Oosterschelde
In Oosterschelde, cuttlefish mating season is the big draw but also famous for many underwater inhabitants of the North Sea such as squid and sea horses.
Explore Zeeland
Diving in Zeeland, located in the southwest of the Netherlands, offers a unique and exhilarating experience for divers of all skill levels. This region, forming the delta of the Rhine, Schelde, and Maas rivers, is renowned for its intricate network of peninsulas and islands. These waterways, enriched by the North Sea, are bustling with marine life, boasting a biodiversity that rivals many top dive sites worldwide. Whether you are an experienced diver exploring depths of up to 40 meters (131 feet) or a beginner navigating the tranquil, current-free shallows, Zeeland presents a variety of underwater adventures.
The diving environments in Zeeland are diverse and captivating. Enthusiasts can explore a variety of dive sites, including vibrant reefs, dramatic walls, and intriguing wrecks. The tidal movements of the North Sea, coupled with the region's famous dykes and dams, create dynamic dive conditions that are both challenging and rewarding. Notably, the Grevelingen and Oosterschelde areas are popular clusters for diving, offering a glimpse into the rich aquatic life that calls Zeeland home. As a popular summer destination, Zeeland's population swells with visitors, particularly from Germany, drawn by both its stunning beaches and its underwater treasures.
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Diving in Zeeland
Zeeland, located in the southwest of the Netherlands, offers a range of enticing dive sites, catering to all types of divers. One of the top wreck dives is the "Le Serpent," a historical wreck teeming with marine life, providing an intriguing exploration opportunity. Popular shore dives include the Zeelandbrug, known for its easy access and diverse underwater landscapes. This site is also a favorite for night dives, where divers can witness the enchanting behavior of nocturnal marine creatures.
Zeeland's underwater world is home to unique species like seahorses and cuttlefish, adding a special touch to the diving experience. While shore diving is prevalent due to the area's accessible coastline, liveaboard options are available for those seeking a comprehensive diving adventure. This balance allows divers to explore both the convenience of shore dives and the adventure of boat diving, ensuring a memorable experience in Zeeland's waters.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Zeeland
Zeeland, located in the southwestern part of the Netherlands, offers a unique diving experience with its rich marine biodiversity. The waters here host a variety of reef fish such as bass, gobies, and blennies. These species are commonly encountered throughout the year, making them a regular sight for divers exploring the underwater landscapes. Seasonal highlights in Zeeland include sightings of rays and, less commonly, sharks. The warmer months increase the likelihood of encountering these larger species, particularly in areas with strong tidal flows. Additionally, while turtles are a rare sight, they may occasionally be spotted during the late summer months when the water temperature rises.
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
Crab
6.3k Sightings
J
21
F
27
M
90
A
219
M
772
J
1.1k
J
1k
A
1.4k
S
1.1k
O
424
N
134
D
50
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 55
k
Lobster
5.3k Sightings
J
22
F
18
M
61
A
163
M
650
J
958
J
909
A
1.2k
S
860
O
354
N
116
D
34
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
1.9k Sightings
J
0
F
6
M
23
A
43
M
229
J
303
J
340
A
424
S
356
O
116
N
23
D
10
AdobeStock-_italo
Moon Jellyfish
1.6k Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
15
A
26
M
164
J
218
J
294
A
361
S
341
O
136
N
22
D
11
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
1.2k Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
88
J
110
J
155
A
405
S
361
O
111
N
10
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
1.2k Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
5
A
16
M
64
J
59
J
158
A
383
S
329
O
177
N
38
D
6
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
562 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
5
A
49
M
98
J
72
J
113
A
116
S
69
O
30
N
6
D
2
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
417 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
50
J
55
J
63
A
93
S
117
O
35
N
4
D
0
The best Months to dive in Zeeland
Zeeland offers diving opportunities throughout the year, with conditions varying by season. Water temperatures range from 4°C/39°F in winter to 20°C/68°F in summer. Visibility is generally best during spring and autumn, ranging from 5 to 15 meters/16 to 49 feet, though it can be affected by weather conditions such as rain and wind.
Diving is possible year-round, but winter months can be challenging due to colder water and reduced visibility. Summer presents the most favorable conditions, with warmer waters and more stable weather, though popular sites may be busier. Divers should be aware of strong currents in certain areas, which can vary with tidal changes, requiring careful planning and timing for safe diving experiences.
