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.
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