You can tie up here for a while to clear with the authorities if the ferry is not due.
If you tuck into the south east corner near the fuel dock it is possible to stay overnight, with the blessing of port control.
Howard [Just Imagine] 03-Sep-2007
The submarine pen is an interesting site. We anchored in the next bay to the north and visited the submarine pen by dinghy.
On both of my visits, boats were docked at the entrance to the submarine pens.
The port authority office is located next to the bar on the NE corner of the town dock and this should be your first stop.
I docked on this eastern dock and was allowed to stay there just for the check-in.
This is where you get your vignette documents and pay for the cruising permit. Check in is very friendly and easy. It cost me 1085 kunas (€150) for 10 meters. This is valid for 1 year.
I attached the vignette sticker to the starboard side of my mast, just above the deck, but I was warned that they don't come off very easily and could damage your paint.
You are also given a "LIST OF PERSONS", which is intended to limit unauthorised chartering in Croatia. You are meant to fill in every guest that sails with you during your stay in Croatia (not including guests at the dock). The number of possible guests is calculated by your boat size and the number of berths. When the list is full: no more guests.
After clearing the port authority you need to walk around to the opposite side of the port to the small customs and immigration portable building. They are not always there and you may need to call +385 208 01021.
Customs simply asks if you have anything to declare, and immigration stamps your passport. You, personally, are allowed 90 days in Croatia. The boat's vignette is valid for one year.
Once you have cleared immigration, you must leave Croatia immediately by the most direct route. You cannot clear-out in the evening and leave in the morning. This is unfortunate, especially since one usually wants to make the Italian coast in daylight and this is 60 miles away.
First clear with the port authority, next to the bar on the east side of the port, and then with customs and immigration on the west side in the portable building.
I was told by fellow cruisers that they might allow me to check out in the evening and stay on the customs dock until morning, but they would not hear of it.
So I stayed next to the fuel dock and had to wait until they showed up a 0830 the next day to get my immigration stamp on the paperwork. This meant I had to push hard to make Vieste before dark.