Sudzhukskaya Lagoon

Sudzhukskaya Lagoon is a salt water body along the Black Sea coast near Novorossiysk that contains distinctive marine and coastal habitats. The water is partially separated from the open sea by sandbanks, creating conditions where specific species thrive in its sheltered environment.

The lagoon takes its name from the Turkish fortress Sudzhuk-Kale that once controlled the coast until 1829. After Russia gained control following the Russo-Turkish War, the area eventually became recognized as a protected natural monument.

This protected water body serves as a working research site where marine biologists observe and document Black Sea coastal ecosystems. Visitors can sense the importance of the area through the visible research activities and monitoring stations scattered along the shore.

Access from Novorossiysk center is straightforward with parking available near the marine academy buildings. Wear sturdy footwear since paths around the lagoon can be uneven and muddy in places.

The water composition differs from the Black Sea, attracting species adapted to these brackish conditions. This creates a natural laboratory where specialized organisms thrive in ways you would not find in the open sea.

Location: Novorossiysk

GPS coordinates: 44.68028,37.80222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01