Tallinn is a coastal capital with over 46 kilometres (29 miles) of coastline, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the sea, beaches, and nearby islands.
If you are visiting the city for a short time — especially on a cruise stop — these shore excursions help you make the most of Tallinn’s unique seaside setting.
1. Pirita promenade and the classic “fish can view”
One of the most iconic seaside views in Tallinn can be enjoyed along the Pirita promenade, which connects the city centre with the Pirita and Viimsi districts.
It is a great place for a walk, jog, or relaxed drive by the sea. From here, you can see the famous Tallinn skyline, often referred to as the “fish can view”. The name comes from historic Estonian canned fish packaging, which featured this exact silhouette to indicate the product’s origin.
Pirita is also home to one of Tallinn’s most popular beaches and the yacht harbour built for the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. Nearby, you will find Kadriorg Park, the Song Festival Grounds, and the Tallinn TV Tower.
To cover all the main sights in the area, check out the Tallinn Top Attractions and Viimsi Open Air Museum tour.
2. Island getaway – Prangli Island
If you are looking for something more off the beaten path, Prangli Island offers a completely different experience from the city.
A one-hour ferry ride takes you across Tallinn Bay to a small island known for its peaceful atmosphere, coastal views, and local traditions. You can walk along quiet beaches, explore pine forests, and visit the island’s wooden church.
For a deeper experience, you can join a guided Prangli Island Day Trip, to tour around the island by jeep or a Soviet-style truck or jeep, hear local stories, and enjoy a traditional fish-based lunch prepared by islanders. If you wish to hike by foot and experience the local sauna, the Prangli Island Hiking and Sauna tour is for you!
3. Another island getaway – Naissaar Island
Naissaar Island combines nature and history in a unique way. The island has seen different periods of military use, including Russian fortifications and a narrow-gauge railway that still remains today. After World War II, the island was largely abandoned and used as a restricted military zone.
Today, Naissaar is mostly covered by forest and sandy beaches, with only a few permanent residents. Hiking trails lead through nature and past historic military remains, making it a great destination for those interested in both landscapes and history.
4. Kalamaja and the seaside culture mile
Once an industrial, rough neighbourhood, Kalamaja has transformed into one of Tallinn’s most vibrant and desirable areas, with Telliskivi Creative City attracting visitors and locals alike to enjoy the atmosphere.
To explore the seaside, start at Linnahall, a large concrete structure built for the 1980 Olympics, now popular for its rooftop views. From there, continue along the culture mile, passing the Seaplane Harbour and Patarei Prison.
This area combines sea views, history, and modern urban culture, with cafés, restaurants, and creative spaces nearby. If you wish to explore the area with a local guide, book our Kalamaja & Telliskivi: Tallinn’s Bohemian District Tour.
5. Paljassaare Bird Watching
At the tip of the Paljassaare peninsula, you will find a protected natural area where more than 200 bird species have been recorded.
This quiet coastal landscape is ideal for a peaceful walk surrounded by the sea on three sides. It is also a great place to observe local wildlife and enjoy a different perspective of Tallinn from a distance.
For a deeper experience, you can join a guided birdwatching tour with a local expert. You can request the guide via our tailor-made tour form.
6. Seal-watching tour on the Baltic Sea
A seal-watching tour is one of the most unique shore excursions you can take near Tallinn. This experience allows you to observe grey seals in their natural habitat while also enjoying views of Estonia’s coastline, beaches, and forests from the sea.
It is not only about spotting wildlife — the calm boat ride and open sea views make it a memorable and relaxing way to spend time outside the city.
7. Fishing villages on the Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa National Park is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Tallinn, offering a combination of coastline, forests, and cultural heritage.
The name “Lahemaa” means “land of bays”, reflecting its scenic seaside landscape. Traditional fishing villages such as Altja and Käsmu showcase Estonia’s maritime history and local architecture.
In addition to coastal views, the region is known for manor houses and bog landscapes, making it a diverse and well-rounded excursion. As mentioned before, it is a hugely popular day trip, so go ahead and book your Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park before the dates are sold out! Or, check out the combo tours Old Town and Jägala Waterfall and Old Town and Bog Walk to combine the city tour with nature exploration.
8. Dinner Cruise, day trip to Helsinki, or something else?
If you are looking for something more personalised or something that was not mentioned here, a tailor-made shore excursion is the best way to make the most of your time in Tallinn or Helsinki.
Whether you prefer a mix of Old Town highlights and nature, a relaxed coastal drive, or a more niche experience focused on culture, history, or food, your itinerary can be adjusted to match your interests, schedule, and pace.
This is especially useful for cruise travellers with limited time, as everything can be planned around your arrival and departure times — without the stress of navigating on your own.
Oh, and the last thing — bring a good windproof jacket for any of the tours and activities mentioned above.
