The delta waterways
Welcome to the Delta area in the Netherlands' south west, paradise for watersports and pleasure cruising. With its gentle streams, country rivers, canals that cut straight across the countryside, lakes and closed-off inlets, this area offers a staggering variety of opportunities for everyone to enjoy.
Yachts that cross in the wind, surfers skimming the waves, divers discovering the secrets of the under-water world, cabin cruisers calmly making their way along the inland waterways and fishermen reeling in their catch. Enjoy the expansive views, the stunning clouds in the sky, and the calm of the quiet summer nights. You will want for nothing here. High time, therefore, to discover this water-rich area in all its varieties.
GREVELINGENMEER
Welcome to Grevelingenmeer, home to Waterfront Jachtcharter. This largest salt-water lake in Europe is 25 kilometres long and offers ideal sailing conditions for watersports novices and families with young children. There is no tide, the water is clear and there are numerous places to moor on the man-made islands.
The Flakkee Slikken to the north of Grevelingenmeer are a unique nature reserve, home to thousands of waterbirds, waders and other birds that breed in fields. The islands are inhibited by fjord horses and Heck cattle. Want to join us on a discovery trip? Brouwersdam hosts Holland's biggest and most beautiful sandy beaches - ideal for soaking up the sunshine. The villages of Brouwershaven, den Osse, Scharendijke, Herkingen and, of course, Marina Port Zélande are attractive places to stay the night, offering a wide variety of leisure facilities.
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KRAMMER / VOLKERAK
This waterway forms the natural link between the provinces of South Holland, Zeeland and North Brabant, surrounded by nature reserves and mussel farms. Moor your boat in Strijensas, Oude Tonge or Dintelmond.
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HARINGVLIET / HOLLANDSCH DIEP
This fresh-water area stretches from the North Sea all the way to Biesbosch. Haringvliet in particular is an easily-accessible waterway virtually no cargo ship trading. For a convivial atmosphere, visit Hellevoetsluis and Middelharnis. The fish auction and market in Stellendam is busy particularly on Friday mornings when large quantities of fresh fish from the North Sea are delivered by the cutters that make the harbour in convoys on Thursday and Friday night.
Hollandsch Diep is a busy connection between the Rotterdam and Antwerp harbours. Please remember to check behind you regularly and keep to the starboard marker line. Willemstad is a convivial and historic town. Dordrecht, a city boasting more than 800 monuments, is highly recommended for culture lovers.
After braving the hectic traffic on Hollandsch Diep, catch your breath in the "De Brabantsche Biesbosch" nature reserve and enjoy sailing its streams, catching the biggest fish and finding the perfect place to lie at anchor for a night.
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OOSTERSCHELDE
Oosterschelde is an expansive tidal water and nature reserve. It is perfect for the more seasoned watersports lovers, with maximum flow speeds of about 2 knots (3.8 kilometres per hour). Stay at Roompot Marina to the west, where you will also find the imposing flood barriers. Neeltje Jans is a working island hosting a permanent exhibition on the tremendous power of water during tidal motions.
Zierikzee with its historic inner harbour and museums offers a sheltered mooring place to spend the night.
Colijnsplaat lies across from Zierikzee, a rural and pastoral village that promises a pleasurable stay. Moor your yacht in Goes, at the heart of the town's historic centre, surrounded by its lively atmosphere.
To the southeast of Oosterschelde a jumble of sticks marks the storage and cultivation locations for mussels and oysters. These shellfish are brought ashore in Yerseke, to be enjoyed in the local specialist restaurants. For some great shopping, visit Bergen op Zoom, or enjoy a dink on one of the many pavement cafes in the city centre.
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MARK and DINTEL (for cabin cruisers only)
Between Drimmelen and Geertruidenberg it's full steam ahead towards Breda, a historic town boasting a lively and inviting centre and wonderful city canals. From there it is a back to Terheijden, Etten Leur or Oudenbosch. Jin Volkerak at Dinteloord.
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VEERSE MEER
This long lake, surrounded by freely accessible nature reserves, first came to life when the Delta dams were built. It is over 22 kilometres long and offers places to stay for free off the man-made islands that dot the lake. Make sure you don't miss a visit to the enchanting town of Veere either. You will also find marinas in Wolphaartsdijk and Kortgene. A canal will take you to Middelburg and Vlissingen. Again, you will be able to moor in the town centre and enjoy the hustle and bustle of these lovely towns from the comfort of your pavement café seat.
