Jurmala Shore Excursions
White sand beaches, Art Nouveau wooden villas, and pine forest — 30 minutes from Riga. The perfect private excursion for cruise passengers and independent travellers alike.
What Makes Jurmala Worth a Private Excursion
Jurmala is not a typical beach resort. Stretching 26 kilometres along the Gulf of Riga, it is a string of small towns connected by a white sand beach, a pine forest, and one of the most remarkable collections of wooden Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.
The wooden villas — built between 1880 and 1940 for Riga's wealthy merchant class — are unlike anything you will find elsewhere. Ornate carved balconies, turrets, and decorative facades in various states of preservation and restoration line the streets behind the beach.
For cruise passengers arriving at Riga port, Jurmala is an ideal shore excursion. It is 30 minutes by private car, easily combined with a brief stop in Riga's Old Town, and offers a completely different experience from the city.
We also include the option of a detour to Kemeri National Park — Latvia's most atmospheric bog landscape, with a wooden boardwalk trail through ancient peat bogs and white water lilies. It adds 45 minutes and is unlike anything most visitors expect from Latvia.
What Your Jurmala Excursion Can Include
Half-day or full-day — we build the itinerary around your time and interests.
Baltic Sea Beach
White sand, shallow warm water, and pine forest right behind the dunes. One of the finest beaches in Northern Europe.
Art Nouveau Wooden Villas
Ornate carved balconies, turrets, and decorative facades built for Riga merchants between 1880 and 1940. Unique in Europe.
Majori Town Centre
The heart of Jurmala — pedestrian street, cafes, and the best overview of the resort architecture.
Pine Forest Walk
The forest between the beach and the villas is ancient and atmospheric. We know the quietest paths.
Kemeri National Park
Latvia's most atmospheric bog landscape — a wooden boardwalk through ancient peat bogs and white water lilies. 20 min from Jurmala.
Local Lunch Stop
We know the best places for fresh Baltic fish, local beer, and traditional Latvian food — not the tourist traps.
Jurmala Excursion Options
All prices include private transport from Riga or the cruise port and return.
Jurmala Half Day
- Private transport from Riga
- Baltic Sea beach walk
- Art Nouveau villa tour
- Majori town centre
- Local guide throughout
- Return to Riga
Jurmala Full Day
- Everything in Half Day
- Kemeri National Park bog walk
- Local lunch included
- Dubulti and Jaunķemeri areas
- Beach time at your pace
- Flexible return time
Riga + Jurmala Combo
- Riga Old Town highlights (2 hrs)
- Private transport to Jurmala
- Beach and villa walk
- Local lunch
- Kemeri option available
- Ideal for cruise passengers
Jurmala Shore Excursion — Common Questions
How far is Jurmala from Riga?
Jurmala is 25 kilometres from Riga — approximately 30 minutes by private car. We pick you up from your hotel or the cruise terminal and return you at the end.
Is Jurmala suitable for cruise passengers?
Yes — it is one of our most popular shore excursions. The Riga + Jurmala combo is specifically designed for cruise passengers with 6–8 hours in port.
What is the best time of year to visit Jurmala?
June to August for swimming and beach weather. May and September are quieter and still warm. The wooden villas are beautiful year-round, and the Kemeri bog is spectacular in any season.
Can we swim at the beach?
Yes — the Gulf of Riga is calm and shallow, and the water temperature reaches 20–22°C in July and August. We allow time for swimming on the full-day option.
What is Kemeri National Park?
Kemeri is a protected wetland 20 minutes from Jurmala. The Great Kemeri Bog has a 3.4km wooden boardwalk through ancient peat bogs, pine forest, and open water. It is unlike anything most visitors expect from Latvia.
Book Your Jurmala Excursion
Cruise passenger or independent traveller — tell us your details and we will confirm within 4 hours.