Luka Stomorska – berths, services and useful information for sailors

Luka Stomorska is located in a deep bay on the northeastern side of Šolta and is one of the most pleasant places to moor on the island. Sailboats can enter almost directly into the heart of the old town, and once moored, everything is within easy reach: restaurants, cafés, a shop, a bakery, an ATM, and beaches are located along the waterfront or just a few minutes' walk away.

Stomorska is not a large enclosed marina but rather a well-maintained local port where local boats, fishing vessels, sailboats, and larger yachts pass through. This has allowed it to retain the appearance of an old Šoltan port while simultaneously providing the essential services needed for a safe and comfortable stay for sailors.

Berths in Luka Stomorska

The communal section of the port has around 120 berths primarily intended for local boats. Visiting vessels are moored in the nautical section of the port and along the operational quay, where approximately 20 to 25 sailboats and other vessels can be accommodated. The actual number of available spots depends on the length, width, and type of boats already moored.

As such, the port's capacity cannot be viewed as a fixed number of identical berths. A few larger catamarans or yachts may occupy space that could otherwise accommodate more smaller sailboats. During July and August, the port fills up quickly, especially in the late afternoon when crews are looking for a place to stay overnight and dine in Stomorska.

Most visiting berths are accessed stern-first or bow-first towards the quay, using the installed mooring lines. Upon arrival, it is best to wait for instructions from the staff, who will indicate a free spot and assist with the mooring lines. Do not independently occupy an empty section of the quay, as certain areas may be reserved for local boats, larger vessels, or short-term operational mooring.

Depths vary depending on the section of the coast but generally range from approximately two to five metres near the nautical area. For larger drafts, catamarans, or longer vessels, it is advisable to check in advance which part of the quay is suitable for safe mooring.

Water and electricity

Alongside the nautical berths, connections for water and electricity are available. The connection points are distributed along the quay, but the number of free connections depends on the occupancy of the port and the position of the boat.

It is advisable to have a sufficiently long electrical cable and water hose on board, as the connection cabinet may not always be immediately next to the stern. Before connecting, it is best to ask the port staff which connection to use and whether water is included in the mooring fee or if special consumption rules apply.

Water should be used judiciously, especially during the peak of summer when consumption on the island is high. Washing the entire boat with prolonged rinsing is not always appropriate in a small island port, while refilling tanks and basic rinsing of equipment is common.

Showers, toilets and internet

Sailors have access to sanitary facilities with toilets and showers. These are located in the Pelegrin society's premises along the quay, so they are not far from the visiting berths. This is particularly convenient for crews of smaller boats that do not have their own bathroom or wish to conserve water on board.

The port also offers internet access. The quality of the connection may depend on the position of the boat and the number of simultaneous users, so it should be regarded as a practical aid for checking weather forecasts, messages, and basic information, rather than a guaranteed connection for demanding business work or transferring large files.

On the official Pelegrin website, there is also a camera overlooking the port. This is useful before arrival as it allows you to see the current sea conditions, approximate occupancy of the quay, and weather conditions in the bay.

Slipway for boats

In Stomorska, there is a designated slipway for boats. It is intended for launching and retrieving smaller vessels and for the needs of local boat owners. The possibility of use, acceptable dimensions of vessels, and scheduling should be arranged with the manager, as the slipway is not a classic large service area with travel lifts for larger yachts.

In the port, one should not expect a complete marina service zone with a large crane, workshops, spare parts shops, and all-day mechanical services. For more serious repairs, lifting a larger yacht, or specialised work, it is necessary to go to a larger marina or shipyard.

Protection from wind and waves

The bay of Stomorska provides good protection in most typical summer conditions. The port is deeply recessed, and vessels are significantly calmer than in completely open berths. However, no island port should be considered entirely safe without checking the weather forecast.

In stronger winds, unpleasant gusts can enter the bay and create waves, especially in more exposed areas. At such times, it is important to tighten the mooring lines well, leave enough distance from the quay, and check the fenders. Weather changes in summer can be rapid, so the berth should be prepared for the night, not just for the conditions prevailing at the time of arrival.

When entering, it is advisable to maintain a moderate speed and be mindful of numerous local boats, swimmers along the edges of the bay, and vessels departing from their berths. The highest traffic occurs in the evenings and mornings when sailboats are arriving or leaving the port simultaneously.

Anchoring in the bay

In front of the mooring area, there is space where vessels occasionally anchor, but care should be taken regarding manoeuvring space, access to the berths, and depths. Anchoring in the centre of a narrow bay is not a good substitute for mooring if it obstructs the entry of other boats.

Before dropping anchor, it is important to check where the mooring lines from the quay end and where local boats are located. In the main season, space is limited, so it is safer to use an official berth when available for overnight stays. For a larger boat or unfavourable forecast, do not anchor without prior assessment of conditions and sufficient space for turning.

Fuel and supplies

There is no fuel station for vessels in Stomorska. The nearest practical refuelling option on Šolta is in the port of Rogač, on the northern side of the island. Therefore, it is best to refuel before arriving in Stomorska or plan a trip to Rogač.

For daily supplies, Stomorska is very convenient. Basic groceries, water, bread, fruit, vegetables, and other necessities for the boat can be purchased in the village. The selection is not comparable to a large supermarket on the mainland, so larger purchases and specific products are better obtained before setting sail from Split or another larger port.

Several restaurants and taverns are located along the quay, meaning that crews do not need to use a car or taxi after mooring. Stomorska is particularly pleasant for dinner as tables are situated right by the port, and returning to the boat takes just a few minutes after leaving the restaurant.

Waste and preservation of the port

Waste should only be disposed of in designated containers. Oil, fuel, batteries, chemicals, and other hazardous waste must not be left alongside ordinary containers or discharged into the sea.

The Pelegrin Association has been involved in cleaning the coastline and seabed for years and promotes a responsible attitude towards the sea. Sailors are expected not to empty black and grey tanks in the bay, not to throw food scraps overboard, and not to leave bags of waste on the quay outside designated areas.

Arrival and registration of berths

Upon entering the port, it is advisable to slow down, prepare the mooring lines and fenders, and try to establish contact with the staff before the final manoeuvre. For a larger sailboat, catamaran, or yacht, it is recommended to check availability before arrival, especially on weekends and during the peak season.

After mooring, it is necessary to register the vessel and crew and settle the mooring fee according to the current price list. The price may depend on the length of the vessel, duration of stay, and services used. As price lists can change, it is best to check the exact amount for the current season.
For contacts regarding vessel berthing, see here: https://www.psrdpelegrinstomorska.hr/kontakt/

What is nearby the port

The greatest advantage of Luka Stomorska is its location in the heart of the village. Along the quay, there are restaurants, pizzerias, cafés, a shop, an ATM, and postal services. The beaches of Điga and Veli bok can be reached with a short walk, while Pulenat and Pišćena are a bit further along the eastern side of the coast. In the opposite direction lies Veli Dolac, a larger pebble beach with natural shade and Beach Bar Africa.

Bus connections allow travel to Gornje Selo, Grohote, and the ferry port of Rogač. This is useful for crew members who need to get to the ferry for Split, do larger shopping, or explore the interior of Šolta.

Stomorska is particularly pleasant for crews who do not wish to spend the night in a large and busy marina. After mooring, the boat remains in the centre of a small village, surrounded by stone houses, restaurants, and the old quay. The port has the main facilities needed by sailors but retains the simple island character that draws many crews back here.