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NORTH SEA / WESTERSCHELDE
To sail parts of the North Sea and Westerschelde, we strongly recommend you contact us to get the permission required.
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SAILING ROUTES
It goes without saying that you are free to map out your own route. However, if you are new to the area, you can choose from the routes we have put together for you. Please note that the sailing times provided below are average times, and include lockage in the locks and waiting times for bridges. This depends, among other things, on the speed with which the locks or bridges are operated and of course the wind force and direction and any current. Of course, you may change these routes as you see fit, or sail them in the opposite direction. Also, when planning your holiday, please allow for at least one windbound day.
For beginners, we can set out a suitable route in consultation.
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(Hours are just an indication depending on the wind, docks and bridges)
MOTORYACHTS
Marina Port Zélande
Bruinisse
Willemstad
Biesbosch
Oudenbosch
St. Annaland |
Bruinisse
Willemstad
Biesbosch
Oudenbosch
St. Annaland
Marina Port Zélande |
3 hours
6 hours
7 hours
5 hours
5 hours
4 hours |
incl. tour around the Biesbosch |
Marina Port Zélande
Bruinisse
Zierikzee
Colijnsplaat
Veere
Vlissingen
Goes |
Bruinisse
Zierikzee
Colijnsplaat
Veere
Vlissingen
Goes
Marina Port Zélande |
3 hours
3 hours
6 hours
4 hours
6 - 8 hours
8 hours
7 hours |
visiting Neeltje Jans
visiting Middelburg |
Marina Port Zélande
Bruinisse
Middelharnis
Stellendam
Biesbosch
Willemstad
St. Annaland
Goes |
Bruinisse
Middelharnis
Stellendam
Biesbosch
Willemstad
St. Annaland
Goes
Marina Port Zélande |
3 hours
6 hours
2 hours
6 hours
4 hours
5 hours
4 hours
7 hours |
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Marina Port Zélande
Herkingen
Goes
Veere
Vlissingen
Kortgene
Yerseke
St. Annaland
Grevelingen
Brouwershaven |
Herkingen
Goes
Veere
Vlissingen
Kortgene
Yerseke
St. Annaland
Grevelingen
Brouwershaven
Marina Port Zélande |
3 hours
6 hours
5 hours
4 hours
6 hours
5 hours
5 hours
4 hours
2 - 6 hours
1 hours
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spending the night on a island
boattrip on the Grevelingenmeer |
SAILING YACHTS
Marina Port Zélande
Brouwershaven
Grevelingen
Zierikzee
Roompot Marina
St. Annaland
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Brouwershaven
rondtour Grevelingen
Zierikzee
Roompot Marina
St. Annaland
Marina Port Zélande
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1 hours
4 - 7 hours
5 hours
6 hours
4 hours
4 hours
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spending the night on a island
tour Oosterschelde / visiting the Deltawerken
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Marina Port Zélande
Bruinisse
Goes
Zierikzee
Veere |
Bruinisse
Goes
Zierikzee
Veere
Kats
Marina Port Zélande |
3 - 6 hours
5 hours
4 hours
6 hours
7 hours
4 hours
3 - 5 hours |
tour on the Grevelingen
spending the night on a island |
Marina Port Zélande
Bruinisse
Hellevoetsluis
Middelharnis
Yerseke
Veere
Vlissingen
Wemeldinge |
Bruinisse
Hellevoetsluis
Middelharnis
Yerseke
Veere
Vlissingen
Wemeldinge
Marina Port Zélande |
3 - 7 hours
7 hours
4 hours
7 hours
5 hours
5 hours
7 hours
5 hours |
tour on the Grevelingen
on the Westerschelde |
Marina Port Zélande
St. Annaland
Middelharnis
Stellendam
Willemstad
Goes
Veere
Zierikzee
Bruinisse |
St. Annaland
Middelharnis
Stellendam
Willemstad
Goes
Veere
Zierikzee
Bruinisse
Marina Port Zélande |
4 hours
6 hours
2 hours
5 hours
8 hours
5 hours
7 hours
5 hours
2 - 6 hours |
tour on the Grevelingen |
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