Lihula Bay
Lihula laht · Kasari delta
58°41.8'N 23°50.5'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for excellent holding on pure mud in 2–5m. One of the most reliable anchoring bottoms in the Gulf of Riga. Bay is open to E and S — monitor weather in those directions.
About This Anchorage
Lihula Bay is the outer estuary of the Kasari River — the main river flowing through Matsalu National Park. The river delta creates an extraordinary landscape of reed beds, willow thickets, and shallow floodplain meadows that are among the most productive wetland bird habitats in northern Europe. The bay gives access to this landscape by dinghy — the shallow reed channels are navigable at high water. The mud bottom of the bay gives exceptional anchor holding, making it one of the most secure overnight anchorages on the western Estonian coast. The lack of facilities and the remoteness are the price of admission to one of Estonia's most beautiful natural landscapes.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Matsalu National Park rules apply for dinghy exploration in river delta. Seasonal bird restrictions Apr–Jun. No landing in core reed bed areas during nesting season.
Hazards
- !Open to E, SE, S — in easterly or southerly conditions above F4, leave
- !Very shallow bay — monitor depth carefully in approaches
- !River current from Kasari River in strong rain periods
- !No facilities — complete self-sufficiency required
Skipper's Tips
- →Explore the Kasari River delta by dinghy — extraordinary reed bed landscape
- →White-tailed eagle commonly seen hunting over the delta — bring binoculars
- →One of the best anchoring bottoms in western Estonia — pure mud gives excellent holding
- →Very remote and peaceful — a genuine wilderness overnight
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest provisions at Virtsu (15nm) or Haapsalu (25nm).
Nearest provisions: Virtsu (15nm)
Best Months & Season
Jul, Aug
July–August. Remote wilderness anchorage. No facilities — full self-sufficiency required.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the shallow Gulf of Riga, wave heights build rapidly in strong winds. A dragging anchor can put you aground quickly. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously while you rest.
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