With its stunning coastline, numerous islands, and clean waters, Estonia is a hidden jewel for sailors, offering countless options for exploration. Estonia offers enough to offer sailors of all skill levels a variety of sailing routes and destinations, from the bustling metropolis of Tallinn to the tranquil archipelago.
It’s crucial to think about the kind of boat you’ll be using if you’re planning a sailing trip to Estonia. Due to their stability and speed, catamarans are a common choice among sailors in Estonia and are frequently employed for longer voyages. Sailors may plan their voyage and make sure they have the necessary supplies and equipment with the use of sailboat data and a sailboat calculator. Therefore, Estonia is the ideal location for your next sailing expedition, regardless of whether you are an experienced or inexperienced sailor.
To discover more about various sailboats, yachts, and catamaran types you can check out this Sailboat Data page. You may discover comprehensive details on different sailboat models and their performance here, making it easy for you how to pick the best boat for your requirements.
Top 10 Destinations for Sailing in Estonia
Tallinn
Sailing aficionados frequently travel to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The city is located along Estonia’s northern coast, close to the Gulf of Finland. Tallinn has a long and colorful past, and the Old Town has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tallinn is a fantastic place to start sailing expeditions in addition to its cultural and historical attractions.
Tallinn offers many of Sailing in Estonia options. Visitors have the option to sail for several days to explore the local islands or take a day cruise around the bay. Beginners can learn to sail in the bay because it is protected and the waves are tranquil. Open water sailing and navigating through congested waterways are two obstacles that more seasoned sailors will also discover in the area.
The most well-liked sailing routes and locations from Tallinn are to the islands of Naissaar, Aegna, and Prangli. Aegna Island is a well-liked location for camping and hiking, while Naissaar Island is renowned for its stunning beaches. A beautiful fishing community and some of the nicest views of the Gulf of Finland can be found on Prangli Island.
Tallinn is home to a number of marinas and yacht clubs, including the Kalev Yacht Club and Pirita Marina. The largest marina in Estonia is the Pirita Marina, which also provides first-rate amenities like restaurants, stores, and boat repair services. Local sailors frequently congregate at the Kalev Yacht Club, which is situated in the center of the Old Town.
Estonian archipelago
Off the western coast of Estonia, there is a network of more than 1,500 islands and islets known as the archipelago. One of the largest in the world, the archipelago contains some of Estonia’s most stunning sailing locations. Visitors have the option of exploring the archipelago by kayak, catamaran, or sailboat.
There are many different sailing options available in the archipelago, from protected harbors to open water crossings. Hiiumaa Island, Saaremaa Island, and Vormsi Island are a few of the archipelago’s most well-liked islands and sailing routes. While Saaremaa Island is the location of the renowned Kuressaare Castle, Hiiumaa Island is renowned for its immaculate beaches. Small but historically significant, Vormsi Island is a wonderful area to stroll around.
The Orjaku Marina on Hiiumaa Island and the Kuressaare Yacht Club on Saaremaa Island are only two of the marinas and yacht clubs spread out across the archipelago. The Kuressaare Yacht Club is one of Estonia’s oldest and most famous yacht clubs, and the Orjaku Marina is renowned for its first-rate amenities.
Saaremaa and Hiiumaa Islands
Two of the largest islands in Estonia, the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa Islands, are well-liked sailing locations. The islands, which are located off the western coast of the nation, provide a distinctive fusion of natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Explore the gorgeous beaches, charming fishing villages, and historic castles on Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The islands also provide fantastic sailing possibilities, with calm waters and protected coves offering a fun and secure environment for sailors of all skill levels.
Kassari Bay, Pädaste Bay, and Vormsi Island are a few of the most well-liked sailing routes and locations around Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. While Pädaste Bay has some of the best fishing in Estonia, Kassari Bay is renowned for its picturesque splendor. A tiny island called Vormsi Island includes some of Estonia’s best-equipped marinas. Bluewater sailboats frequently travel to Narva-Jesuu because of its access to the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland.
A notable marina in the region is the Narva-Jesuu Yacht Club, which offers moorings, showers, and dining options for sailors. Additionally, the region has a number of smaller ports and marinas that provide mooring and maintenance services.
Haapsalu
Haapsalu, a delightful coastal town on Estonia’s west coast, is well-known for its old wooden houses, seaside promenade, and lovely beaches. Due to its protected bay and quiet waters, it’s also a well-liked sailing location.
Haapsalu sailing is a fantastic opportunity to discover the town and its surrounds. The Haapsalu-Sviby route, which takes you to the adjacent Sviby Island, and the Haapsalu-Vormsi route, which takes you to the lovely island of Vormsi, are both well-liked sailing routes.
