Where will your group sail in the Netherlands?
BoatBoatBoat offers sailing trips on two distinctive Dutch waterways: the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea.
Both provide opportunities to explore the Netherlands beyond its major cities, but the sailing experiences are quite different.
Sailing on the IJsselmeer
The IJsselmeer is a large freshwater lake in the Netherlands, surrounded by historic harbor towns and maritime communities.
It's an appealing choice for clubs looking to combine sailing with visits to traditional Dutch ports. Depending on your itinerary, your group can spend the day sailing across open water and explore a harbor town after docking.
The IJsselmeer works well for weekend getaways and longer private group charters.
Sailing on the Wadden Sea
The Wadden Sea is a coastal tidal area along the northern Netherlands, known for its expansive scenery, changing tides, and tidal flats.
Sailing here offers a different perspective on the Dutch coast. On suitable vessels and under the right tidal and weather conditions, it's even possible to let the ship settle onto the seabed at low tide, a traditional experience known as drying out.
Routes on the Wadden Sea depend on the tides, weather, trip duration, and capabilities of the vessel.
Departure Harbors in the Netherlands
Depending on the ship you choose, departures may be available from Dutch ports such as:
- Harlingen: A historic port on the northern Dutch coast and a departure point for sailing on the Wadden Sea.
- Enkhuizen: A traditional harbor town on the IJsselmeer.
- Monnickendam: A historic waterfront town in the province of North Holland.
- Muiden: A historic town with a harbor near Amsterdam.
- Lelystad: A waterfront city in the province of Flevoland.
- Makkum: A coastal village in Friesland, near the IJsselmeer.
Each vessel has its own departure location and sailing possibilities. BoatBoatBoat can help you find a ship that suits both your group and your travel plans.
If you're organizing a trip from the United States, it's worth confirming the departure harbor before arranging your transportation within the Netherlands.