Sailing to Estonia and exploring the country's small harbors
With over 3,000 km of coastline and over 2,000 islands, Estonia is a sailor's paradise. Read on to learn more about sailing to and around Estonia.
Seafaring has a long, illustrious history here in Estonia.
So illustrious, in fact, that Ernest Hemingway commented on it in his novel To Have or Have Not, saying, “No well-run yacht basin in Southern waters is complete without at least two sunburned, salt bleached-headed Estonians.”
Travel to Estonia by plane and rent a boat or take a day trip out to sea. Or sail to and around Estonia with your own boat. Either way, there are many small harbors and marinas dotting the coastline where you will find cozy accommodation options, delicious food to eat, and places to explore.
Anchors aweigh!
Fast facts about Estonia and the sea
The length of Estonia’s coastline, including islands
Nearly 3,800 kilometers
Number of islands in Estonia
2,317
Area of Estonia's marine territory
36,622 km²
The total length of inland waterways
Over 600 kilometers
Number of small craft, sailboats and boats registered in Estonia
35,000
Total number of ports
241 ports with approximately 3,500 berths for small vessels
Practical information
Location
Estonia is a proud member of the European Union and the Schengen Area; there is no problem upon arrival from other EU countries. Just contact the harbor master via mobile or VHF prior to arrival. The State Port Register has contact details for all the ports registered in Estonia.
In a matter of days, or in some cases hours, you can reach Estonian ports and marinas from neighboring countries such as Finland and Sweden. The shortest route from Estonia's northern coast across the Gulf of Finland to Finland is just 25 nautical miles.
You can find navigational charts on the Transport Administration's website.
Climate
The average temperature in the East Baltic is -6°C in January, and about 17°C in July. Don't be misled by the low numbers; you still need to protect yourself from the sun.
Estonia's maritime climate results in a significant amount of water vapor in the air throughout the year. The air is moister in the autumn and winter. In spring, the weather is mainly dry and clear. Relative humidity is lowest in May and June, when it drops to 70% in the Gulf of Rīga.
Here's where to check daily weather conditions.
Winds, currents, and tides
Because of the temperature difference between land and sea in spring and summer, a local wind blowing onshore in the daytime and offshore at night is quite common.
There are almost no permanent currents in the Baltic Sea. The main driving force of currents is the wind. The speed of tidal streams is weak. Research has shown that tides in the Baltic Sea cause only minor water-level fluctuations, 5–7 cm. Changes in the sea level are mainly due to seasonality.
Photo author: Kairi Tähe, Prangli Island
Navigation and related information
- Nutimeri is an informational interactive map for real-time positions of ships, navigational marks, and virtual marks based on AIS data layers from the Estonian Transport Administration - Hydrographic Information System, the Database of Aids to Navigation, and the State Port Register
- Estonia's Transportation Administration publishes sailing directions once a month. They can be downloaded as PDFs from the website.
- The Transportation Administration also has a database of aids to navigation and navigational warnings.
- This interactive map of Estonian ports also includes the services available at each one.
Photo author: Priidu Saart, Kihnu Island
Small harbors in North Estonia
West of Tallinn
In Haapsalu, there is the Grand Holm Marina, which also offers accommodation and a restaurant. Can't sleep on your boat but want to keep floating? Spend the night in the marina's floating houses!
Next to Dirhami Marina, you can stay at a guesthouse and visit Dirhami Fish Café. There's also a village shop if you need to stock up on provisions. From here, you can also plan a day trip to Osmussaar, a small island once inhabited by a community of Estonia's Coastal Swedes.
East of Tallinn
Several tours, such as a seal-watching trip to the surrounding islands, depart from Kaberneeme Marina. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at Kabe Beach restaurant.
Hara Port is a gateway to the sea for young sailors, fishermen, hobby boat owners, and holidaymakers. There's enough to keep you busy there for the day, including a restaurant, saunas, hiking trails, and kayak and SUP rentals. One of the main attractions of the area is an old submarine base.
Photo author: Hans Markus Antson, Hara Harbor
What to see & do at Hara Harbor in Lahemaa National Park
Sailing to Northeast Estonia
Lääne-Viru County
Eisma Harbor is a private port in Lääne-Viru County. There are approximately 27 berths here, and it's possible to launch vessels from a slip. There is also a bicycle rental service in the port. In addition, you can rent a sports field for tennis and/or basketball, a barbecue set, and a kitchen with everything you need.
Võsu Port is a small harbor on the southern shore of Käsmu Bay in the beautiful Lahemaa National Park area, primarily intended for small vessels and seafaring visitors. The depth of the port at the quay is up to 1.5 meters, and vessels up to approximately 10 m long can dock here. During the summer season, Võsu becomes especially lively, thanks to its popular beach and restaurants.
Vergi Harbor is a cozy port in the village of Vergi that serves local fishermen, small-boat owners, and visitors to the sea. Enjoy the peaceful seaside environment, walk along the coast, and experience the authentic life of a coastal village. Linger over a meal at Wirkes and spend the night in the harbor's small hotel.
Photo author: Toomas Tuul, Vergi Harbor
Ida-Viru County
Toila Harbor is located at the mouth of the Pühajõe River, where it merges into the sea's sandy shores. There are three berths on the inside of the quay, with a total length of 180 m. They serve as docking points for ships. The Toila Mereresto Restaurant is located in the harbor. The virtual time travel "VR Toila 1938" and Oru Park offer the chance to learn about local history, and you can stay overnight at the Toila SPA Hotel.
Purtse Marina is located at the mouth of the Purtse River in Ida-Viru County. The marina has 18 berths for boats up to 40 feet long and a boat slip. Picturesque Liimala Beach is nearby. There are several attractions to discover around the marina: Tulivee Restaurant and the Bootlegging Museum and Concert Center. If you want to stay longer, Tulivee Villa can accommodate up to 50 people.
