Tallinn and the Estonian islands: boating safety
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Tallinn is the main gateway for yachts cruising Estonia, with marinas at the Old City Harbour and Pirita a short hop from Helsinki and Stockholm. To the west, the shallow Väinameri strait and the large islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Muhu offer quiet harbours, nature reserves and channels that need careful pilotage.
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Harbour and marinas
Recreational craft entering or leaving Tallinn Old City Harbour must get approval from Old City Harbour Port Control ("Tallinn Radio 5") on VHF 14, or by phone +372 631 8588, before reaching 0.5 nm from the north-western breakwater. Tallinn VTS works VHF 13 (mandatory for vessels 24 m and above).
Port of Tallinn – Old City Marina · Port of Tallinn – Old City Marina · Transpordiamet (Estonian Transport Administration) – Sailing Directions 4.2, updated 01.10.2026 ▾
Weather
Tallinn Radio broadcasts the weather forecast on VHF 1, 3, 5, 7, 20, 62, 64 and 66 (and MF 1650 kHz) at 06:33 and 15:33 local time; weather warnings follow immediately after the silence period. Marine forecasts are also published by the Estonian Environment Agency (ilmateenistus.ee).
Transpordiamet – Sailing Directions 2.1 ▾
Local rules
Tallinn Old City Harbour is a busy ferry and cruise port: vessels on a scheduled timetable (the Helsinki/Stockholm ferries) always have priority entering and leaving, and boats must keep to minimal manoeuvring speed.
Transpordiamet – Sailing Directions 4.2, updated 01.10.2026 · Transpordiamet – Sailing Directions 4.2, updated 01.10.2026 ▾
In the Matsalu nature reserve (Väinameri), operating any watercraft without the reserve manager's approval and going faster than 15 knots is prohibited; jet skis are banned. Other conservation zones in the Väinameri have seasonal landing bans and 8-knot limits.
Transpordiamet – Sailing Directions 2.1 (S part of Väinameri) ▾
Hazards
In Suur väin (the strait between Muhu and the mainland, crossed by the Virtsu–Kuivastu ferry) the surface current can reach 2 knots. Kuivastu ferry harbour works VHF 14.
Transpordiamet – Sailing Directions 2.1 (S part of Väinameri) · Transpordiamet – Sailing Directions 2.1 (S part of Väinameri) ▾
Hospital and medical
North Estonia Medical Centre (Regionaalhaigla), J. Sütiste tee 19, Tallinn (building X), has an emergency department open around the clock; emergency info line 617 1400. Serious cases from the islands are usually flown to Tallinn.
Põhja-Eesti Regionaalhaigla · Põhja-Eesti Regionaalhaigla ▾
Arriving from abroad
Yachts arriving from outside the Schengen area must clear at a sea border crossing point open to recreational craft, e.g. Pirita or Old City Harbour (Vanasadam) in Tallinn, Roomassaare (Kuressaare) on Saaremaa; checks are done 24h when summoned via the Police and Border Guard Board, +372 619 1260.
Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) · Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Tallinn and the Estonian islands?
Call JRCC Tallinn on +372 619 1224. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in Tallinn and the Estonian islands?
Recreational craft entering or leaving Tallinn Old City Harbour must get approval from Old City Harbour Port Control ("Tallinn Radio 5") on VHF 14, or by phone +372 631 8588, before reaching 0.5 nm from the north-western breakwater. Tallinn VTS works VHF 13 (mandatory for vessels 24 m and above).
Where do I get the marine forecast for Tallinn and the Estonian islands?
Tallinn Radio broadcasts the weather forecast on VHF 1, 3, 5, 7, 20, 62, 64 and 66 (and MF 1650 kHz) at 06:33 and 15:33 local time; weather warnings follow immediately after the silence period. Marine forecasts are also published by the Estonian Environment Agency (ilmateenistus.ee).
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
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