Smiltynė Outer Bay

About This Anchorage

Smiltynė occupies the northern tip of the Curonian Spit, directly across the Klaipėda Strait from Lithuania's main port city. The outer bay anchorage on the Baltic side of the spit tip provides a striking introduction to the Curonian Spit UNESCO World Heritage landscape — the first glimpse of the extraordinary dune scenery that extends 97km to the south. The Lithuanian Sea Museum, housed in a 19th-century fortress, is the country's most visited museum, featuring Baltic marine life, historic wooden vessels, and a dolphinarium where shows attract thousands of visitors. The passenger ferry from Klaipėda crosses to Smiltynė every 30 minutes in summer — a constant source of wash in the nearby waters. The anchorage on the outer (Baltic) side of the spit tip is in 3–8m on sand, with partial shelter from northeasterly directions provided by the spit itself. It is far more comfortable to anchor on the lagoon side (inside the strait) for overnight, but the outer bay offers a scenic day anchorage for those who wish to visit the museum and the spit's northern beaches by dinghy. The western beaches of the spit here are wide, wild, and virtually car-free.

Hazards

• !Klaipėda–Smiltynė ferry runs every 30 minutes — constant wash; maintain watch
• !Open to W and SW Baltic swell — fair-weather only on Baltic side
• !Busy shipping approaches to Klaipėda Strait nearby
• !Strong currents at the strait mouth in wind-driven conditions

Skipper's Tips

• →Visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum — the country's most visited museum, excellent for all ages
• →The Baltic-side beaches of the spit at Smiltynė are wide and beautiful — access by dinghy
• →Consider anchoring inside the strait (lagoon side) overnight for better shelter
• →The dolphinarium shows are a major tourist attraction — crowded Jul–Aug

Nearby Anchorages