The Port of Narva-Jõesuu is a strategically located port on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea; it's the last marina in Estonia. The harbor is located on the Narva River, with a navigation season running from May 1 to September 30. As the border between Estonia and Russia runs through the middle of the river, port services include a border crossing point and passport control. The port can accommodate watercraft up to 24 m in length and 2.2 m in draft. The port has 10 berths for guests.
Things to see & do when sailing in Northeast Estonia
Small marinas in and around Pärnu
When thinking about sailing in Estonia, many people probably think of Pärnu first, and for good reason.
The Pärnu Yacht Club is a historic social hub right at the mouth of the Pärnu River. The marina is one of the largest in Estonia – out of 220 berths, 30 are for guest yachts. The yacht club also hosts world-class sailing regattas in Pärnu Bay.
There is also a small marina, Kaatrikodu, in the center of Pärnu, which can accommodate 32 small boats and 8 jet skis. Kaatrikodu is a modern floating concrete pier, and all berths are equipped with movable booms, ensuring safe, worry-free access to and storage of vessels in the harbor. The harbor is locked with a gate, and surveillance cameras cover the area around the clock.
Photo author: Visit Pärnu, Kaatrikodu
Lindi Harbor
This marina offers visitors a genuine coastal village atmosphere and is the heart of the community.
Munalaiu Harbor
The port of Munalaiu connects the mainland with Kihnu and Manija, making it an indispensable gateway to the islands.
Võiste Harbor
Võiste Harbor is known for its fishing village atmosphere and annual coastal events, being an important stopping point near the Via Baltica.
Varbla Harbor
Varbla Harbor is a modern and rapidly developing marina that has become a destination in its own right thanks to its good service and accommodation
Sailing to Estonia's largest islands
Saaremaa
Kõiguste Marina is a peaceful and scenic stopover on the southern coast of Saaremaa. Nearby, you can get your adrenaline pumping at the Asva Viking Village Adventure Park.
Orissaare is located at the gateway to Saaremaa on Illiku Islet, just 700 m from the town center, and offers anchorage for sailors from both near and far. The area is a true mecca for artistic souls — walking around, you will come across cool art and recycling projects, and the popular I Land Sound music festival is held here every summer.
Kuressaare Yacht Harbor is located right next to the castle – so close that you can park your yacht in the castle’s backyard. Stroll the historic castle's promenade and then proceed to the city’s most enjoyable experiences, only a few short minutes away.
Photo author: Kristina Mägi, Visit Saaremaa
What to do around Kuressaare Marina in Saaremaa?
Hiiumaa's Orjaku Harbor
This scenic harbor is also popular with caravan campers.
Hiiumaa
There are several ports on the island of Hiiumaa.
Kärdla Marina has 88 berths and 15 places for camper vans. Two seaside restaurants will fill your stomachs, and summer events will tickle your senses.
Orjaku Harbor is located near the Käina Bay and the Kassari Landscape Reserve. It is a popular summer destination for hikers and birdwatchers, who enjoy the view from the nearby observation tower. iiUmekk Restaurant is a popular summertime eatery right at the harbor. They focus on using local, seasonal ingredients, and the beautiful location will give you a reason to linger.
Where else to sail to on Hiiumaa
Kalana is the newest marina in Hiiumaa and the island's westernmost port. In addition to its beautiful seaside location and quality services, the heart of Kalana Marina is Restaurant Kalana ÄÄR, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and take in the local maritime atmosphere.
Roograhu is located on the northern coast of Hiiumaa, about 600 meters from Kärdla Airport. There are 15 berths, and the harbor basin is 1.6–2.5 m. Roograhu Harbor has a modern service building with a year-round restaurant and hotel. Overnight accommodation is also available at Hundi Holiday Home, which has a luxurious spa.
Heltermaa Harbor is divided into three parts: a passenger harbor for ferries, a commercial harbor for merchant ships, and a small craft harbor. There is a hostel, a bar-bistro, and a handicraft shop nearby.
Sõru Yacht Harbor is a well-known venue for major events. For years, the highlight of the summer has been Sõru Jazz, which brings around a thousand people to the harbor both by sea and by land. The area also includes the historic three-masted sailing ship Alar, Sõru Museum, a harbor tavern, a harbor building, a beach, and a camping area.
In addition to a slipway, sewage pump-out, water supply, and electricity, guests can use showers and rent bicycles at Sõru. From the harbor, a ferry connects visitors to Hiiumaa’s beautiful neighbor Saaremaa, arriving at Triigi Harbor.
Photo author: Restaurant Kalana ÄÄR
Things to see & do around Hiiumaa's small harbors
Sailing to Estonia's small islands
Lighthouses, local museums, UNESCO-listed cultural heritage, and more!
Ruhnu Marina is the gateway to a small island with 180 inhabitants. The island also has an airport, a doctor's office, a post office, accommodation, and two shops. Be sure to check out the old wooden church and lighthouse and visit the local museum.
Lõunaranna Harbor is a cozy, well-kept port on Muhu Island. It is home to one of the island's most popular restaurants — it is worth booking ahead in the summer, which is otherwise quite an unusual custom on the islands. Muhu Museum provides a more in-depth overview of the island's history, but if you prefer something different, visit the Ostrich Farm.
Sviby Harbor is located in Vormsi, where you can disembark to hike the Rumpo Trail, go on a cycling tour of the island, or visit the Farm Museum.
Kihnu Harbor is a gateway to Kihnu Island's UNESCO-listed cultural heritage. This is the point where normal tourism ends and cultural travel begins!
Photo author: Viktor Tund, Visit Pärnu
Get inspired
Last updated
04.05.2026