Wadden Sea

Harlingen is home to over 70 Brown Fleet ships during the summer months. With its seven harbours and numerous historical facades, the city not only offers a beautiful backdrop but is also the entrance to the Wadden Sea.

Salty air, breathtaking nature and friendly residents can be found on all the Wadden Islands, and yet they all have something unique, a very distinct look and feel.

On Texel, for example, you set foot in the harbour of the village of Oudeschild, where fishing is still very much alive. In the village, you can visit Kaap Skil – Museum for Beachcombers & Sailors and of course eat delicious fresh fish in the many restaurants. Want to see more of the island? Cycling on Texel is highly recommended!

Vlieland is the nature island par excellence. Here you can breathe in peace and quiet like nowhere else. Far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and street noise, you can relax, walk, cycle or ride horses on the smallest Dutch Wadden Sea island in the dunes and forests.

Of course, Terschelling also offers plenty of peace and quiet, but above all it is an incredibly busy and sociable island. Whether you like it or not – every walk through nature will sooner or later bring you back to the village of West-Terschelling via small paths. Numerous eateries, coffee houses, brown pubs and restaurants spread around the Brandaris lighthouse, and life is buzzing on all the terraces. Only time always goes far too fast here….

But that does not matter because we can discover many more beautiful places while sailing. The Wadden Sea – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 – is a sailing area for nature lovers with adventurous blood.

The imposing play of ebb and flow treats us to a special but mostly active sailing experience every day. At high tide we sail over and at low tide along the sandbanks while the seals are dozing on them. We can anchor in a quiet spot or fall dry on a plate and take a walk on the bottom of the sea. Now that’s unique!

Neighboring Countries
Netherlands

The Wadden Sea

Harlingen is home to over 70 Brown Fleet ships during the summer months. With its seven harbours and numerous historical facades, the city not only offers a beautiful backdrop but is also the entrance to the Wadden Sea.

Salty air, breathtaking nature and friendly residents can be found on all the Wadden Islands, and yet they all have something unique, a very distinct look and feel.

On Texel, for example, you set foot in the harbour of the village of Oudeschild, where fishing is still very much alive. In the village, you can visit Kaap Skil - Museum for Beachcombers & Sailors and of course eat delicious fresh fish in the many restaurants. Want to see more of the island? Cycling on Texel is highly recommended!

Vlieland is the nature island par excellence. Here you can breathe in peace and quiet like nowhere else. Far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and street noise, you can relax, walk, cycle or ride horses on the smallest Dutch Wadden Sea island in the dunes and forests.

Of course, Terschelling also offers plenty of peace and quiet, but above all it is an incredibly busy and sociable island. Whether you like it or not - every walk through nature will sooner or later bring you back to the village of West-Terschelling via small paths. Numerous eateries, coffee houses, brown pubs and restaurants spread around the Brandaris lighthouse, and life is buzzing on all the terraces. Only time always goes far too fast here....

But that does not matter because we can discover many more beautiful places while sailing. The Wadden Sea - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 - is a sailing area for nature lovers with adventurous blood.

The imposing play of ebb and flow treats us to a special but mostly active sailing experience every day. At high tide we sail over and at low tide along the sandbanks while the seals are dozing on them. We can anchor in a quiet spot or fall dry on a plate and take a walk on the bottom of the sea. Now that's unique!

brandaris-race5

Possible travel destinations on the Wadden Sea

After just a few days on board, you can marvel at the diversity of this sailing area. There really is something for everyone here. Ports of departure and possible stopovers always depend on the ship.

Weekend: Off to the islands - Terschelling, Vlieland or Texel await you!
Midweek: The Frisian islands and perhaps a stopover on the IJsselmeer
Week: The complete programme? Islands, IJsselmeer and dry land on the mud flats!

Important: The route always depends on wind and tide and can therefore only be discussed on board.

Sailing trips

17 April
 to 21 April 2025
From
€ 455
  4 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
Experience an active Easter sailing holiday on Dutch waters. Your neighbouring country is within easy reach and yet a little holiday abroad and a different culture awaits you. Perhaps you will take a piece of Dutch serenity home with you… Weather permitting, you can also fall dry on a sandbank with the BreeSant.
18 May
 to 23 May 2025
From
€ 555
  5 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
Enjoy a wonderful sailing trip together with your peers on the three-master Nil Desperandum. Whether you want to relax and enjoy nature or actively participate in the sailing action – both are possible!
24 May
 to 31 May 2025
From
€ 1299
  8 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
During this Sail & Bike trip, you will explore the area around the beautiful and unique Wadden Sea and some of its islands by bike. In between cycling, you sail along for bits or days on the ship, which goes to a new destination each day. You dine, sleep and have breakfast on board.
7 June
 to 14 June 2025
From
€ 1299
  8 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
During this Sail & Bike trip, you will explore the area around the beautiful and unique Wadden Sea and some of its islands by bike. In between cycling, you sail along for bits or days on the ship, which goes to a new destination each day. You dine, sleep and have breakfast on board.
5 July
 to 12 July 2025
From
€ 1299
  8 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
During this Sail & Bike trip, you will explore the area around the beautiful and unique Wadden Sea and some of its islands by bike. In between cycling, you sail along for bits or days on the ship, which goes to a new destination each day. You dine, sleep and have breakfast on board.
27 July
 to 1 August 2025
V.a.
€ 640
  5 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
Your adventure starts in sturdy Harlingen, situated on the beautiful Wadden Sea. You will discover the quietest beach on Terschelling, the chicest beach club on Vlieland, the cosiest harbour-side café in Enkhuizen, the most beautiful lighthouse on Ameland, the finest bike ride on Texel, the most stately buildings in Hoorn and/or the tastiest kibbeling in Den Oever.
28 July
 to 1 August 2025
€ 550
  5 days
  IJsselmeer, Wadden Sea
Experience summer in the Netherlands on board a traditional sailing vessel. Your neighbouring country is within easy reach and yet a short holiday abroad and a different culture await you.. Discover the natural beauty of the Wadden Sea National Park and the West Frisian Islands from the water. A tour over the IJsselmeer and the Frisian canals would be also possible
9 August
 to 16 August 2025
From
€ 1299
  8 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
During this Sail & Bike trip, you will explore the area around the beautiful and unique Wadden Sea and some of its islands by bike. In between cycling, you sail along for bits or days on the ship, which goes to a new destination each day. You dine, sleep and have breakfast on board.
25 August
 to 31 August 2025
From
€ 655
  6 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
During this trip, you will have the opportunity to explore the Dutch Wadden Sea on this more than 100-year-old traditional sailing ship. Experience the mudflats while sailing on the Nil Desperandum and then explore the islands by bike or on foot.
6 September
 to 13 September 2025
From
€ 1299
  8 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
During this Sail & Bike trip, you will explore the area around the beautiful and unique Wadden Sea and some of its islands by bike. In between cycling, you sail along for bits or days on the ship, which goes to a new destination each day. You dine, sleep and have breakfast on board.
27 September
 to 4 October 2025
From
€ 1149
  8 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
During this Sail & Bike trip, you will explore the area around the beautiful and unique Wadden Sea and some of its islands by bike. In between cycling, you sail along for bits or days on the ship, which goes to a new destination each day. You dine, sleep and have breakfast on board.