuel at the quay. The only facilities are a small cafe and basic toilets near the ferry landing.
Can I stay overnight at Lokrum Island?
Overnight stays are possible but not recommended, as the bay is exposed to southerly swell and has no services. Most visitors use it as a daytime stop.
How do I contact the harbor master at Lokrum?
There is no VHF channel or phone contact for the island. The harbor master, if present, is only on site during daytime hours.
What is the best time to visit Lokrum by boat?
The best season is from May to September, when the weather is settled and the ferry from Dubrovnik runs regularly. Outside this period, the anchorage is exposed.
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