>

Netherlands

© iStock/Ivankish

Explore Netherlands

The Netherlands, known for its windmills and tulip fields, also offers a surprising underwater world perfect for diving enthusiasts. Nestled by the North Sea, this unique destination boasts diverse marine environments including reefs, wrecks, and vibrant underwater landscapes. Notably, the Zeeland region is a diver's paradise, with its thriving marine life and crystal-clear water. Here, divers can explore the Grevelingenmeer, a saltwater lake home to rich biodiversity, including playful seals and colorful nudibranchs.

Diving in the Netherlands caters to various styles, offering both shore and boat diving experiences. The abundant wrecks lying off the Dutch coast are particularly alluring, with some dating back several centuries, adding a historical twist to the dive. The seasonal changes bring different experiences, with autumn offering the best visibility. The unique blend of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems across the country provides an intriguing variety of marine life, making every dive an adventure. Whether it's the serene beauty of anemone-covered rocks or the historical charm of sunken vessels, diving in the Netherlands is a captivating experience.

Power Plug Type
C, F
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, Cir, Plus
Tipping
5–10% / Service Staff / Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and cafés if service is good, though service charges are often included.
Currency
EUR
Dial Code
+31
Electricity
230V / 50Hz
Time
UTC+1, UTC+2

Places to explore

Courses and Events

Classified Dive Buddy

SSI Classified Dive Buddy Program: Want to know how to best support a classified diver with a physical disability and/or sensory impairment? The SSI Classified Dive Buddy program is designed to provide students with the training needed to dive with a Classified Diver in environments and at depths equivalent to their training. You must be Stress & Rescue certified to take the course. Course Summary: This course provides training, knowledge and experience that prepares the Classified Dive Buddy to be comfortable and proficient in providing the additional safety and care needed for the classified diver. The Classified Dive Buddy program begins with answering all digital learning and review questions prior to class. Study materials include: dive classification, medical considerations, amputations, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, progressive disorders, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, specialized equipment required for classified diving, best practices, water entrances and exits, executive skills, propulsion methods and performing classified dives. Day 1 of the Classified Dive Buddy program is a classroom learning day where all Classified Diving topics are discussed through peer instruction, group discussion and active learning sessions. The day ends with the completion of a Classified Dive Buddy exam where you must score at least 80%. Day 2 of the Classified Dive Buddy program is conducted in a pool/sheltered water and consists of 4 practical applications, including sessions on dry land, procedures for entry and exit, and learning to apply skills from the Open Water program when working with a Classified Diver. Upon completion of all requirements, you will be certified as an SSI Classified Dive Buddy and can dive with a Classified Diver in environments and to depths equivalent to their training. All SSI Classified Dive Buddies will receive an electronic certification card accessible through the SSI app.

June 6, 2026 +2 More
$469.15
€400.00

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

Top Wildlife Sightings in Netherlands

The Netherlands, while known for its vibrant culture and landscapes, also offers intriguing marine life experiences, particularly in its coastal waters and marine parks. Divers can encounter a variety of common reef fish such as the wrasse, gobies, and the occasional flatfish. These species are a staple in the Dutch waters, thriving in the North Sea's temperate conditions. During certain times of the year, seasonal visitors like seals and porpoises can be seen, especially around Zeeland. In summer, the warmer waters may attract larger species such as rays and the sporadic turtle, though these encounters are less predictable. Overall, diving enthusiasts in the Netherlands can expect a rewarding exploration of unique marine biodiversity, especially during peak seasons.

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 approx.: 5

Pike

9.7k Sightings
J
134
F
103
M
180
A
395
M
892
J
1.1k
J
1.9k
A
2.2k
S
1.6k
O
804
N
268
D
125

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 19

Bass

8.6k Sightings
J
100
F
93
M
111
A
229
M
516
J
860
J
1.8k
A
2.1k
S
1.6k
O
851
N
254
D
161

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Perch

8.4k Sightings
J
85
F
66
M
128
A
207
M
512
J
810
J
1.7k
A
2.1k
S
1.6k
O
824
N
235
D
113

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

6.5k Sightings
J
31
F
35
M
116
A
264
M
777
J
1.1k
J
1k
A
1.4k
S
1.1k
O
441
N
138
D
52

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Crayfish

5.4k Sightings
J
107
F
92
M
212
A
390
M
511
J
566
J
661
A
799
S
936
O
732
N
294
D
128

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Lobster

5.4k Sightings
J
24
F
24
M
72
A
173
M
651
J
958
J
909
A
1.2k
S
860
O
354
N
117
D
34

Common Rudd

1.9k Sightings
J
4
F
7
M
9
A
15
M
36
J
162
J
386
A
591
S
442
O
209
N
59
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

1.9k Sightings
J
1
F
6
M
27
A
64
M
229
J
303
J
341
A
424
S
356
O
121
N
19
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 16

Eel

1.8k Sightings
J
5
F
15
M
13
A
53
M
182
J
171
J
348
A
424
S
333
O
147
N
70
D
37

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2000

Loach Goby

1.7k Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
64
A
97
M
189
J
251
J
336
A
257
S
254
O
149
N
72
D
12

Moon Jellyfish

1.6k Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
17
A
31
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 approx.: 5

Walleye

1.4k Sightings
J
7
F
15
M
22
A
70
M
168
J
135
J
278
A
307
S
226
O
103
N
44
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

Cuttlefish

1.2k Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
1
M
88
J
110
J
155
A
406
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 approx.: 130

Pipefish

1.2k Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
6
A
16
M
63
J
59
J
158
A
383
S
329
O
177
N
38
D
6

European Bullhead

1k Sightings
J
16
F
5
M
23
A
54
M
99
J
116
J
202
A
191
S
144
O
112
N
46
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Carp

923 Sightings
J
4
F
1
M
11
A
27
M
129
J
138
J
234
A
200
S
115
O
58
N
6
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Catfish

796 Sightings
J
37
F
19
M
20
A
20
M
91
J
126
J
158
A
113
S
116
O
42
N
24
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 16

Stickleback

644 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
5
A
9
M
15
J
38
J
101
A
238
S
155
O
73
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 approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

568 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
7
A
53
M
98
J
72
J
113
A
116
S
69
O
30
N
6
D
2

European bitterling

563 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
4
A
2
M
0
J
31
J
55
A
209
S
163
O
82
N
10
D
2