The Gulf of Riga, as a sub-basin of the Baltic, also includes the Väinameri Sea in the West Estonian archipelago.

[4] Saaremaa island is responsible for the brackish water of the Gulf of Riga, as it is partially "shielded" from the Baltic Sea.

[5][6] Notable cities around the gulf include Riga and Jūrmala in Latvia, and Pärnu and Kuressaare in Estonia.

The Gulf of Riga has an average salt concentration for the Baltic Sea, which is around six to ten parts per thousand.

[7] Ice hole fishing has been a traditional source of winter food, and remains a common activity.