Okuklje

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 19:21, 1 February 2015

Okuklje, Croatia

Click links for more information
	42°43.59′N, 17°40.51′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The harbour of Okuklje lies on the NE coast of the island of Mljet in Croatia, four miles WNW of the easternmost tip. It is situated at the head of a ‘J-shaped’ inlet, the head of which offers virtually all-round protection. As the closest of the island’s harbours to Dubrovnik, Okuklje gets very busy during the peak summer months and its berthing options of restaurant quays, mooring buoys and small anchorage are soon taken up. Yachts visiting during peak periods should allow time to continue to the anchorage of U. Prozura or the harbour of Sobra if Okuklje is full to bursting.

Okuklje harbour from SE
Click for larger view

Restaurant quay at Okuklje
Click for larger view

Charts

British Admiralty

1580

Croatian charts

MK24

MK25

Imray

M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)

Local Weather

Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Approach and Navigation

There are no hazards in the immediate approach to Okuklje. Depths in the harbour entrance are 10.0 -12.0 metres and in the harbour itself 4.0 - 6.0 metres. In the centre of the harbour, just E of the mooring buoys, is a large rock with a red beacon on it. Note that there are several other dangerous rocks inshore of the beacon to the SW and this area should be avoided.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Korcula Town or Dubrovnik are the nearest year-round ports of entry.

Berthing options

Yachts visiting Okuklje have two berthing options, both of which probably necessitate eating ashore:

1. Restaurant quay

The quay on the N side of the inlet has moorings for 8-10 yachts laid by the restaurants ashore. Depths at the quay are 4.0 - 5.0 metres. Obviously if you use the moorings, you eat in the restaurant that provides them. Water and electricity can be connected at most of the moorings (there may be an additional charge). These berths are quickly taken in July and August and you will need to arrive early to obtain one.

2. Mooring buoys

There are a number of mooring buoys laid just W of the rock with the beacon on it. These should be approached from the N side to avoid the other rocks inshore. Depths at the buoys are 5.0 - 6.0 metres. Most of the buoys are owned by one or other of the restaurants, so you must be prepared to eat ashore if you pick one up.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

If the quays and mooring buoys are full, it is possible with care to anchor in the entrance to the bay to the E of the rock with the red beacon. You will be anchoring in depths of 8.0 - 10 metres here. However, the holding is patchy and anchoring is not recommended in unsettled weather. Shelter here is adequate in most conditions, but poor in N and NE winds.

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel. Water and electricity at some of the restaurant quays.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Little to do except eat.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Small provisions shop on the N quay.

Eateries

• Several restaurants around the bay, most with their own moorings.
• The jetty of the Maestral restaurant is found immediately on the right when entering the bay. Ten yachts can tie up to the moorings and there are two buoys in the bay. The family restaurant, now run by the third generation, is located on the opposite S shore 10 minutes on foot from the pier. A transfer by dinghy is possible. On the roofed restaurant terrace grilled sardines, goat cheese, mussels from Sobra, Scampi buzara, a brodetto of scorpionfish, risotto and, if pre-ordered, octopus or lamb Peka are served. For dessert the chocolate soufflé is noteworthy, amongst others. The cook is the son, who studies at the gastronomic academy. Open 1300 - 2400 from 1 April to 1 November. Wifi. --Luksa2

Internet/WiFi

Yes, free wi-fi in the restaurant "Maestral".

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Limited. Take it with you.

Transport

None.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

• Croatia Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum

External Links

See Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

• Not all the restaurants are good value. Restoran Moran is reportedly the pick of the bunch (2012).--Athene of Lymington 13:03, 31 December 2012 (GMT)

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• July 2004 --Athene of Lymington

Template:Guide2