Saulkrasti Beach Anchorage

About This Anchorage

Saulkrasti is a popular Latvian seaside resort on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Riga, about 40km north of Riga, known for its White Dune (Baltā kāpa) — a dramatic sand dune reaching 17 metres above the beach and offering panoramic views over the gulf. The beach anchorage sits off a wide sandy beach backed by pine forests and the characteristic Baltic dunes that form the eastern shore of the Gulf of Riga. The town is lively in summer, with an active beach culture, bicycle paths through the pine forests, and a small yacht club that welcomes visiting sailors. The sand bottom provides reliable holding in the calm midsummer conditions typical of the Baltic, and the position on the eastern shore means reasonable shelter from westerly winds. The White Dune is an easy walk from the shore and the view from the top — the gulf stretching north toward Estonia and south toward Riga — is spectacular. A bicycle path connects Saulkrasti to Jūrmala (25km south) through the pine forest coastal reserve, one of the most pleasant cycling routes in Latvia. Local shops, restaurants, and a supermarket serve the summer season.

Hazards

• !Exposed to N and NE across Gulf of Riga — uncomfortable in northerly winds
• !Shallow water close to shore — approach from north keeping in 3m+ depth
• !Popular swimming beach — watch for swimmers in July–August, especially close to shore
• !Fishing boat traffic near harbour approaches

Skipper's Tips

• →Walk to the White Dune (Baltā kāpa) — 17m high sand dune with panoramic gulf views; 30-minute walk from shore
• →Bicycle rental available in town — the coastal path to Jūrmala (25km) through pine forest is excellent
• →The yacht club can usually find space for visiting yachts — call ahead in July
• →Excellent base for a day trip to Riga by train (40 minutes from Saulkrasti station)
• →The forest walks north of town lead to the Vidzeme Seaside Nature Park — uncrowded and beautiful

Nearby Anchorages