Holiday on the Wadden Sea: discover a unique nature reserve
The Wadden Sea is one of the most unique natural areas in the Netherlands and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is characterized by dynamic tides, vast sandbanks, mudflats, and salt marshes. The tides constantly transform the landscape, creating a unique ecosystem where water, wind, and nature converge.
The Wadden Sea is not only a paradise for birds and marine life such as seals, porpoises, and countless migratory birds, but also a fantastic destination for water sports enthusiasts. The best way to explore the Wadden Sea is by sailing ship – a sustainable and environmentally conscious way to travel, allowing you to sail from island to island and experience nature at your own pace.
Sailing on the Wadden Sea: ebb and flow and drying out
Sailing on the Wadden Sea is a unique experience in the Netherlands. The Wadden Sea is a unique tidal area, with constantly changing channels, sandbars, and salt marshes. The tides determine the rhythm of your journey: at low tide, the water recedes, exposing the sandbars, while at high tide, the water rises again, making all navigation routes accessible.
This rhythm makes sailing on the Wadden Sea special, but it also requires knowledge and experience. Fortunately, our skippers are fully experienced in navigation on the Wadden Sea. They know exactly which channels are safe at low tide and where you can run aground, so you don't have to think about a thing and can enjoy yourself completely carefree.
Beaching: walk on the seabed
One of the most unique experiences on the Wadden Sea is running aground. The ship is sailed onto a sandbank and after a while lies dry on the seabed. While the ship is quietly moored, you can walk across the mudflats, observe shells and mud worms, and enjoy an environment that is inaccessible at high tide.
During the tidal flats, you'll experience the tranquility and vastness of the Wadden Sea and get the chance to see marine life up close. Seals sunbathe on sandbanks, and countless birds forage on the mudflats and salt marshes. It's a direct and immersive way to experience the Wadden Sea ecosystem.
Safety and carefree enjoyment
The best thing about sailing the Wadden Sea with Come Sail With Us! is that you don't have to worry about a thing. Our skippers plan the trip entirely according to the tides, ensure safe grounding, and know exactly when the boat will refloat again when the tide rises. You can relax, enjoy the scenery, and experience the unique atmosphere of the Wadden Sea, while the skippers take care of everything.
Dark Sky Park Waddenzee
The Wadden Sea is among the darkest regions in the Netherlands and is ideal for stargazing. In October 2016, 43 organizations signed the Dark Sky Declaration to reduce light pollution and preserve darkness as a valuable natural and cultural asset.
What makes that so special?
- Rare darkness: In a clear sky, thousands of stars are visible, including the Milky Way.
- Nature Conservation: Less light pollution supports the natural behavior of animals such as birds and bats.
- Education and Awareness: There are programs and activities that explain the importance of darkness for people and nature.
Whether you're a passionate stargazer or simply want to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, the Wadden Sea offers a unique experience. Learn more↗︎
The port of Harlingen: The starting point of our journeys
Harlingen↗︎ is a historic port city on the Frisian coast and the perfect starting point for a sailing trip on the Wadden Sea. The city exudes a maritime atmosphere with its picturesque warehouses, canals, and monumental buildings.
Harlingen Harbor: At Harlingen Harbor, you'll embark and begin your Wadden Sea experience. Our experienced skippers will ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
A special place in the harbour is Het Brouwdok↗︎, an atmospheric brewery on the water.
Activities in Harlingen
- Hannemahuis↗︎: discover the maritime history of Harlingen.
- Historic city center↗︎: charming streets with cafes, shops and galleries.
- Harbour promenade↗︎: watch the ships and experience the maritime activity.
The Wadden Islands: from island to island
Our trips start in Harlingen and travel from island to island. Each island has its own character, villages, sights, and activities.
Texel
Texel↗︎ is the largest of the Wadden Islands and offers a variety of dunes, forests, polders, and beaches. The island boasts tranquil nature reserves like De Slufter↗︎, where the sea has free rein and salt tides create a unique ecosystem.
Villages and harbor: We moor in Oudeschild↗︎, a charming fishing village with harbor activities. Den Burg↗︎ and De Koog↗︎ are picturesque villages where you can stroll, shop, and enjoy local restaurants.
