Port information & tips for Küdema Bay (Saaremaa Island)
Küdema Bay on the Estonian island of Saaremaa is an untouched natural paradise and an exclusive port of call in the middle of the Baltic Sea. The region enchants guests with its original landscape, fragrant juniper fields, and a soothing tranquility that provides the perfect setting for exploration. Fascinating highlights in the surrounding area include the spectacular Panga Pank cliffs and the historic Angla Windmill Park, while the impressive Bishop's Castle in the island's capital, Kuressaare, invites you on a journey through time. Cruise ships dock at the modern pier of Saaremaa Süvasadam, from where the charming center of Kuressaare can be reached in about 40 minutes thanks to comfortable shuttle connections, providing direct access to the island's cultural treasures.
Küdema Bay on the Estonian island of Saaremaa (Ösel) is home to a port specifically designed for cruise ships, which has been able to accommodate vessels with a length of up to 200 meters since 2006. The port is located in the village of Ninase on the northern coast of Saaremaa and is a unique port of call in the region, thanks to its deep-water berths and modern infrastructure.
Airplane & Transfer
For guests from the DACH region, the most comfortable way to arrive is by plane via Tallinn International Airport (TLL). From Tallinn, there is the option to take a short domestic flight to Kuressaare Airport (URE) on Saaremaa, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Kuressaare Airport is located only about 3 kilometers from Kuressaare city center. From there, you can reach Küdema Bay, which lies about 34 to 45 kilometers north of Kuressaare, comfortably by taxi or with the local bus line 3104 in about 30 to 40 minutes.
Car & Ferry
The journey by private vehicle leads from Tallinn over well-maintained roads to the Virtsu ferry port on the mainland. The drive from Tallinn to Virtsu is approximately 135 to 145 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. From Virtsu, a TS Laevad ferry takes you to Kuivastu on the island of Muhu in about 27 to 30 minutes, which is directly connected to Saaremaa via a causeway. On Saaremaa, the roads are generally well-maintained. From Kuivastu, you then drive for about 50 minutes (approx. 76 km) to Kuressaare and continue towards Küdema Bay. Direct Park & Cruise offers at the port of Küdema Bay are rare, however, parking facilities are available in the surrounding villages or in Kuressaare (partially subject to a fee or time-limited).
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Local Transfer
Given the combined journey by plane and ferry or a longer car drive, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel on Saaremaa, ideally in Kuressaare, is recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise without time pressure on the day of embarkation. From your hotel in Kuressaare, you can easily arrange a transfer by taxi or the local bus to the port in Küdema Bay on the day of departure. Public buses run twice daily between Kuressaare and Küdema.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: during shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Küdema Bay on the Estonian island of Saaremaa (Ösel) is home to a port specifically designed for cruise ships, which has been able to accommodate vessels with a length of up to 200 meters since 2006. The port is located in the village of Ninase on the northern coast of Saaremaa and is a unique port of call in the region, thanks to its deep-water berths and modern infrastructure.
Airplane & Transfer
For guests from the DACH region, the most comfortable way to arrive is by plane via Tallinn International Airport (TLL). From Tallinn, there is the option to take a short domestic flight to Kuressaare Airport (URE) on Saaremaa, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Kuressaare Airport is located only about 3 kilometers from Kuressaare city center. From there, you can reach Küdema Bay, which lies about 34 to 45 kilometers north of Kuressaare, comfortably by taxi or with the local bus line 3104 in about 30 to 40 minutes.
Car & Ferry
The journey by private vehicle leads from Tallinn over well-maintained roads to the Virtsu ferry port on the mainland. The drive from Tallinn to Virtsu is approximately 135 to 145 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. From Virtsu, a TS Laevad ferry takes you to Kuivastu on the island of Muhu in about 27 to 30 minutes, which is directly connected to Saaremaa via a causeway. On Saaremaa, the roads are generally well-maintained. From Kuivastu, you then drive for about 50 minutes (approx. 76 km) to Kuressaare and continue towards Küdema Bay. Direct Park & Cruise offers at the port of Küdema Bay are rare, however, parking facilities are available in the surrounding villages or in Kuressaare (partially subject to a fee or time-limited).
