Munalaid — Väinameri South
Munalaiu sadam · Moon Sound south entrance
58°37.7'N 23°36.1'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on mud/sand in 2–5m. Navigation waypoint anchorage primarily. Monitor Väinameri channel marks carefully before any passage into the shallow sound.
About This Anchorage
Munalaid marks the southern entrance to the Väinameri (Moon Sound) — the shallow inland sea between the Estonian mainland and the island chain of Muhu, Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa. The peninsula is a critical navigation waypoint: the marked channel through the Väinameri begins here, threading through waters that average only 1–2m outside the marked route. The anchorage provides a sheltered waiting position while assessing conditions in the Väinameri and checking chart readings before passage. The surrounding landscape is part of Matsalu National Park — reed beds, meadows, and extensive bird life.
Protected From
E · SE · S · N
Exposed To
W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Väinameri channel navigation is mandatory — do not leave the marked channel in the sound. Matsalu NP rules apply in surrounding areas.
Hazards
- !CRITICAL: Väinameri passage immediately north — extremely shallow; mandatory use of marked channel
- !Open to W and SW across Gulf of Riga
- !Channel marks may shift with sediment movement — check current charts and marks
- !Wind-driven water level changes affect Väinameri depths — check before passage
Skipper's Tips
- →Useful waiting anchorage before Väinameri passage — assess conditions and chart carefully
- →Call Virtsu Port on VHF Ch 16 for current Väinameri channel information before passage
- →If draft over 1.5m, Väinameri passage may not be possible — alternative is to go around the outside of the islands
- →The surrounding Matsalu NP landscape is beautiful — worth a dinghy exploration of the reed beds
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest at Virtsu (8nm).
Nearest provisions: Virtsu (8nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Navigation waypoint anchorage primarily. Plan Väinameri passage carefully.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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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