Olib

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Olib Island, Croatia

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Olib Island in Croatia

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44°22.46′N, 14°46.59′E
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Photo gallery
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Local chartlet

Olib Island lies off the mainland coast of Croatia, two miles E of the island of Silba and five miles NE of the island of Molat. An attractive and traffic-free island with a population of only 147, Olib has a long history dating back beyond the Roman era. It has no natural water sources, so most of the water used was captured in domestic cisterns until the construction of an underwater pipeline, which now brings precious supplies to Olib. Today the island survives on fishing and tourism, supplemented by the production of products such as olive oil, wine and cheese. Yachting tourism, as with many of the smaller Croatian islands, makes a not insignificant contribution to tourist income. Visiting yachts have the option of mooring on the ferry jetty in the main harbour of Luka Olib on the W side of the island or anchoring off either here or the bay of Luka Sv. Nikola on the SW coast.

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Charts

British Admiralty
515
Croatian charts
MK 9, MK11
Imray
M25 (Otok Rab to Sibenik)

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.

Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)

Mali Losinj is the nearest port of entry. In summer only, Bozava on Dugi Otok is also a port of entry.

Berthing options

There are three berthing options on Olib Island:

  1. Luka Olib World icon.png 44°22.81′N, 14°41.78′E
    The port of Luka Olib is situated on the W coast of the island, at the head of a nearly two mile wide bay. If approaching from N, note that the islet of Hrid Kujack has dangerous rocks off it and shallows extending all the way NNE across to the island. The port consists of a tiny, shallow small craft harbour unsuitable for yachts and a long ferry pier with laid moorings on either side for visiting yachts. Water and electricity on the quay. On the S side, starting at the yellow marker, there is place for 10 yachts. Depth at the quay 2.3 meters. This part is relatively shallow so beware of the mooring lines. The inner end of the S quay is taken up by small local boats. On the E side Depths are 4.0 metres but this part is more exposed. There is place for 10 Yachts. The W side is reserved for ferries and tripper boats up to the yellow marker. Shelter here is moderate to good, depending on wind strength and direction, but it is not a good place to be with very strong winds from N through W to SW.
  2. Luka Olib moorings
    Alternatively, pick up one of the mooring buoys laid to the N and S of the harbour. The moorings are mostly in depths of 6.0 - 8.0 metres and offer reasonable shelter in settled conditions but are rather exposed in any winds from N round to SW. If all the buoys are taken, anchor in 6.0 - 7.0 metres wherever there is space. Holding is good in sand.
  3. Luka Sv. Nikola World icon.png 44°21.24′N, 14°46.38′E
    Luka Sv. Nikola lies on the SW coast of the island, some two miles NW from the southern tip of Olib. The bay has two arms and the better anchorage is in the W arm. Anchor in depths of 3.0 - 6.0 metres and, if necessary, take a line to one of the bollards dotted along the shore on both sides of the anchorage. The holding is good in sand and weed. Shelter here is good from all directions except S.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Yacht Services and Repairs

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel. Water and electricity at all berths on the breakwater and the E side of the jetty.

Offshore Islands

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Olib is a peaceful spot, virtually traffic-free and its main harbour is popular during the season with visiting yacht crews. Ashore there is little to do but appreciate the quiet charm of the village on the island or stroll its numerous pathways. The village contains an impressive defensive tower built for protection from pirates in the 17th century. The church of the Assumption of Mary holds a number of codices in the ancient Glagolitic language.
OlibTower.jpg

Grocery & Supply Stores

  • Grocery store near the harbour
  • Bakery

Eateries

  • Several restaurants in the village.

Internet/WiFi

Internet cafe.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Transportation

  • Ferries to Rijeka and Zadar on mainland and adjacent islands.

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)

External Links

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Athene of Lymington


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