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.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
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.
