Explore Oosterschelde
Diving in Oosterschelde, the largest national park in the Netherlands, offers a unique and captivating underwater experience. Known for its diverse marine life, this destination draws divers from around the world, particularly during the cuttlefish mating season. It's a fascinating time when these intelligent creatures gather in large numbers, creating a spectacle of marine life activity. The waters here also serve as a breeding ground for diverse species such as squid and seahorses, making each dive a chance to encounter something extraordinary. The dive environment in Oosterschelde is characterized by tidal conditions which dictate when diving is feasible. This aspect adds an element of challenge, making it crucial for divers to plan meticulously. Diving is possible for only a limited time each day, and during these windows, the area can become quite popular. Despite the challenges, the reward is immense, as the thriving ecosystems and vibrant marine life make it a dive destination not to be missed.
Dive Activity
Diving in Oosterschelde
The Oosterschelde, a renowned dive destination in the Netherlands, offers a variety of engaging underwater experiences. Notable wreck dives include the "Le Serpent" and "North Sea Wreck", where divers can explore remnants of history swathed in marine life. These sites are teeming with creatures like lobsters and conger eels, making them a treat for both novice and experienced divers. Popular shore dives, such as "Plompe Toren", offer easy access and stunning views of the marine ecosystem, characterized by vibrant sea anemones and fascinating cuttlefish displays. Night dives here reveal the mesmerizing bioluminescence and the nocturnal behavior of creatures like seahorses. The Oosterschelde provides a balanced diving experience, catering to both shore and liveaboard divers with its rich underwater tapestry and diverse marine life encounters.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Oosterschelde
The Oosterschelde, a large estuarine water body in the Netherlands, is home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a popular diving destination. Common reef inhabitants include species like the European lobster, cuttlefish, and various anemones. Divers can frequently encounter these creatures around the rocky reefs and submerged structures that provide shelter and feeding grounds.
Seasonal highlights in the Oosterschelde include sightings of the small-spotted catshark, often seen during the warmer months when the water is teeming with life. While turtles and rays are less common, their rare appearances usually occur during summer. The likelihood of encountering these species increases in areas with abundant food sources and appropriate habitats, making certain spots particularly appealing to divers seeking to explore the rich biodiversity of the area.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
1.5k Sightings
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1
F
5
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36
A
60
M
179
J
235
J
222
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325
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263
O
113
N
40
D
19
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 55
k
Lobster
1.1k Sightings
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5
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2
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19
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30
M
130
J
185
J
183
A
249
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190
O
78
N
27
D
8
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 120
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish
1.1k Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
1
M
88
J
109
J
154
A
370
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291
O
81
N
5
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
iStock-Christian von Mach
Pipefish
685 Sightings
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0
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0
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1
A
16
M
42
J
29
J
102
A
219
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175
O
93
N
7
D
1
AdobeStock-_italo
Moon Jellyfish
440 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
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39
J
58
J
79
A
115
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103
O
33
N
9
D
4
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3400
Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp
385 Sightings
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0
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2
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4
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6
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61
J
61
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76
A
80
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67
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22
N
1
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
Squid
382 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
0
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47
J
50
J
57
A
90
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100
O
35
N
3
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
304 Sightings
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0
F
2
M
2
A
17
M
46
J
31
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67
A
74
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45
O
17
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2
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1
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse
242 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
0
M
0
J
11
J
35
A
69
S
90
O
37
N
0
D
0
Alamy-WaterFrame
Spiny Seahorse
143 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
17
A
49
S
59
O
18
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 120
AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder
88 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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4
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15
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14
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0
A
15
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30
O
10
N
0
D
0
k
Blue Jellyfish
87 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
10
J
10
J
14
A
33
S
16
O
2
N
2
D
0
The best Months to dive in Oosterschelde
The Oosterschelde, located in the Netherlands, offers diving opportunities throughout the year. Water temperatures range from 4°C/39°F in winter to 20°C/68°F in late summer. Winter diving is possible but demanding due to the cold; summer months provide more comfortable conditions. Visibility in the Oosterschelde varies, typically ranging between 3 and 10 meters/10 and 33 feet, influenced by tidal currents and weather conditions. Strong winds can reduce visibility and increase currents, making diving more challenging. Spring and autumn are generally less favorable due to unpredictable weather patterns, while summer offers calmer seas and better visibility, making it ideal for divers.
