|
Speedboats |
|
| We have two speedboats, both capable to carry 10 passengers or 9 divers at a time. We are also flexible to make diving trips with our boats anywhere in Saaremaa. Vilsandi is reachable with practically any weather conditions, but for seal observation and other boating trips the wind speed should be under 8 m/s. Although our boats are capable of going out with much higher wind speeds, the ride will not be comfortable anymore and the chance to see the seals will be lower. |
Trip to island Vilsandi |
 
|
|
Vilsandi island is the most western habituated island in Estonia. The island’s beautiful nature and its energy and calmness have given inspiration to many poets, writers, painters and songwriters.
The location gives Vilsandi a unique microclimate which results in a fact that Vilsandi is a place in Estonia with the highest number of sunny days.
Island has 22 km long coastline which changes very often, on a short walk you will pass coral riffs, sand beaches, gravel walls with hundreds of fossils, limestone plateaus, grass fields, small bays and large stones – something for every taste.
As the island lies on the path of bird migration route, Vilsandi is also known as the “bird paradise”. For this reason the area is one of the oldest nature protection areas in the Europe. Vaika-Vilsandi bird sanctuary was established in 14th of August 1914.
One the western peak of the island lays the majestic Vilsandi Lighthouse which was built in 1809 and next to it stands a very unique life-boat house. The lifeboat house belonged to the Red Cross and started its service in 1859 remaining operational until 1939. During this time two unsinkable rowing boats saved the lives of 88 seaman, 2 dogs and a cat.
The island throughout its history has been very much influenced by the sea, as everything was influenced by it. Fishing, sailing, ship building, sea and cargo rescue are just few examples. Almost in every family there were sailors and additionally on the island there were 17 captains.
(Roundtrip to Vilsandi island for up to 10 person - 90 EUR)
|
Boat trips in Vilsandi archipelago |
 
|
 
|
The seawater in Western-Saaremaa particularly near Visandi and peninsula of Harilaid is considered to be the cleanest and most transparent in the whole region of Estonia. With an interesting sea life, birds, seals, flatfishes, wrecks and underwater cliffs, ancient coral riffs and fossils, the area offers something for everyone.
The sea in western Saaremaa has been always very dangerous for boating - due to its rocky and mostly shallow seabed, for many small islands and islets (ca 150 altogether), shallows, underwater cliffs and large stones. For those reasons over the centuries there has been reported many (estimated ~ 200) sunken ships. Unfortunately for most of them exact locations are unknown. So the sea possesses still many interesting findings and is perfect location for exploration and wreck hunting.
Furthermore the sea in Vilsandi archipelago is covered by three lighthouses and a church which also operated as a landmark (Vilsandi Lighthouse, Kiipsaare Lighthouse, Oju Lighthouse and the church in Kihelkonna). Today only Vilsandi lighthouse is operational (operating since 1809). The Kiipsaare lighthouse which was built in the middle (ca 50 m from the shore) of the sand peninsula of Harilaid, is a sight of its own. Due to the fact that the peninsula consist of sand and is migrating with storms, then over the decades the peninsula is completely reformed and today the lighthouse lies in the water 5-10 m from the shoreline and is leaned ca 10-12 degrees.
(Price of seatrips is negotiable. Up to 10 passengers - 90 EUR/h)
Geology of the area
In addition for shipwrecks the neighborhood of Vilsandi is also extremely interesting for geologist as it is a region where the sedimentary rock layer from Silurian age (440 Million years old) is emerging from the ground. The base of the Silurian is set at a major extinction event when 60% of marine species were wiped out. So on the seabed and also on the islands you may find huge number of fossils and also worn coral riffs.
|
Diving trips
|
|
Vilsandi National Park waters are one of the best locations in Estonia to encounter and to dive with seals. The visibility here could be up to 10 meters.
As the seals can be observed most comfortably in shallower waters up to 4-5 m, this unforgettable experience does not require extensive diving experience. Therefore it is also a perfect location for beginners in diving.
Although gray seals could be seen also by just snorkeling the best way would be to swim slowly or to lie still in the bottom of the seabed and not to make any sudden movements and not to frighten them. As the seals have a curious nature they will soon come to explore you.
Grown gray seal can reach 2.5–3.3 m in lenght and weighing up to 300 kg (males); the females are much smaller, typically 1.6–2.0 m long and weight 100–150 kg. However it is more likely to see younger and smaller seals as they are more curious and playful.
As we are dealing with nature, the number of seals depends on the day, weather season and other factors. On a good day you may count hundreds of seal heads looking at you, while on a bad day there might just be few dozens.
The feeling which you get from the encounter of a gray seal under water can not be put to words easily. The gray seals swim incredibly gracefully under water; they practically slide under water and are capable of making very fast turns.
(Up to 10 passangers or 9 divers - 32 EUR/person, 160 EUR min charge)
|
 |
In addition we offer wreck hunting near sea shallows.
(More info over phone +372 51 55 100).
|
|
|
On sonar wreck M/S Oskar. read about M/S Oskar...
Our partners who help to organise diving trips: Diving centre Sebak and Decostop.
Diving equipment could be rented from Tallinn, Tartu or Saaremaa.
|
In addition we offer |
|
Water skiinig and tubing. (15 min.- 20 EUR)
|
 |
If needed we will also organize accommodation and picnic baskets. |
|
Additional Information and booking
|
Mob: (+372) 51 55 100,
(+372) 566 71 555
E-mail: vilsandi@islander.ee
http://vilsandi.islander.ee
Our partners
Diving Centre Sebak,
Decostop,
Loode Touristfarm,
Heritage Tours
|
| |
|
| |
|