Haapsalu Yacht Club, which provides mooring and maintenance services as well as a restaurant and sauna, is one of the area’s notable marinas.
Kärdla
The major town of Hiiumaa’s island, Kärdla, is renowned for its picturesque hiking paths, gorgeous beaches, and old churches. Due to its protected harbour and convenient access to the Baltic Sea, it is also a well-liked sailing location.
The best way to discover the island and its surroundings is by sailing in Kärdla. Popular sailing routes include Kärdla-Käina and Kärdla-Suursadam, which take you to the well-known marina of Suursadam and the nearby village of Käina, respectively.
Kärdla Marina, which offers mooring and repair services as well as a restaurant and sauna, is one of the area’s notable marinas.
Lake Peipus
One of Europe’s largest freshwater lakes, Lake Peipus is situated between Estonia and Russia. The lake is about 3,555 square kilometers in size, and sailing is very popular in its waters. Numerous marinas and harbors around the lake offer services to both seasoned sailors and novices.
A wonderful opportunity to see the stunning Estonian scenery from a different angle is to sail on Lake Peipus. The lake’s shores are lined with charming towns, lovely woodlands, and breathtaking scenery. For beginners and families with young children, Lake Peipus is the ideal vacation spot because to its calm breezes and shallow waters. In addition to renting sailboats or catamarans from the neighborhood marinas or yacht clubs, visitors can also go on guided sailing excursions.
Väinameri
The Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands are separated from the Estonian mainland by the wide strait known as Väinameri. Beautiful landscape and ideal sailing conditions may be found in the strait. For beginners and families, Väinameri is the perfect spot because the seas are generally calm and the winds are rarely strong.
The region is home to a number of marinas and yacht clubs that provide a variety of services like boat rentals, sailing courses, and guided tours. The several stunning islands that are dispersed across the strait are also open to exploration by tourists. The islands are the location of charming towns, gorgeous beaches, and historic monuments.
Matsalu Bay
In western Estonia, there is a sizable estuary called Matsalu Bay. There are numerous unique and endangered kinds of plants and animals living in the bay, which is a protected natural reserve. For sailors who want to learn more about Estonia’s unique ecosystem, the bay is a great starting point.
Catamarans and other small sailing boats find Matsalu Bay’s shallow, protected waters to be the perfect sailing environment. A number of marinas and yacht clubs can be found throughout the bay, and they provide a variety of services like boat rentals, sailing instruction, and guided excursions. The many stunning islands and coastal regions that are situated in and around the bay can be explored by tourists.
Virtsu
Due to its vicinity to the lovely islands of Muhu and Saaremaa, Virtsu, a small coastal community on Estonia’s western coast, is a well-liked sailing destination. The community contains a small harbor with marina, restrooms, and a restaurant for sailors.
The island of Muhu, which is close across the Väinameri Strait, is one of the most well-liked destinations for sailors leaving from Virtsu. With its stunning vistas, fine-grained beaches, and extensive forests, the island is renowned for its natural beauty. The island has a number of anchorages, including the well-known one at Kuivastu, which is situated on the eastern side of the island.
The largest island in Estonia, Saaremaa, is another well-liked travel destination near Virtsu. Along with its stunning beaches and verdant forests, the island is renowned for its ancient churches and castles. On the island’s southern coast, at the natural harbor of Kuressaare, sailors can anchor and visit the town and its attractions.
To visit these locations, sailors can pick from a selection of sailboats and catamarans. They can utilize sailboat data and a sailboat calculator to plan their journeys and make sure they have the right tools and supplies. Additionally, there are numerous yacht rental businesses in Virtsu that provide a variety of boats for various budgets and skill levels.
Paldiski
A settlement called Paldiski may be found on Estonia’s northwest coast, around 45 kilometers from Tallinn. Due to its contemporary marina, which can accommodate yachts up to 25 meters in length, it is a well-liked sailing location. The marina provides a variety of amenities, including laundry and shower facilities, fuel, water, and electricity.
The waters near Paldiski provide a variety of sailing options, which sailors can explore. Sailing to the adjacent Pakri Islands, which are renowned for their distinctive geology and biodiversity, is one well-liked option. The sheltered harbor at Paldiski Bay is one of many available anchorages on the islands.
Keibu Bay, which is situated on the eastern coast of the Pakri Peninsula, is another well-liked travel destination from Paldiski. The bay has multiple anchorages for sailors and is a well-liked location for swimming, fishing, and trekking.
Catamarans and yachts are only a couple of the vessels that sailors can pick from to visit these locations. They may plan their voyages and make sure they have the required tools and supplies by using sailboat data and a sailboat calculator.
Visit our sailing destinations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail!
