Full Description & Details
Zman is a small fishing harbour located at the head of Uvala Zmanscica on the southeast coast of Dugi Otok island in Zadar County, Croatia. The harbour serves primarily as a fishing port with its inner basin occupied by local small craft. The breakwater protecting the harbour from southeast winds has been quayed and fitted with mooring lines for visiting yachts, along with electricity and water points. The breakwater is easily identifiable by the legend 'ZMAN' painted on it.
The harbour offers very limited capacity with only 5 mooring berths and a maximum draft restriction of 2 metres, limiting access to smaller, shallow-draft vessels. Depths at the moorings range from 2 to 3 metres. Shelter is good from prevailing winds, but the harbour is completely open to the east and strong northeast or east winds would make it untenable. The inner harbour is shallow and unsuitable for yachts. If moorings are occupied, anchoring is possible north of the harbour in 4 to 5 metres with good holding in sand and weed, though shelter is less reliable than at the quay.
Facilities at Zman are basic and unreliable. Water and electricity points are installed along the quay, but sources consistently warn these utilities are not always available. The village offers a provisions shop and at least one restaurant on the northwest side of the harbour. Garbage bins are located near the harbour. The nearest fuel station is at Zaglav, approximately 2.5 nautical miles away at the northwest corner of the bay next to the ferry berth, with only 2-metre depths alongside. The closest seasonal port of entry is Sali, while Zadar serves as the nearest year-round port of entry.
Zman is best suited as a brief stop rather than an extended stay given the uncertain availability of facilities and very limited mooring capacity. Skippers should plan for self-sufficiency and check ahead if utilities are essential. Several reefs exist near the harbour entrance and require careful navigation.
How to get there
The approach to Zman harbour at the head of Uvala Zmanscica presents no dangers in the immediate vicinity. The harbour breakwater is easily identifiable by the legend 'ZMAN' painted on it. The harbour is entered from the east-northeast, with depths in the entrance ranging from 5 to 6 metres.
Several reefs lie near the harbour entrance at approximately 43°58.262'N, 015°06.959'E and require careful navigation when approaching. Visiting yachts berth stern-to or bows-to on the inside of the breakwater using laid mooring lines. The village of Zman is served by local buses only.
The nearest fuel station is located at Zaglav, approximately 2.5 nautical miles northwest at the ferry berth. Sali is the closest seasonal port of entry for customs and immigration formalities, while Zadar serves as the nearest year-round port of entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many berths are available at Zman harbour?
Zman harbour has 5 mooring berths available for visiting yachts on the inside of the breakwater.
What is the maximum draft at Zman harbour?
The maximum draft at Zman is 2 metres, limiting access to smaller, shallow-draft vessels.
Are water and electricity available at Zman harbour?
Water and electricity points are installed along the quay at Zman, but sources warn these utilities are not always available. Skippers should plan for self-sufficiency.
What wind protection does Zman harbour offer?
Zman harbour offers good shelter from prevailing winds but is completely open to the east. Strong northeast or east winds would make the harbour untenable.
Can I stay overnight at Zman harbour?
Yes, overnight stays are possible at Zman harbour. One review mentions no fees were charged outside the season.
Where is the nearest fuel station to Zman?
The nearest fuel station to Zman is at Zaglav, approximately 2.5 nautical miles away at the northwest corner of the bay next to the ferry berth, with 2-metre depths alongside.
What facilities are available in Zman village?
Zman village has a provisions shop and at least one restaurant on the northwest side of the harbour. Garbage bins are located near the harbour.
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