Water sports on the Baltic Sea

For most holidaymakers, a holiday on the Baltic Sea also means enjoying water sports. The Baltic Sea, its Bodden lagoons, and the many rivers, lakes and other bodies of water in the coastal hinterland offer ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts. Sailing, of course, is the “king of water sports” on the Baltic Sea. But many other water sports are also possible here, especially windsurfing. In recent years, kitesurfing has also taken off on the Baltic Sea, with participants being pulled over the waves by a steerable kite. Canoeing, kayaking and rowing are also traditional water sports that are very popular with holidaymakers on the Baltic coast. Banana-boat rides, available at many Baltic Sea beaches, are great fun. Those who like speed can hop on a jet ski or rent a motorboat. Swimming is, of course, another water sport that is popular with all age groups and offers excellent exercise. Diving is less well known and practised in the Baltic Sea, which is understandable given the rather murky water (and lack of coral reefs). However, many Baltic Sea resorts have diving schools offering courses in Baltic Sea diving or diving in the coastal waters.

Sailing on the Baltic Sea
Skippers count the Baltic Sea among the most beautiful sailing areas in the world. Its varied coastline means that sailors are treated to ever-changing scenery, so coastal trips never get boring. Long sandy beaches, such as those on the island of Usedom, alternate with steep cliffs, like the Brothener Ufer near Travemünde in Lübeck Bay. In Scandinavia, the skerries add to the scenery, although they can pose certain hazards for inexperienced sailors. Day trips out onto the Baltic Sea, or even multi-day voyages across it, are an unforgettable experience for passionate sailors. Island groups such as the Danish South Sea are also popular destinations. Baltic Sea resorts have numerous yacht harbours and marinas where sailing boats can be rented or berths provided for visiting boats.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing on the Baltic Sea
Depending on wind strength and currents, surfing on the Baltic Sea is suitable for beginners, intermediate surfers and professionals. The natural conditions at the various Baltic Sea surf spots differ considerably. The Bodden lagoons are also popular surfing areas, including those between the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula and the mainland of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as well as Greifswald Bay. The same applies to kiteboarding (kiting). Holidaymakers can learn to enjoy the sometimes exhilarating rides on a surfboard or behind a kite at a surf school during their Baltic Sea holiday.

Canoes, kayaks and rowing boats
Holidaymakers who want to get active on the water will find rental stations for canoes, kayaks and rowing boats in almost every Baltic Sea resort. A canoe trip on the Baltic Sea is a wonderful experience for all ages. Holidaymakers should be sure to ask local water sports enthusiasts and rental operators about natural conditions such as sandbanks, shallows and currents. Wind direction is also an important factor in ensuring a safe boat trip on the Baltic Sea.

Banana boats, jet skis and motorboats on the Baltic Sea
Banana boats have been a hit on the German Baltic coast for several years. These yellow boats offer a thrilling ride astride the craft across the Baltic Sea, almost always ending with a dip in the water. Holidaymakers can book a banana-boat ride in virtually every Baltic Sea resort. The same goes for motorboats and jet skis.

The bottom line for a water-sports holiday on the Baltic Sea: a sailing yacht running before the wind in a Baltic Sea bay—that’s the quintessential image of water sports here. But water sports on the Baltic Sea also mean diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, water skiing, jet skiing or simply riding a “banana”. In the coastal hinterland, on quiet lakes and small rivers, there’s also canoeing. And when the wind picks up, staying upright aboard a Baltic Sea excursion boat can be quite a sporting achievement.

The natural conditions, which vary from region to region, are ideal for all kinds of water sports on the Baltic Sea. For more and more holidaymakers, this is a key reason for choosing the Baltic coast as their holiday destination. These pages give you a closer look at the range of water sports on offer in the Baltic Sea region.