Vis Sailing Guide I Yacht Charter Croatia

A Sailor’s Guide to Vis and Biševo: Anchorages, Ports & Hidden Gems

Sailing around the island of Vis is an essential experience for anyone chartering a boat in Split. Located roughly 30 nautical miles from the mainland, Vis offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, sailing-friendly conditions, and authentic island charm. Its crystal-clear waters, hidden bays, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful fishing villages make it one of the most rewarding destinations in the Adriatic. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan the ideal route around Vis, from the best anchorages and must-see spots to local tips that help you enjoy the island like a seasoned skipper. Whether you're after serenity, adventure, or a bit of both, Vis delivers an unforgettable sailing experience.

North Coast – Vis, Rogačić, Stončica

Tucked away in the far reaches of the Croatian Adriatic, the island of Vis feels like a world apart, and nowhere is that duality felt more than in its twin settlements: Vis Town and Kut. Though technically part of the same town, each has its own distinct character and rhythm, separated by a picturesque 10-minute seaside walk.

Vis is the livelier hub, home to ferries, markets, and most of the island’s infrastructure. It's where life hums in the mornings, with fishermen unloading the night’s catch and locals sipping coffee under palm trees. There’s a palpable sense of history, British forts, Venetian warehouses, and Yugoslav bunkers woven through its waterfront.

Kut, on the other hand, is where time truly slows down. Once the residential quarter of old captains and shipowners, it’s a sleepy, stone-laced maze of alleys scented with rosemary and grilled fish. Come evening, Kut transforms into a romantic hideaway.

Vis / Kut

Mooring: Luka (town quay), Kut (town quay). If you want to get a spot in the high season, you should arrive by 2 pm sharp.

Water, power, and fuel are available.

Bouys: A Huge buoy field, in the high season usually occupied by 5 pm. 40 euros per day.

Shops, bakeries, and car/scooter rentals are all nearby.

Things to do:

Speedboat tours, quad tours, and scooters can be easily arranged
Scooter loop (25 km) lets you visit inland villages, stop for a sunset drink at Fort George, and explore the vineyards
Military tour! If you are into history, this is a must-do. 50 euros per person, lasts 4 hours.
Wine Tip: Visit Lipanović Winery, inside a former army tunnel!

Where to Eat:

Kut

Pojoda | +385 21 711 575
Konoba Vatrica | +385 21 711 574

Vis

Lola | +385 95 563 3247
Peškarija 1911 | 091 371 1528

Bar tip: If there’s a party at Fort George, don’t miss it. Check posters or ask locals.

Rogačić Bay

Deep, quiet, and overlooked.

Anchor: 4–6 m, weed/sand.

Excellent shelter, especially from Bura.

WWII ruins onshore, great snorkeling.

Parja Bay (Submarine Tunnel)

5 - 8 m, muddy bottom, great holding.

The stern line is useful.

A large submarine cave you can explore by dinghy.

Stončica Bay

Picture-perfect lighthouse cove.

Anchoring is not allowed.

10 free buoys during the day, paid at night.

Great restaurant known for grilled lamb chops.

Contact: Konoba Stončica | +385 91 251 2262

Avoid during strong Bura or Tramontana

West Coast – Komiža & Biševo

Komiža

Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hum on the western side of Vis island, Komiža is a picturesque fishing town with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. With its stone houses lined up along the waterfront and small boats gently rocking in the harbor, it feels like time has slowed down here. Komiža is proud of its maritime roots; you can still see fishermen mending nets by the sea, and taste the tradition in local taverns serving freshly caught seafood and island-grown wine. The town is also the best starting point for visiting the famous Blue Cave on nearby Biševo. Whether you're here for a swim, a walk through its narrow streets, or a quiet dinner by the sea, Komiža offers a rare kind of charm: simple, genuine, and unforgettable.

Mooring: Town quay with mooring lines, water, and electricity. If you want to make sure you get a spot in the high season, come before 2pm.

