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.

These two characteristics work to make the Baltic Sea one of the largest brackish bodies of water in the world.

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