Places of interest: Texel lighthouse↗︎, watching seals in Ecomare↗︎, De Slufter↗︎ and De Muy.
Finds from the Palmhout Wreck are on display at Museum Kaap Skil↗︎ in Oudeschild. The ship's cargo included hundreds of trunks of palm wood as well as passengers' personal belongings, including several items of clothing. One of the garments, a silk dress, achieved international fame because it was preserved almost completely.
Activities: Cycling and walking through the dunes and polders, watching seals at Ecomare, relaxing on the beach, visiting Cape Skil for maritime history.
Vlieland
Vlieland↗︎ is the quietest inhabited island and is known for its tranquility and natural beauty. Cars are limited here, making the island a relaxing environment for walkers and cyclists.
Village and harbor: We moor in Oost-Vlieland, the island's only village, with charming streets and local gastronomy.
Places of interest: Drenkelingenhuisje↗︎, historical monument and small museum, Vliehors Express↗︎, an excursion to the Vliehors sand plain with seal spotting.
Activities: walking and cycling through the forest, dunes to the beach, bird watching, relaxing on wide beaches, joining the Vliehors Express
Terschelling
Terschelling↗︎ has a varied landscape with wide beaches, dunes, forests and polders and combines natural beauty with culture.
Villages and harbors: We moor in West Terschelling↗︎, with its historic streets, shops, cafes, and restaurants. The village of Midsland↗︎ is the largest village on Terschelling after West Terschelling. Around the Meslânzer Church, you'll find a diverse area with a rich history that's perfect for exploring.
Places of interest: Dunes of Terschelling↗︎, Nature reserve De Boschplaat↗︎, Brandaris lighthouse↗︎, Oerol Festival↗︎, Wreck Museum↗︎, Tigerstellung↗︎ (remnant of the Atlantic Wall) and the Rock & Roll Street festival↗︎.
Activities: walking and cycling through the diverse landscape, bird watching, seal watching, experiencing culture and local events, visiting museums and historical sites.
Ameland
Ameland↗︎ offers nature and culture, with a varied landscape and rich flora and fauna.
Villages and harbor: we moor in Nes↗︎, the central village with shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums. In the village of Hollum↗︎, with its many monumental commander's houses, you literally step into Ameland's vibrant history.
Places of interest: Ameland lighthouse↗︎, Oerd nature reserve↗︎, Museums and old farms, Swartwoude agricultural museum and beachcombers museum↗︎, Hotel Nobel, where you can try the local liqueur Nobeltje.
Activities: hiking and cycling, bird watching, cultural activities, exploring villages Try Nobeltje↗︎ in hotel nobel.
Schiermonnikoog
Schiermonnikoog is small, peaceful, and largely unspoiled. The island offers expansive beaches, dunes, and salt marshes, ideal for anyone who wants to experience the tranquility of the Wadden Sea.
Village and harbor: We moor at Schiermonnikoog↗︎, the only village with charming streets, shops, cafes, and museums. The Hotel Van der Werff↗︎ has a historic taproom where you can enjoy a drink and soak up the authentic atmosphere.
Places of interest: Schiermonnikoog National Park↗︎, lighthouse↗︎, beach and dunes, Whale jaws↗︎: remnants from the whaling era.
Activities: long walks through the dunes and salt marshes, cycling on quiet paths, bird watching, and a visit to the Werff hotel for an authentic atmosphere.
Sailing to Lauwersmeer: peace, nature and adventure
The Lauwersmeer is a beautiful nature reserve that we can also explore by sailing boat. After the damming of the Lauwerszee in 1969, a unique landscape emerged with reed beds, grasslands, and wetlands. The area has since been designated Lauwersmeer National Park↗︎ and boasts a rich biodiversity.
During a sailing trip on Lauwersmeer, you'll experience the tranquility and vastness of the area. You can spot birds, such as greylag geese and spoonbills, and enjoy the natural beauty. The lake is ideal for a day trip by sailboat, with its wide open waters as well as narrow channels and creeks. There are also several beautiful islands where we can moor.
We often visit the Lauwersmeer in combination with a trip on the Dokkumer Ee, via Dokkum and Leeuwarden back to Harlingen.
An impression:
