Full Description & Details
Ulcinj is the southernmost harbour in Montenegro, a bustling tourist resort with a distinctly oriental flavour and a majority Albanian population. The old town (Stari Grad) sits on a peninsula at the head of a wide bay, its quay and anchorage forming the only dedicated yachting stop in the area. The setting is lively and characterful, with mosques, historic streets, and nearby beaches all within walking distance.
The harbour is completely open to the south; shelter is moderate to good in settled weather, but any strong winds – especially southerlies – send a swell into the bay, making the quay and anchorage untenable. Alongside berthing is on the southeast side of the jetty, where depths range from 2 to 4 metres and space is available for at most two to three yachts. The quay is high and can be awkward for low‑freeboard boats. Anchoring is possible as far into the bay as draft allows; depths of 5–7 metres are typical, with good holding in sand and weed, but the 5-metre contour runs well out from the quay, so deep‑draft vessels must anchor further out.
There are no marina‑style services: no fuel, water, electricity, showers, or repair facilities. A fuel station is 13 NM away in Bar. The town itself provides essentials: a supermarket and fresh produce market in the new town, numerous restaurants and cafes in the old town and along the beach, and garbage bins near the quay. Car and motorbike rental outlets are available, and buses connect to Kotor, Budva, Cetinje, and Podgorica.
Ulcinj is not a port of entry, so yachts needing customs/immigration clearance must use another port. Mariners should note the isolated rocky shoal Guri Geranis over 4 NM southeast of the bay and rocks close inshore on the northern approach; staying outside the 10-metre contour avoids the latter. The resort is extremely busy and noisy in summer; for comfort, pick settled weather outside mid‑summer or move on at the first sign of deteriorating conditions.
How to get there
From sea, watch for the isolated rocky shoal Guri Geranis over four nautical miles southeast of Ulcinj bay. When approaching from the north, stay outside the 10‑metre depth contour to clear inshore rocks. The bay is open south; enter and either anchor in depths of 5–7 metres or head for the small quay on the southeast side of the jetty, where depths alongside range from 2 to 4 metres.
Ulcinj is not a port of entry; there are no customs or immigration facilities. The nearest airport is Podgorica (TGD), about 1.5–2 hours by road; Tivat (TIV) and Dubrovnik (DBV) are also within reasonable driving distance. The town is well‑connected by bus to Kotor, Budva, Cetinje, and Podgorica. Car and motorbike rental are available locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many berths are available at Port Ulcinj?
Space for 2–3 yachts alongside the southeast side of the jetty; anchoring is also possible in the bay.
What are the depths at Port Ulcinj?
Alongside depths range from 2 to 4 metres; the anchorage offers depths of 5–7 metres but becomes shallow quickly.
Can I stay overnight at Port Ulcinj?
Yes, overnight anchoring is permitted, but shelter is only moderate and it is best to move on if bad weather is forecast.
Does Port Ulcinj have fuel, water, or electricity?
No, there are no fuel, water, or electricity services at the harbour; the nearest fuel station is 13 NM away in Bar.
Is Port Ulcinj a port of entry?
No, Ulcinj is not a port of entry; yachts needing immigration clearance must use another port.
What hazards should I watch for when approaching Port Ulcinj?
There is an isolated rocky shoal (Guri Geranis) 4 NM SE of the bay, and rocks close inshore on the northern approach; stay outside the 10 m contour to avoid them.
What is the best season to visit Port Ulcinj?
The area is very busy and noisy in summer; choose settled weather outside peak season for the best experience, and avoid strong southerly winds.
Explore Montenegro
Best Time for Yacht Charter in Montenegro: Month-by-Month Guide
Discover the best time for yacht charter in Montenegro. Explore weather, sailing seasons, costs, and insider tips for the ideal Montenegro sailing experience.
Montenegro Sailing Holiday Guide: Routes, Costs & Top Tips
Plan your Montenegro sailing holiday with expert advice on routes, charter options, costs, marinas, and must-see destinations for an unforgettable Adriatic adventure.
Montenegro Bareboat Charter: Guide to Self-Skippered Yacht Holidays
Plan your Montenegro bareboat charter: licensing, costs, routes, yacht types, top marinas, and expert tips for a seamless self-skippered sailing holiday.
Montenegro vs Croatia Yacht Charter: Which Sailing Destination Wins?
Compare Montenegro and Croatia for sailing yacht charters. Explore routes, costs, marinas, regulations, and experiences to choose your perfect Adriatic adventure.
Montenegro vs Greece Yacht Charter: Full Comparison
Compare Montenegro vs Greece for your next sailing yacht charter. Learn about routes, costs, sailing conditions, and which destination fits your yachting style best.
More sailing guides
Yacht Charter Provisioning Guide: Expert Tips & Checklists
Plan your sailing holiday like a pro with our yacht charter provisioning guide—food lists, meal planning, local market tips, and essential advice for every itinerary.
Best Yacht Type for Group Charters: How to Choose
Discover the best yacht types for group charters, from family reunions to corporate events. Compare sailing yacht options, capacity, cost, amenities, and legal limits.
What Information Is Needed to Book a Sailing Yacht Charter?
Discover the key information, documents, and requirements needed to book a sailing yacht charter. Learn what details charter companies need for a smooth reservation.
Yacht Charter Deposit Insurance: What It Covers & Why You Need It
Understand yacht charter deposit insurance: what it covers, costs, differences from security deposits, and how it protects your sailing holiday or commercial charter.
Related places
Stari Grad
Airport Marina Tivat
D-Marin Portonovi
Dukley Marina Budva
Bigova
Bijela
Buljarica
Dobra luka
Dobrota
