Lapmežciems Bay Anchorage

About This Anchorage

Lapmežciems is a quiet anchorage on the western edge of the Jūrmala coastal zone, where the busy resort coastline gives way to the more exposed and wilder coast leading toward the open Gulf of Riga and eventually Cape Kolka. The bay sits amid an extraordinary landscape of pine forest, white sand dunes, and the flat, mirror-calm Baltic waters typical of a settled summer morning. The village of Lapmežciems is small — a handful of traditional farmhouses and summer houses amid the trees, with no tourist infrastructure. For sailors seeking a wild overnight stop within cruising distance of Jūrmala's facilities while being far from the resort's crowds, this anchorage provides the perfect solution: pristine beach, excellent sand holding, pine forest for shelter from the wind, and near-total silence. The coastal landscape here is part of the Engure Nature Park buffer zone, protecting the extraordinary pine forest and dune ecosystem. The approach from the east along the Jūrmala coast is straightforward in settled conditions, keeping in 3m+ water throughout.

Hazards

• !Exposed to S, SW, and W — fair-weather anchorage only
• !No facilities — fully self-sufficient boats only
• !Shallow approach — maintain 3m+ throughout

Skipper's Tips

• →One of the quietest and most peaceful anchorages near Jūrmala
• →The pine forest behind the beach is spectacular — walk to the top of the dunes for views
• →Good swimming beach — clean Baltic water and uncrowded
• →Check forecast carefully — untenable in SW winds; nearest safe harbour is Engure (10nm north)

Nearby Anchorages