The mudflats are governed by the ebb and flow of the tides. One moment, kilometres of extensive mudflats are dry, the next moment everything is flooded again. The ebb and flow of the tides create strong currents. These currents ensure that the mudflats never remain the same for a day. With the flood, water from the North Sea is pushed through the inlets between the islands. The mudflats fill up with water through channels and gullies and the mudflats are flooded. With the ebb, the water from the mudflats flows through the gullies and gullies back to the North Sea. The flowing water carries sand and silt with it. Sand particles settle when the water is moving, the silt particles only when the water is still and high tide. This is how the mudflats are formed. The mudflats consist of sand or silt. The mudflats are teeming with life: crabs, shrimps, worms and buried shellfish. Millions of migratory birds search for food on the exposed mudflats every year to gain strength for their journey. North Sea fish such as plaice, sole and dab use the Wadden Sea as a nursery. These fish in turn form the food source for the largest animals that live in the Wadden Sea: the seal. An estimated 40,000 seals live in the Dutch part of the Wadden Sea. At high tide they hunt for fish, at low tide they rest on the exposed mudflats. The Wadden Sea is a very dynamic area with much to discover. Together with the Wadden Islands, the Wadden Sea is a fantastic holiday destination!

Of course, the Wadden area is best explored by boat!

Our sailing trips start and end in Harlingen. Our sailing area extends from Den Helder to the Eems. A tour along the islands, beaching, anchoring, mudflat hiking, eating self-gathered cockles or mussels, a visit to the Cocksdorp or the Lauwersmeer area, it is all possible! The sailing area of the Storebaelt is somewhat more limited due to its draught and extends from Ameland to Den Helder. Of course, trips to destinations on the IJsselmeer are also possible.