Last updated: March 22, 2026
Riga and its surroundings offer at least eight great swimming spots — from Blue Flag sea beaches to peaceful forest lakes just 20 minutes from the city centre. Latvia's official swimming season runs from May 15 to September 15, with lifeguards on duty at all designated beaches. This guide covers the best options for every preference, with practical tips and safety info.
Contents:
What are the best sea beaches in Riga?
Riga has three official seaside swimming beaches — Vecaki, Vakarbullu, and Daugavgriva — all staffed with lifeguards, well-maintained facilities, and regular water quality testing. Vecaki and Vakarbullu hold Blue Flag status, certifying high environmental and water quality standards.
Vecaki — Riga's most popular sea beach
Vecaki Beach
📍 Selgas iela 20, Northern District, Riga
🚆 Train from Riga Central Station — 25 min | 🚌 Bus No. 24
🏳️ Blue Flag beach | 🏊 Lifeguards 10:00–22:00 | 🅿️ Parking (~€1.40/day)
Vecaki is one of Riga's favourite beaches — a wide strip of soft sand, shallow waters ideal for families, and good infrastructure including volleyball and football courts, a children's playground, changing cabins, and summer cafes. Blue Flag status means regular water quality checks throughout the season.
Tip: taking the train is easier than driving — parking lots fill up fast on hot days. From the station it's roughly a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Vakarbullu — a quieter Blue Flag alternative
Vakarbullu Beach
📍 Vakarbullu, Kurzemes District, Riga
🚗 ~30 min from Riga centre | 🚌 Bus connection
🏳️ Blue Flag beach | 🏊 Lifeguards in season | 🅿️ Free parking
Vakarbullu Beach is calmer than Vecaki and perfect for those looking to avoid crowds. Located between the mouths of the Daugava and Lielupe rivers, it's surrounded by pine forest. Facilities include volleyball courts, a children's playground, changing cabins, and summer cafes.
Full guide to adventure activities in Latvia →
Book a tandem skydive →Where to swim in Jurmala?
Jurmala offers a 25 km white sand beach with 13 official swimming spots — 11 along the sea coast and 2 on the Lielupe river. The most popular is Majori Beach, reachable in 30 minutes by train from Riga. Seven beaches fly the Blue Flag — more than Lithuania and Estonia combined.
Jurmala — Majori, Bulduri, Dzintari
Majori Beach is Jurmala's heart — a wide sandy stretch with summer cafes, sports courts, and pedestrian Jomas Street just steps away. Bulduri and Dzintari beaches are quieter and well-suited for families.
Along the Lielupe river, four equipped recreation areas offer picnic shelters, playgrounds, and volleyball courts — in Priedaine, Majori, Dubulti, and Pumpuri. The Dubulti area is adapted for visitors with mobility impairments.
Tip: trains from Riga Central Station to Majori run every 20–30 minutes, costing about €1.50. If driving, expect a Jurmala entry fee of €2 during summer season.
Where to swim in central Riga?
If you don't want to travel far, Lucavsala and Kipsala beaches are just minutes from Old Riga — ideal for an after-work evening dip. Both are on the Daugava river with lifeguards present during the swimming season.
Lucavsala — a beach in the heart of Riga
Lucavsala is an island on the Daugava that has become one of Riga's most popular recreation spots in recent years. The beach features changing cabins, a lifeguard station, and a specially designed shallow zone for children. There's a shoal in the middle of the river you can safely walk to.
Next to the swimming area you'll find Riga's largest children's playground, picnic zones with barbecue grills, volleyball courts, and a summer cafe. Reachable by trolleybus No. 19 or a 15–20 minute bike ride from the centre.
Kipsala — swimming with an Old Riga view
Kipsala Beach
📍 Balasta dambis, Kurzemes District, Riga
🚶 ~10 min walk from Old Riga across Vansu Bridge
🏊 Lifeguards in season | 🏐 Volleyball courts | 🍹 Summer cafes
Kipsala Beach is smaller but offers a unique advantage — a panoramic view of Old Riga's skyline. The beach has volleyball courts, a children's play area, and outdoor exercise equipment. Easily accessible on foot from the centre — just cross Vansu Bridge.
Note: since Kipsala is on the Daugava, water quality can fluctuate. Check the municipality's updates on swimming spot status before visiting.
Give an experience — gift cards from €30 →Which lakes near Riga are best for swimming?
Several lakes near Riga have well-maintained swimming areas — Babelisa, Lielais Baltezers, and Langstinu are the most popular choices, all within 20–30 minutes of the centre. Lakes tend to offer a quieter atmosphere than sea beaches and usually warmer water.
Babelisa Lake — a forest swimming spot 20 minutes away
Babelisa Lake Swimming Area
📍 Latgales Suburb, Riga
🚗 ~20 min from centre | 🚌 Public transport accessible
🌲 Pine forest surroundings | 🏊 Lifeguards in season | Blue Flag (since 2025)
Babelisa Lake is a small but beloved swimming spot surrounded by a beautiful pine forest. The lake reaches 5.5 metres at its deepest point and is one of the cleanest small lakes near Riga. The area is equipped with picnic tables, barbecue grills, benches, and a volleyball court. Buoys mark a separate shallow zone for children.
