Kassari Island
Kassari saar · Kassari bay
58°50.3'N 22°58.2'E
Depth
1–3m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m for good holding in 1–3m. EXTREMELY SHALLOW — keelboats with draft over 0.8m cannot safely anchor here. The Väinameri at Kassari is typically 1–2m. This anchorage is for shallow-draft vessels, motorboats, catamarans, and centreboarders only.
About This Anchorage
Kassari is a small appendage of Hiiumaa island, connected by a narrow dune isthmus. The Kassari Haamer promontory is one of the most photographed spots in Estonia — a narrow finger of land pointing south into the Väinameri surrounded by shallow, clear water, juniper trees, and white sand. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve landscape here is exceptional. The Väinameri (Moon Sound) stretches in all directions — a vast, shallow inland sea between the islands and the mainland, averaging just 2m depth. For shallow-draft vessels this is among the most beautiful sailing destinations in the entire Baltic. Keelboats must plan very carefully — the area is largely inaccessible to vessels with draft over 1.0m except via the marked navigation channels.
Protected From
N · NE · E · W
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Biosphere Reserve rules apply. Nature protection areas around Kassari — check restrictions. No fires on the promontory. Stay on marked paths.
Hazards
- !EXTREMELY SHALLOW — Väinameri averages 1–2m; keelboats with draft over 1.0m cannot anchor here safely
- !Unmarked shallow patches throughout — continuous careful depth monitoring required
- !Open to S and SE — in southerly conditions leave immediately
- !Very remote — no emergency services; nearest fuel and water at Kärdla (12nm)
- !Wind-driven water level changes can reduce depths by 0.3–0.5m in strong winds
Skipper's Tips
- →Kassari Haamer promontory walk is one of the most beautiful short hikes in Estonia — 30 minutes return
- →The shallow clear water of the Väinameri makes snorkelling and swimming exceptionally pleasant — warm in summer
- →This anchorage is for shallow-draft vessels only — catamarans, motorboats, centreboarders ideal
- →Sunsets from Kassari Haamer across the Väinameri are spectacular — famous photography spot
- →The silence here at night is extraordinary — no shipping, minimal habitation, complete Baltic peace
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest provisions at Kärdla (12nm). This is a wilderness anchorage.
Nearest provisions: Kärdla (12nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Shallow-draft vessels only. The Väinameri is at its most pleasant July–August with warm water temperatures.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
In the shallow bays of the West Estonian Archipelago, anchor drag in an unfamiliar cove can put you aground before you wake. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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