Chivyrkuysky Gulf is one of the coziest and scenic spots at Lake Baikal. It extends deeply into the land between the mainland and Svyatoy Nos peninsula by 26 km with the width of 6-12 km. The bay is shoal, its average deepness varies about 10 m, for this reason, the summer water temperature not infrequently attains +20˚- 22˚ С.

Chivyrkuysky Gulf comprises seven islands that are considered to be the remnants of the land submerged there. Each island possesses its unrepeatable and unique aspect and its own name as well.

The bay is rich in small beautiful bays, one of which is called Zmeinaya Bay that is the most well-known one. It has a great fame for its thermal springs that find the way out on the land and under the water. The spring place is surrounded by the log construction for swimming, placed at the edge of the water.

Zmeinaya Bay was given such a name due to the high number of the grass-snakes inhabiting the spring area.

Warm water as well as the perfect conditions for fishing and resting contributes a lot to the great tourist inflow at the shore of Chivyrkuy.