Naissaar lies about 8.5 km off the mainland and roughly 17 km by sea from the centre of Tallinn. In the summer season a passenger boat makes the crossing in about an hour, landing at the island’s harbour on the east coast.
The seasonal boat from Tallinn
Scheduled sailings normally run from around May to September, with the fullest timetable from midsummer to mid-August and weekend-only sailings at the edges of the season. On a typical day a boat leaves Tallinn in the morning and returns in the late afternoon or evening, giving you six to eight hours on the island; on busy days there may be more than one departure.
In recent seasons boats have left from the Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam) on the city’s seafront, and in other years from Pirita or the Old City Harbour area. All are easy to reach from the centre, but they are not next to each other — make sure you know which pier your ticket is for.
- Book ahead in July and August. The boats are small and fine-weather weekends sell out.
- Buy a return. There is no other way off the island, and the last boat does not wait.
- Ask about extras when you book: bicycles, dogs, the island truck tour and the train are often arranged through the boat operator.
- Expect weather changes. Strong wind can cancel or delay sailings. Keep the following day flexible if you can.
| Option | How it works | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal passenger boat | Scheduled sailings from Tallinn, tickets from the boat operator | About 1 hour each way | Summer season only; operator, pier and timetable change yearly |
| Private guided tour | Half-day trip from Tallinn with boat and guide, booked on GetYourGuide | About 5 hours in total | Priced per group; the only Naissaar product on GetYourGuide |
| Festival boats | Special sailings for Nargenfestival performances | About 1 hour each way | Sold with the performance ticket |
| Charter, water taxi or own boat | Private hire from Tallinn’s marinas, or sail in yourself | Varies with the boat | The island harbour has guest berths; check depth and fees ahead |
Private tours and charters
If the public timetable does not suit you, GetYourGuide lists a private half-day guided tour to Naissaar from Tallinn, priced per group. Water taxis and charter boats from Tallinn’s marinas will also run to the island on request; prices depend on the boat and the size of your party.
Getting around the island
There is no public transport on Naissaar and visitors cannot bring cars. Your choices are:
- On foot. Fine for the south of the island: Männiku is about 3.5 km from the harbour, Lõunaküla 4–5 km.
- By bike. The best way to see the whole island. Bring your own on the boat if the operator allows, or ask about hire.
- By truck tour. Guided tours in ex-military trucks meet the boats in season and cover the main sights in two or three hours.
- By train. A small train runs on the restored narrow-gauge line between the harbour and Männiku on summer boat days.
Getting to Tallinn first
By air: Tallinn airport is about 4 km from the city centre, with trams and buses into town. By sea: ferries cross from Helsinki in about two hours many times a day, and there are overnight ships from Stockholm. By road: coaches link Tallinn with Riga and the rest of the Baltic states.
What the crossing is like
You leave past the cruise quays and the towers of the Old Town, cross the open middle of Tallinn Bay and come in along Naissaar’s forested east coast. In calm weather it is a gentle hour on deck. With a north-westerly blowing it can be bumpy and cold; bring a windproof jacket and, if you are prone to seasickness, take precautions.
Outside the season
From autumn to spring there is no regular boat. The island can then be reached only by private arrangement, and facilities are closed. For a winter or early-spring trip, consider Prangli, whose ferry also sails outside the summer, or Lahemaa on the mainland.