Buoys: Huge bouy field in the bay, 40 euros per boat. Beware, completely exposed to W/SW swell!

No fuel station (fuel only in Vis Town)

Things to Do:

Visit the Fishermen’s Museum (don’t skip the Falkuša boat)
Swim from the town’s beach south of the quay
Hike or taxi up to Mount Hum
Scooter rentals available for full island loops (~25 km)
Half-day speedboat tours visit Vis’s top bays and caves
Military tour! If you are into history, this is a must-do. 50 euros per person, lasts 4 hours.

Where to Eat:

Jastožera – Lobster & seafood over the water | +385 91 984 2513
Barba – Honest, authentic grill | +385 98 577 994
BAKO – Fine local food with style | +385 21 713 742

Bars:

Check out the beach club Lunatic on Kamenica beach. They tend to have several different music festivals during the summer.

Excursion Tip: For a special inland dinner experience, book a traditional peka (slow-cooked meat or octopus under a dome):

Roki’s Konoba | +385 98 303 483
Magić Konoba | +385 91 898 4859

Biševo Island – The Edge of the Archipelago

Tiny and wild, Biševo is more than a Blue Cave selfie. With just a few residents, no real infrastructure, and wide-open skies, the island feels like another world.

Porat Bay

Anchor: 4 - 7m, sand, excellent holding

Protection: Fair in settled weather. Beware! Exposed to S/W/NW swell

Vibe: Beach, pine shade, and a Robinson Crusoe feeling

Restaurant ashore, simple but charming

Overnight: Great in calm weather, magical under the moon

Modra Špilja (Blue Cave)

Access only by official boats from Mezoporat

No private entry allowed

Best time: 09:30–11:30

Buy tickets onshore, then wait for your dinghy ride in. Season 2025. prices: High season 24€/person, Low season 18€ per person.

Blue Cave

Medvidina Špilja (Bear Cave)

Long, dark sea tunnel, enter by dinghy only in dead calm

Beautiful light, silent echo, untouched

Island Experience

1-hour trail from Mezoporat to Porat (bring shoes)
Quad tours available from Mezoporat

With so few locals, it feels totally remote

Porat Bay at night

South Coast – Stiniva, Travna, Budikovac, Rukavac

Mala Travna

Small cove, 2 -3 boats max

Anchor: 6 - 8 m, rocky/sandy patches

Stern line essential.

Konoba Senko – Eccentric, legendary, unforgettable | +385 91 1330894 ; Reservation required!

Mala Travna Bay

Vela Travna

Wider and calmer than Mala Travna

Great anchoring in 6–8 m, sand

No facilities, just quiet

Stiniva Bay

Vis’s most famous cove.

No anchoring allowed, especially in high season.

6 free buoys available, very limited, huge luck factor.

Overnight possible in good weather only (avoid Jugo).

If you get a buoy, it’s silent and magical after the day boats leave.

Stiniva Bay, Vis

Green Cave (Zelena Špilja), Ravnik Island

Located off the south side of Vis near Rukavac.

Free buoys available for short-term stopovers.

Entry fee: €15 per person (cash).

You can swim inside the cave.

Best light: 11:00–13:00, when sunlight streams through the ceiling hole.

Sometimes, you’ll have it all to yourself.

Budikovac Island

Bouys: Free of charge if you dine on the shore.

Anchoring: Permitted, but on the edges of the lagoon.

Too crowded by day with dayboats, avoid between 11:00–17:00.

Afternoon and sunset: peaceful, romantic.

Restaurant on shore once served arguably the best lobster pasta in the Adriatic.

Rukavac

Lovely deep bay, sheltered from Mistral. There is a big buoy field, free of charge if you dine in the restaurant on the shore.

Diamond beach and lounge bar / 091 885 1916

Rukavac Bay

Smokova

Beautiful sandy beach on the east coast. The vibe is almost Thai.

Surprisingly open to all the winds. Anchor in the sandy bottom at 8-12 meters. The bay is very narrow, so be aware of the risk of swinging into other boats.