Highlights / Diving in the Netherlands

Diving in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, a country full of dykes, dams and waters, is not necessarily the traditional dive destination. However, in the old and murky waters, where it is recommended to use a torch and wear thicker wetsuit, wonderful underwater parks full of ancient wrecks will amaze you. The mecca of diving in this country is Zeeland with lake Oosterschelde as the most attractive dive spot. Lakes and rivers and the North Sea coast with interesting marine species make it worth diving here in both freshwater and saltwater.

Divesites

Dive 2 Perfection, 6369 VL Simpelveld

Boschmolenplas (★4.0)

Panheel is the diver’s El Dorado in Holland, just over the german border near Aachen. It offers possibilities from the beginner to the experienced diver. Many gadgets such as an Apache helicopter, a pirate ship (completely submerged), atc, specially made for the lake and sunk.

One2Dive, 4907 ZK Oosterhout

Kerkweg, Den Osse (★3.9)

Dive site Kerkweg in Den Osse is one of the most famous dive sites in Zeeland. Here you can dive from the jetty on oyster beds, an artificial reef of reefballs and many other hard substrate that is nicely overgrown. The maximum depth is about 30 metres, but you will find most life in the shallow water.

Duikcentrum The Wave, 2181 AK Hillegom

Toolenburgerplas (★3.4)

A nice dive site with an easy to follow dive path and many underwater objects, such as wrecks, cars, two training platforms and even an old cannon! Visibility varies throughout the year but is generally good.

Scuba World Arnhem, 6811 CG Arnhem

Zoetersbout (★3.6)

Zoetersbout is an accessible dive site in the Oosterschelde, there is virtually no current here, but it can be felt at the head of the dike. You dive along an overgrown dike wall with eels, lobsters and galatheak lobsters as permanent residents. Dive between the weeds and discover the underwater life here.

Scuba World Arnhem, 6811 CG Arnhem

Bergse Diepsluis (★3.7)

The Bergse Diepsluis, also known as Oesterdam or the Thoolse Gat by local divers, is a very accessible site and enables divers to get acquainted with the wonders of the Oosterschelde National Park. This site has little to no current due to its location, making it an ideal spot for beginners.

One2Dive, 4907 ZK Oosterhout

’t Koepeltje (★3.6)

This is an ideal dive site to turn your weekend dive into a family trip. It is located near a beautiful beach with swimming area, public toilets, and even a water playground.

One2Dive, 4907 ZK Oosterhout

Zeelandbrug (★3.9)

Zeeland Bridge can be called the most popular dive site on the Eastern Scheldt. Especially in the sepia season (May-June) this site is very popular among divers from the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany.

One2Dive, 4907 ZK Oosterhout

Dreischor Gemaal (★3.8)

This dive site is not subject to tides, so you can dive here all day long. From the stairs, you can dive both to the left and to the right. On the right is the pumping station, which is very nicely overgrown and sometimes produces attractive images for macro photographers.

Scuba World Arnhem, 6811 CG Arnhem

Strandpark Slijk Ewijk (★4.0)

A 20-minute drive from the city center of Arnhem you will find this lovely freshwater lake. It has a maximum depth of 36 meters and a slow slope at the entry of the site. It is a great dive site for beginning divers and more advanced divers.

Dutch Scuba Divers, 2282 GX Rijswijk

Zandeiland 4 (★3.9)

Zandeiland 4 is one of the most beautiful and diverse lakes to dive in the Netherlands. There are objects in the dive zone and greater depths for more technical dives. The facilities are good and parking is close to the water.