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Local Transfer
Given the combined journey by plane and ferry or a longer car drive, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel on Saaremaa, ideally in Kuressaare, is recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise without time pressure on the day of embarkation. From your hotel in Kuressaare, you can easily arrange a transfer by taxi or the local bus to the port in Küdema Bay on the day of departure. Public buses run twice daily between Kuressaare and Küdema.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: during shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The modern Saaremaa Deep Harbour in Küdema-Bucht is nestled in a picturesque natural landscape and offers convenient onward travel to the cultural treasures of the island of Saaremaa thanks to well-organized connections.
Shuttle Service
Most cruise lines provide efficient shuttle buses that take guests directly to the island's capital, Kuressaare, in about 40 to 45 minutes. This connection is the most common method for comfortably reaching the famous Kuressaare Episcopal Castle and the charming town center.
Taxi
Taxis are available directly at the port terminal upon the arrival of cruise ships, enabling individual trips to the most important sights, such as the Angla windmills or the Kaali meteorite crater. Thanks to the well-developed country roads, travelers can also reach more remote coastal sections of the island quickly and directly.
Car Rental
For an independent exploration of the island, rental cars are available upon prior reservation and are often delivered directly to the port. This option offers maximum flexibility and allows you to discover the untouched nature and traditional Estonian villages at your own pace.
To experience the best of Saaremaa's untouched nature during your stay, we recommend a combination of the striking coastal formations of the north coast and the cultural charm of the nearby historical sights.
Panga Cliff
The island's highest coastal cliff impresses with its dramatic limestone rocks and, thanks to its immediate proximity to the harbor, offers a spectacular panorama over the Baltic Sea as well as ideal paths for a refreshing walk directly by the sea.
Angla Windmill Park
This cultural landmark brings together Saaremaa's famous wooden trestle windmills in one place and also provides a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life of the islanders amidst a picturesque backdrop.
Kuressaare & Bishop's Castle
The charming island capital delights with its mighty medieval fortress and an inviting old town, while the district around the market square offers a perfect selection of local handicrafts and cozy Estonian cafes.
Panga-Kliff
The spectacular Panga-Kliff is located only about fifteen minutes by car from the harbor in Küdema Bay and impresses as the highest cliff on the island with a breathtaking panoramic view over the vast Baltic Sea. This place is perfect for a relaxing walk along the limestone cliffs and also offers the opportunity to discover regional juniper wood handicrafts at small stalls. Thanks to the well-developed viewpoints and the untouched nature, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere here far away from the large crowds of tourists. It is best to visit the cliff in the morning to take advantage of the morning calm and the ideal light for photos, and plan a relaxed return to the harbor about two hours before departure.
The Saaremaa Deep Harbor in Küdema Bay is idyllically located in the north of the island and is conveniently connected to the cultural centers via organized transfers. For the return journey from the capital Kuressaare, plan for a travel time of about 45 minutes to arrive at the ship punctually before departure.
Cruise Line Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses usually run between the parking lot at the Episcopal Castle in Kuressaare and the harbor grounds in Ninase. Thanks to the fixed departure times, you will return safely to the ship and can enjoy the drive through the Estonian landscape in a relaxed manner.
Taxi and Private Transfers
Taxis can be found in Kuressaare at the central market square as well as in front of the large wellness hotels such as the Georg Ots Spa. The drivers know the way to the Saaremaa Süvasadam deep harbor exactly and will bring you directly and punctually back to the guarded harbor entrance.
Rental Cars and Individual Tours
When exploring with a rental car, the good signage towards Ninase and Mustjala will reliably guide you back to the pier. The roads are well-developed and allow for a stress-free arrival directly at the terminal; additionally, returning the vehicle or disembarking from private tours is uncomplicated and takes place directly on the harbor grounds.
