Estonia — West Estonian Archipelago

Muhu Island — Kuivastu

Kuivastu sadam · Moon Island

58°34.9'N 23°23.0'E

Depth

36m

Bottom

mud

Alarm Radius

80m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

80m

80m for good holding on mud/sand in 3–6m. Ferry traffic causes periodic wash — ensure anchor is well set. Keep clear of ferry manoeuvring zone south of pier.

About This Anchorage

Muhu is a small island (200 km²) between the Estonian mainland and Saaremaa, connected to both by causeway and ferry respectively. The island is primarily agricultural — traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, meadows, and windmills create a timeless Baltic landscape. The Muhu Open Air Museum at Koguva village is one of Estonia's most visited rural heritage sites — an entire 19th-century fishing village preserved intact. The 13th-century Muhu Church is one of the oldest in Estonia. Kuivastu harbour serves as the main ferry connection and a practical transit anchorage for the Väinameri approaches.

Protected From

E · NE · N · SE

Exposed To

W · SW

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free anchoring outside ferry zone
Permit required
No

Restrictions: Stay clear of ferry manoeuvring area. Active ferry traffic — monitor VHF Ch 16. Väinameri channel mandatory for keelboats.

Hazards

  • !Active ferry traffic from Virtsu — very frequent service; monitor VHF Ch 16
  • !Ferry wash — anchor well clear of manoeuvring zone
  • !Väinameri to north is extremely shallow — verified channel pilotage mandatory
  • !Open to W and SW — uncomfortable in westerly conditions

Skipper's Tips

  • The Koguva open-air village museum on Muhu is extraordinary — 19th-century fishing village intact
  • The causeway to Saaremaa makes Muhu the mainland gateway to the islands — worth a drive
  • Transit anchorage primarily — most boats pass through rather than overnight
  • Check Väinameri channel charts carefully before any passage north — depths change with wind

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Small café at ferry terminal in summer. Basic kiosk. Full provisions at Kuressaare (Saaremaa, via causeway, 40km).

Nearest provisions: Kuressaare (via causeway) (40nm)

Best Months & Season

Jun, Jul, Aug

June–August. Ferry runs year-round. Good transit anchorage for the island chain.

Recommended Anchor Types

DeltaCQR/plowRocna

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m

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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