Jūrmala Majori Roadstead
Majori pludmale · Jūrmala central anchorage
56°58.1'N 23°47.9'E
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good sand/mud holding in 2–6m. The roadstead is busy — ensure anchor is set and tested before the area fills with boat traffic in July–August. Exposed to SW; move to Bulduri (1nm west) or Ķesterciems (8nm west) in any southwesterly above F3.
About This Anchorage
The Majori roadstead is the classic Jūrmala anchorage — sitting off the central beach of Latvia's most famous resort town, with the famous pedestrian street Jomas iela (one of the liveliest streets in the Baltic states in summer) running parallel to the beach just 200 metres ashore. Jūrmala at its Majori centre is a vibrant, cosmopolitan Baltic resort: Art Nouveau and wooden vernacular architecture, an extraordinary restaurant scene (Jūrmala has some of the best restaurants in Latvia), the Dzintari concert and festival venues, and the Jūrmala City Museum. The roadstead provides a good holding ground in sand and mud, with reasonable shelter from northerly winds, and the position gives access by dinghy to the full facilities of central Jūrmala. The beach at Majori is broad, well-maintained, and busy — reaching peak popularity in late July when Latvian families, Russian tourists, and international visitors all converge. Anchoring here in the early season (June) or late season (August/September) gives a much more relaxed experience. The Sloka River (the defining feature that separates Jūrmala from the mainland) is navigable by dinghy in calm conditions, giving access to the lagoon-like inner waterway.
Protected From
N · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Stay at least 200m offshore during swimming season. Do not anchor in marked swimming lanes.
Hazards
- !Very busy anchorage in peak season — multiple yachts and recreational craft; set anchor with extra care
- !Open to S and SW — swell arrives quickly from Gulf of Riga
- !Swimmers close to shore in July–August — maintain safe distance
- !Commercial vessel wakes from Riga port approach channel (6nm east)
Skipper's Tips
- →Jomas iela pedestrian street is one of the great Baltic promenades — do not miss it
- →Book a table at one of Jūrmala's top restaurants from the dinghy — reservations essential in July
- →The Majori train station gives direct access to Riga (35 minutes) — useful for crew changes
- →Explore the Sloka River by dinghy for a peaceful contrast to the busy beach scene
- →Arrive before Friday afternoon in peak season to get the best anchorage position
Facilities
Extensive restaurant and café options in Jūrmala Majori — some of the best dining in Latvia.
Nearest provisions: Jūrmala Majori (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Most crowded in late July. Early June and late August offer the best combination of good weather and manageable crowds. Settled conditions essential — the roadstead is open to the south.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In Jūrmala's busy waters and near Riga's commercial port approaches, Baltic wind-driven water level changes and passing vessel wash can drag a poorly set anchor. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously during Latvia's Jun–Aug sailing season.
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