Baku ArchipelagoBaku Archipelago at a Glance
About Baku Archipelago
The Baku Archipelago is a group of islands and islets in the Caspian Sea located off the coast of Baku, Azerbaijan, forming part of the greater Baku Bay area. The islands have been linked historically and economically to offshore oil and gas operations.
From the Baku shoreline visitors can view a number of natural islands and islets; some larger islands have settlements or industrial installations, while many smaller islets remain undeveloped. The marine environment supports seabird colonies and coastal flora on less-disturbed islets.
The archipelago’s role expanded with modern oil and gas exploration in the Caspian, and several islands have been used for extraction-related infrastructure. Historically the islands were also navigational markers and occasional seasonal fishing bases for local communities.
The islands lie in the Caspian Sea directly off Baku’s coastline, forming an island cluster within the administrative area around the city and visible from the port and seaside boulevards.
- Industrial use: The archipelago lies immediately off the coast of Baku and includes both natural islands and extensive offshore oil and gas infrastructure.
- Visibility: The islands are visible from the Baku shoreline and are frequently referenced in planning for coastal and marine activities around the capital.
What to See#
- Chilov Island: Chilov (Zhiloy) Island - One of the larger islands in the group and historically associated with oil exploration and industrial facilities.
- Nearshore islets: Boyuk Zira and smaller islets in Baku bay - Coastal islets that form part of the nearshore cluster and have been modified for urban and industrial use.
Best Time to Visit Baku Archipelago
Late spring through early autumn is best for visiting the islands when sea conditions and temperatures are most favorable.
Weather & Climate near Baku Archipelago
Baku Archipelago's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 4° - 8° | 3° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| February | Acceptable | 3° - 8° | 3° | 33 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 4° | 36 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 9° - 15° | 12° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 14° - 20° | 17° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.2h |
| June | Ideal | 18° - 25° | 22° | 13 mm | some cloud | 79% | 3.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 14.7h |
| July | Ideal | 22° - 29° | 25° | 5 mm | some cloud | 78% | 4.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.5h |
| August | Ideal | 21° - 29° | 25° | 10 mm | some cloud | 75% | 3.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Ideal | 20° - 25° | 23° | 28 mm | some cloud | 72% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 14° - 20° | 17° | 51 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | 11° - 15° | 13° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.9h |
| December | Acceptable | 7° - 11° | 7° | 35 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
How to Get to Baku Archipelago
The Baku Archipelago lies offshore of Baku in the Caspian Sea. Sightseeing and private boat trips depart from Baku’s seafront marinas and the Port of Baku on the city’s Caspian shore; many of the islands are visible from Baku’s promenade. Note that some islands are industrial/oil installations and access may be restricted, so use licensed boat operators based in Baku.
Tips for Visiting Baku Archipelago
- Book a licensed boat operator out of Baku - many of the archipelago's islets are off-limits because of oil infrastructure, so use a reputable tour operator who knows which islands are visitable and has the necessary permissions.
- Go early in the morning for calmer seas and better light for photographing the coastline; confirm which islands the tour will actually land on before you depart.