Lielais Baltezers — peaceful recreation in suburban Riga
Lielais Baltezers
📍 Garkalnes Parish, Ropazu Municipality
🚗 ~25 min from Riga centre
🏞️ 5 islands | Max depth 5.9 m | Swimming areas at Bukulti and by the sanatorium
Lielais Baltezers is one of the prettiest lakes near Riga — with low shores, five islands, and a peaceful atmosphere. The swimming area near Bukulti village has a sandy stretch and easy water access. The lake is also popular with anglers — pike, perch, tench, and zander all inhabit its waters.
Important: Baltezers is an unofficial swimming spot without lifeguards. Check the Health Inspectorate's information about water quality and blue-green algae before visiting.
Bonus: Saulkrasti and the White Dune
Saulkrasti is home to one of Latvia's most beautiful coastal spots — the White Dune and the 3.5 km Sunset Trail that runs along the sea through a pine forest. Reachable by train from Riga in about 50 minutes.
Saulkrasti Beach is quieter than Vecaki or Jurmala and attracts those seeking a connection with nature. After your swim, walk the Sunset Trail — a 3.5 km path starting at the White Dune and running to Peterupe. A perfect day trip — train ride, swim, trail walk, and a cafe stop.
Swimming spot comparison table
| Swimming spot | Type | Distance from centre | Blue Flag | Lifeguards | Family-friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vecaki | Sea | ~40 min (car/train) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vakarbullu | Sea | ~30 min (car) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Jurmala (Majori) | Sea | ~30 min (train) | ✅ (7 beaches) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lucavsala | River (Daugava) | ~10 min | — | ✅ | ✅ |
| Kipsala | River (Daugava) | ~5 min (walk) | — | ✅ | ✅ |
| Babelisa Lake | Lake | ~20 min | ✅ (since 2025) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lielais Baltezers | Lake | ~25 min | — | — | With supervision |
| Saulkrasti | Sea | ~50 min (train) | — | Partial | ✅ |
What else to try after your swim?
If the summer day is long and you're craving something unforgettable after a swim — skydiving creates memories that last a lifetime. Skydive Latvia offers tandem jumps from Limbazu Airfield, about an hour's drive from Riga.
Tandem skydive (€239) — jump from 4,000 m with an instructor. No prior experience needed — all training happens on-site. Freefall lasts approximately 60 seconds at speeds reaching ~200 km/h. Photo and video available for an additional €70.
Oxygen Jump (€490) — the highest civilian tandem jump in Eastern Europe: 5,500 m with supplemental oxygen masks. Freefall time — ~90 seconds. This jump is a unique experience available only at Skydive Latvia.
Gift cards — if you're not sure which experience fits best, Skydive Latvia gift cards start from €30 and have no expiration date. A perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary, or just because — to surprise someone special.
Frequently asked questions about swimming spots near Riga
When does the official swimming season start and end in Riga?
Latvia's official swimming season runs from May 15 to September 15. During this period, lifeguards are on duty at all designated swimming spots, typically from 10:00 to 22:00.
Which Riga beaches have Blue Flag status?
Vecaki and Vakarbullu beaches in Riga hold Blue Flag status. Babelisa Lake has also earned this certification. In Jurmala, seven beaches fly the Blue Flag.
Is it safe for children to swim at Riga's beaches?
Yes — official swimming spots like Lucavsala, Vecaki, Vakarbullu, and Babelisa have lifeguards, designated children's zones with shallower water, and marker buoys. Parental supervision is still essential.
How do I get to Vecaki Beach without a car?
The easiest way is by train from Riga Central Station (Skulte direction) — about 25 minutes. You can also take bus No. 24 from the "Pagrieziens uz Mangaliem" stop.
Is there parking at Lucavsala?
Yes, Lucavsala Recreation Park has a free car park. It fills up quickly on hot days, so cycling or taking trolleybus No. 19 is recommended.
Which lake near Riga has the cleanest water?
Babelisa Lake and Langstinu Lake are traditionally considered the cleanest lakes near Riga. Babelisa has official Blue Flag status, confirming high water quality standards.
What's a good gift for someone who loves summer and outdoor activities?
An experience gift card is a great option — Skydive Latvia offers gift cards from €30 with no expiration date. Choose a tandem skydive, Oxygen Jump, or any other adventure.
Is there an entrance fee for Jurmala?
Yes — during summer season (typically April to September), Jurmala charges a €2 vehicle entry fee. A train ticket from Riga costs about €1.50, making the train a more economical choice.
Can you swim in Riga during winter?
Yes — the Riga municipality recommends winter swimming at the official beaches in Vecaki, Vakarbullu, Lucavsala Bay, Rumbula, and Babelisa, where water quality is regularly tested even during winter months.
