The Netherlands is synonymous with “water”. The country is a river delta, offering fantastic inshore and coastal cruising opportunities. Countless lakes and connecting canals mean you can get almost everywhere by boat. Unsurprisingly, the Dutch love water sports, so there are various charter boats and marinas. For instance, if you are eager to go Dinghy sailing in the Netherlands, you’ll find the perfect boat.
Furthermore, historic towns dot the coast. They are typically built around the harbour, so you can often moor your boat in the heart of town. Pubs and restaurants have replaced yesteryear’s fishing and trade buzz, but a unique and cosy atmosphere remains. Some stunning nature reserves have been preserved, and new ones have been established.
Keep reading to know about:
- Where to go sailing in the Netherlands.
- The best charter options.
Snapdragon 29 | Frappant
Merenpoort 845 | Freule
Molenmaker & Mantel 8.2 | Jonker
Where to Go Sailing in the Netherlands
Regardless of your destination of origin, whether you want to go from London to Amsterdam or Croatia to Wadden or Friesland to experience a lavish city lifestyle while sailing through or marvel at the landscapes as you boat through the lakes and coastal areas the Netherlands has to offer, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Here are some of the best sailing regions in the Netherlands:
1.) Friesland
If you are eager to sail in Friesland, Netherlands, you are in for a treat because this famous northern sailing province has much to offer. Thanks to its sheltered inshore lakes and canals, you can enjoy sailing here even when the conditions on the neighbouring IJsselmeer and sea are rough.
Its historic towns add to the charm, like Grou, where you can moor and enjoy the history and hospitality of the locals, such as in the lakeside restaurant Het Theehuis. Nature lovers will cherish the unique Marrekrite foundation, which tends to move away from the crowds. All you have to do to enjoy their stunning spots is purchase their banner.
Another big plus of Friesland: locks in Lemmer, Stavoren and Workum give access to the IJsselmeer, and the sea lock in Harlingen opens up to the Wadden for more advanced sailing.
2.) IJsselmeer
The country’s largest lake used to be open sea until it was closed off with the gigantic Afsluitdijk in 1932. Nowadays, it is a beautiful sailing area where historic towns still breathe the atmosphere of bygone times.
To get a feel of the history and culture of the area, visit the Zuiderzee Museum in picturesque Enkhuizen. Remnants of fishing and trade culture are also still palpable in Monnickendam, Marken, Volendam, Hoorn, and Medemblik.
On the Frisian side of the lake, historic towns like Lemmer, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum and Makkum are well worth a visit. Excellent marinas with full facilities can be found around the entire lake.
City lovers can easily sail to Amsterdam via the IJsselmeer. From cosy Sixhaven to the larger Amsterdam Marina, you can easily reach the city centre on free ferries that frequently cross the IJ River. There’s nature, too: the area’s newest nature reserve is man-made Markerwadden, which can only be reached by boat.
Its sand dunes and countless birds and plants that thrive on the edge of land and water explain why the word “Wadden” was chosen.
3.) Wadden
A salty smell tickles your nostrils while sailing in the Wadden islands. The area is still sheltered from the fury of the North Sea, yet it takes some sailing experience to navigate these tidal waters safely. The many shallows make this an ideal sailing area for flat-bottomed boats.
What could be more beautiful than drying out on a sandbank surrounded by curious birds and seals? Keel yachts better stay within the well-buoyed fairways. The islands Texel, Vlieland and Terschelling all have deep-water marinas. They can get crowded in the summer, so anchoring is a good alternative. Vlieland offers an excellent anchorage just beyond the ferry terminal.
When visiting these stunning islands, getting around is by bicycle. You can easily rent one and use the extensive network of cycle paths. At Texel, a visit to nature conservation and seal centre Ecomare is best followed by typical Dutch pancakes at Catharinahoeve. In Vlieland, the characteristic restaurant Posthuys offers excellent coffee, cake and meals. It’s also the starting point for the adventurous Vliehors express tours.
While at Terschelling, ensure you don’t miss the unique nature reserve Boschplaat. The Wrakkenmuseum is a great place to learn how the life of the islanders has been intertwined with the sea and shipping throughout history.
Did you know that cranberries once washed up on Terschelling’s shores? Check out this versatile local delicacy at the Bessenschuur. Restaurant De Walvis offers the best nachos in the Wadden, and you get stunning views for free. The equally beautiful eastern islands of Ameland and especially Schiermonnikoog are a bit more off the beaten track, as they are more challenging to reach for deep-draft yachts.
4.) Zeeland
The Deltawerken, a giant sea defence scheme, radically shaped the cruising area in this southern province. You won’t regret learning all about this at the visitor centre of Neeltje Jans. As a result, diverse estuaries and lakes, from the salty Oosterschelde to the small and sheltered Veerse Meer, offer many ecosystem diversity and mooring options.
Picturesque towns such as Zierikzee, Goes, Middelburg and Vlissingen are worth a visit. Zeeland is connected with the IJsselmeer via inland waterways. If you don’t mind motoring and crossing bridges and locks, the Staande Mast Route might be your choice. You can sail to and from Zeeland via the notorious North Sea if your sea legs are sturdy.
5.) North Sea coast
During westerly storms, the sandy North Sea coast turns into a dangerous lee shore. Fortunately, such storms are rare in summer.
Some deep-water ports along the coast give access to large marinas and city life in bustling Rotterdam, stately The Hague and cosmopolitan Amsterdam (via IJmuiden). Amsterdam sailing holidays are not for the faint-hearted since you’ll be in the company of large ships.
However, regardless of the areas you choose to charter, chances are the Netherlands will captivate you.
Best Charter Boat Options to Use While Sailing in the Netherlands
If you want to sail through the Netherlands, here are some impeccable boating options to pick from:
Snapdragon 29 | Frappant
Merenpoort 845 | Freule
Molenmaker & Mantel 8.2 | Jonker
1.) Sailing Yacht
They are well-known for their ability to offer an authentic sailing experience, and Sailing Yachts are inexpensive. The rental price per day typically starts at €73 per day.
What’s more? You can also choose to include various amenities, making your cruise comfortable.
2.) Catamaran
While this is a more expensive mode of transportation, its comfort is unmatched. You’ll have a generous living space, making it the best family option.
The rental price begins at €339 per day.
3.) Houseboats
Houseboats are an excellent option if you want to enjoy a slow cruise while sailing in Amsterdam or your preferred region.
This is also a convenient option to boat through regions with lakes, such as Friesland.
The rental price begins at €56 per day.
At Boataround, we offer value for your money. Our boating options ensure you have the best sailing holidays regardless of destination. Contact us today!
