Full Description & Details
Marina Veli Rat occupies a naturally sheltered position in Pantera Bay on the northwestern side of Dugi Otok island in North Dalmatia. The marina operates year-round and provides 200 berths on floating jetties with mooring lines. Depths range from 3.0 to 4.0 metres, accommodating vessels up to 20 metres LOA with drafts to 4 metres. Deeper-draft yachts berth on the outside of the northern pontoon. The setting is tranquil, removed from busy coastal towns, with the gentle cultivated landward side of Dugi Otok contrasting sharply with the rugged seaward cliffs.
The marina offers good shelter in most wind conditions, though strong northwest winds can create a chop on some pontoons. Berthing is stern or bows-to with laid moorings at all berths. Electricity and water are available, with usage tokens purchased from the harbour master's office. Sanitary facilities, constructed in 2007, are well-maintained. On-site amenities include a reception desk, mini-market stocking drinks, pastries and Croatian specialties, a fast food kiosk, and a restaurant. Additional services include wifi, showers, laundry, power and water connections. Car and bicycle rental is available at the marina.
Veli Rat village, a five-minute walk from the marina, has a restaurant, pizzeria and a post office operating mainly mornings during summer. Larger shops are located in Soline (4 km) and Bozava (8 km), where a medical clinic and customs office are also found. The popular Sakarun and Lanterna beaches are a 20-minute walk from the marina. Dugi Otok is connected to the mainland by Jadrolinija ferry and high-speed boat from Zadar to Brbinj, with bus service to Veli Rat. Zadar, 16 km away, has an international airport.
How to get there
Marina Veli Rat lies in Pantera Bay within the larger Gulf of Luka Soliscica at the northwest end of Dugi Otok. The approach requires careful chart examination due to numerous dangers in the gulf. Entry to Pantera Bay is made by rounding a starboard buoy at the end of a low rocky spit extending half a mile southeast from the western headland.
After rounding the buoy, head northwest for one mile into the bay, then continue around the coast for another mile, avoiding shallows in the centre, to reach the marina. Unfamiliar visitors are recommended to enter during daylight hours despite the presence of a light signal. A green-lit buoy marks the southern approach.
Mooring buoys are available in both Pantera Bay and Cuna Bay. The depth in the bay is mostly 12-13 metres on the waterway, 10-12 metres at the marina, and at least 9 metres at anchorages. Contact the marina on VHF channel 17 for berthing assistance.
Dugi Otok is accessible from Zadar (16 km) or Biograd (22 km) via Jadrolinija ferry line 434 or high-speed boat line 9404 to Brbinj, with journeys lasting 90-105 minutes. Marina Veli Rat is 17 km from Brbinj, served by a bus line coordinated with ferry and catamaran schedules. Zadar has an international airport.
Transit berth visitors sailing under the Croatian flag need only a navigation licence and crew list; foreign-flagged vessels require a vignette.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many berths does Marina Veli Rat have?
Marina Veli Rat offers 200 berths for vessels on floating jetties with mooring lines.
What is the maximum depth at Marina Veli Rat?
Depths at Marina Veli Rat range from 3.0 to 4.0 metres, with deeper-draft yachts berthing on the outside of the northern pontoon.
What is the maximum LOA at Marina Veli Rat?
Marina Veli Rat can accommodate vessels up to 20 metres in length.
What VHF channel does Marina Veli Rat monitor?
Marina Veli Rat monitors VHF channel 17 for berthing assistance and reservations.
Is overnight berthing available at Marina Veli Rat?
Yes, Marina Veli Rat is open year-round and offers overnight berthing for visiting yachts.
What facilities are available at Marina Veli Rat?
Marina Veli Rat provides wifi, provisions, showers, restaurant, laundry, power and water. A mini-market, fast food kiosk, and car or bicycle rental are also available.
How do I reach Marina Veli Rat from Zadar?
From Zadar, take Jadrolinija ferry line 434 or high-speed boat line 9404 to Brbinj (90-105 minutes), then a bus 17 km to Veli Rat. Zadar is 16 km from Dugi Otok and has an international airport.
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