Lithuanian Wetlands by Coach & Boat

by coach, boat & on foot

Departing from the port you will take a short sightseeing drive through Klaipeda. After seeing some of the city's highlights you leave the third largest city of Lithuania and drive to the countryside.

Your first photo stop is in the village of Priekulė, a town that has retained its value in terms of urban architecture. You then continue south, through rural settlements towards the fishing village of Kintai, located in an area known for its wildlife including storks, often found nesting close to the road. The next stretch of your journey takes an 8km (5 miles) uneven gravel road towards the tiny village of Minge.

Here you will leave the coach behind, take a short walk to the water’s edge and embark a boat for an approximately two-hour cruise on the Nemunas Delta wetlands, considered globally significant and protected under the Ramsar Convention. The River Nemunas splits into a maze of river branches and canals, forming polders and wetlands that make it a very attractive destination for eco-tourism.

The trip begins on the River Minija, with a scenic cruise through the village of Minge, further into the River Upaite. The delta hosts many rare varieties of birds including cormorants often seen resting together on small flat islands or fishing in the rivers. White-tail eagles may also be seen. Mammals found in the delta include foxes, beaver, elk, wild boar and otters.

When you arrive in the Lagoon, on a clear day with good visibility, you may have views of the high sand dunes on the opposite spit and several fishing villages. You will then head back into the River Atmata, passing the village of Uostadvaris and finally back to the River Minija.

Time permitting you will have some free time at the natural harbour before rejoining your coach for the return journey back through the lovely countryside to the port.