Sailing holiday Wadden Sea
A Wadden Sea sailing holiday feels like a little escape from everyday life. Close and yet completely different, with vast sandbanks, healthy, fresh salty sea air and a horizon that is ever-changing. The Wadden Islands – Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog – share their rugged nature and welcoming atmosphere, but each island has its own character and charm.
Experience the magic of the tidal currents as you sail into an island harbour after an exhilarating day on the water. End the day with a relaxing beach walk and explore the island by bike the next morning. Along the way, you can spot seals enjoying the sun on dried-up sandbanks.
The experienced and dedicated skippers affiliated with Rederij van Linschoten know the Wadden like the back of their hand and are more than happy to take you along hidden salt marshes or channels and to untouched spots. Perhaps the skipper will choose to ground the ship on a sandbank – a unique experience where you’ll literally be in the heart of nature.
Sailing on the Wadden Sea is adventure, relaxation and nature all in one. Step aboard one of our traditional sailing ships (read more about the Dutch traditional sailing fleet here), and discover it for yourself!
Falling dry on the mud flats - Unique experience
What makes a sailing holiday on the Wadden Sea so special? The answer lies with the traditional flat-bottomed ships affiliated with Rederij van Linschoten. Thanks to their flat bottoms, these ships can do something unique – run aground on the Wadden! It’s a special opportunity to catch a glimpse of the hidden life in the Wadden Sea area.
Our well-trained skippers know the Wadden area like no one else and know exactly where a suitable sandbank lies for their ship to run aground at low tide. Try to imagine it: you’re relaxing on the deck of the sailing ship, enjoying the salty sea air and the soothing sound of the gentle waves. Slowly but steadily, the water begins to recede beneath you, and you feel the ship gently settle on the seabed.
Then the moment arrives: you disembark and enter a world that normally remains hidden. Seals rest on the edge of the sandbanks, birds skim over the water in search of food, and the endless horizon gives you the feeling of being completely alone with nature. This is also a time when you can look for your own meal of mussels, razor clams, cockles or winkles.
But beware, because the Wadden Sea waits for no one. As soon as the tide goes out, you need to be back on board the ship, as the water often rushes back and then the ship gently comes loose from the bottom – as if nothing has happened – time to set sail. A once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget!
Unesco World Heritage Site - A more than unique Wadden area
Thanks to its exceptional biodiversity and in the interest of nature conservation, the Wadden Sea has acquired the prestigious Unesco World Heritage Site status. This special ecosystem is home to a huge variety of plants and animals and plays a crucial role as a breeding ground, migration route and wintering area for numerous bird species, including migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometres and find a safe resting and foraging place here. In addition, enjoy seagrass fields, Kelp and various seaweeds on the 2x daily drying sandbanks.
Step aboard one of our traditional sailing ships in the charming towns of Stavoren, Makkum, Enkhuizen, or the Frisian Harlingen, and begin an unforgettable sailing trip to the enchanting Wadden area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, wind, sea, and sand create a constantly changing landscape. Experience for yourself why this unique natural area has earned such special status, and let yourself be carried away by the power of the wind on an adventurous sailing journey across the Wadden Sea.
Educational sailing on the Wadden Sea.
A sailing holiday on the Wadden Sea offers not only an adventure but also an incredibly valuable learning experience. While enjoying the sailing experience, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the unique ecosystem of the Wadden Sea. Our expert skippers eagerly share their knowledge of the flora and fauna of this exceptional nature reserve. They are happy to tell you about the diverse bird species that call this area home, from the impressive gannet to the playful oystercatcher. You’ll also learn about the influence of the tides and how they keep the landscape in constant change. This journey offers an interactive nature lesson, where you’ll gain new insights in a fun and engaging way. Whether you are traveling alone, with a group, or on a school trip, it remains a one-of-a-kind experience.
So let your adventurous spirit take the lead, book a sailing holiday on the Wadden Sea, and set sail! Discover the unique phenomenon of running aground, explore the enchanting Wadden Islands, and immerse yourself in the rich nature of the Wadden Sea. Choose a sailing holiday on a traditional sailing ship and experience the ultimate freedom on the water. With a sailing trip on a traditional vessel, you automatically opt for a ‘green’ holiday. Close to nature, environmentally conscious, sustainable, and far away from mass tourism.
Your sailing adventure starts here! Submit your booking request today and discover the Wadden Sea by sailing ship.
