Self-guided paddling on the Pirita River estuary beside the Pirita Bridge and near the ruins of St Bridget's Convent, with kayaks, canoes, rowboats and water bicycles available by the hour in summer.
Kayak, canoe and pedal-boat rental at the Pirita River is a self-guided paddling activity on the river estuary in the Pirita district of Tallinn, Estonia. The rental point is at Kloostri tee 6a, next to the Pirita Bridge, and is operated by Bell Marine, which hires out kayaks, canoes, rowboats and water bicycles by the hour during the summer season. Paddlers can follow the river and estuary past the Pirita Bridge and towards the ruins of St Bridget's Convent, which stand nearby, with wooded banks and the sea approaches close at hand. Because the activity is self-guided and takes place on a sheltered river rather than open sea, it suits first-time paddlers, families and casual visitors; basic swimming ability and comfort in a small boat are the main prerequisites, and the operator sets any age rules, which visitors should confirm when renting. Equipment is provided: the kayak or canoe and a life jacket, though visitors are advised to confirm the life jacket at the time of renting. Participants bring a sun hat, sunscreen and a waterproof pouch for a phone. Bell Marine runs the Pirita boat rental as a seasonal business and can be reached at +372 621 2175 or through bellmarine.ee. Safety is handled through the life jackets and the sheltered setting; there is no guided briefing in the way of an organised tour, so paddlers should stay within the river and estuary and keep clear of boat traffic near the marina and the mouth of the river, and avoid going out to sea. The rental season runs from 1 June to 31 August, with opening hours of 10:00 to 22:00, and the warm, long days of summer give the best conditions. Strong wind, thunderstorms and heavy rain are the conditions to avoid. Prices are EUR 15 per hour for a kayak or canoe, EUR 20 per hour for a rowboat and EUR 15 per hour for a water bicycle. Typical hires last between one and three hours, and the location is easy to reach by public transport from the city centre.
| Price | Kayak or canoe EUR 15/hour (US$17.25); rowboat EUR 20/hour (US$23); water bicycle EUR 15/hour (US$17.25) |
|---|---|
| Duration | By the hour (usually 1-3 hours) |
| Season | June-August |
| Address | Kloostri tee 6a (next to Pirita bridge), 11911 Tallinn, Estonia |
Activity facts
- Where
- Pirita
Equipment
- Kayak or canoe (provided)
- Life jacket (provided; confirm when renting)
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Waterproof phone pouch
Location
Kloostri tee 6a (next to Pirita bridge), 11911 Tallinn, Estonia
59.4656, 24.8333 View on map
Highlights
- Paddle the Pirita River estuary beside the Pirita Bridge
- Reach the area near the ruins of St Bridget's Convent by water
- Choose between kayaks, canoes, rowboats and water bicycles by the hour
- Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00 in the 1 June to 31 August season
Tips for visiting
- Confirm the life jacket when renting; it is provided but should be checked for size.
- Hire is by the hour, so plan one to three hours and pay per hour at EUR 15 for a kayak or canoe.
- Bring a waterproof phone pouch, sunscreen and a hat for the open river.
- Late-evening paddles are possible until 22:00 and are quieter on long summer days.
- Stay within the river and estuary and keep clear of marina boat traffic.
Frequently asked questions
When is the rental open?
The rental runs from 1 June to 31 August, 10:00 to 22:00. Visitors can check the operator's website or phone before going.
How much does it cost?
A kayak or canoe costs EUR 15 per hour, a rowboat EUR 20 per hour and a water bicycle EUR 15 per hour.
Is experience required?
No guided course is offered, but the sheltered river suits beginners. Basic swimming ability is advisable.
Where is the rental point?
It is at Kloostri tee 6a, next to the Pirita Bridge in Tallinn. The operator can be reached at +372 621 2175.