The round trip from Zeeland to the Waddenzee around Noord-Holland is possible clockwise and anti-clockwise and, if the Staande Mastroute is free, also as a round trip around Holland. In this case, one route leads across the North Sea and the other through the inland canals between Willemstad and Amsterdam.
Staging ports
Ports of call on the North Sea are Scheveningen, IJmuiden and Den Helder. The Maas estuary would be an option in strong winds: coming from the sea, you can reach the Haringvliet through the Oude Maas and the Spui and avoid Roompot or the Slijkgat off Stellendam with its shifting sands.
Depending on your taste and time, Hoorn, Medemblik, Stavoren, Workum and Hindeloopen are IJsselmeer towns worth visiting along the way. In Amsterdam, the Aeolus or Sixhaven are alternatives to the large marina close to the city centre.
Travelling time
Anything from two weeks is doable, three is relaxed. In the high season, an armada of boats travels to the islands, especially from the IJsselmeer. If you can, plan around the Dutch school holidays. Free berths are rarely a problem - only the islands, especially Vlieland, sometimes close down. waddenhavens.nl publishes daily forecasts. Locks can become a bottleneck.
Weather and tides
In the mudflats, on the North Sea and in the Scheldt, the tide determines the timetable. If you don't want to do the maths yourself, waddenhavens.nl has the best departure times for countless routes through the mudflats and beyond. As always, caution is advised from 5 Bft. in the sea channels - between the islands, but also off the Haringvliet. The long ride across the North Sea is particularly enjoyable in south-easterly or easterly winds.
Seamanship
The NV charts NL1 to NL4 cover the area. VHF listening is compulsory on the Oosterschelde and you must report to the centre on channel 3 before reaching the mouth of the Maas. Scheveningen and IJmuiden Port Control ask you to report on entry and exit. On the North Sea Canal, "Haven Amsterdam" expects to hear and intervenes in traffic when large vessels are manoeuvring. In the mudflats, the "Brandaris" traffic control centre takes over on channel 2.
The reliability of bridges and locks has recently suffered somewhat throughout the country. This applies to the Staande Mastroute and the Oranjesluizen in Amsterdam. A regular look at vaarweginformatie.nl is highly recommended.
Also interesting
- Netherlands: Area update 2026 - What skippers need to know.
- Netherlands: Staande Mastroute 2026 not passable throughout.
- Netherlands: Sea rescue - What German skippers should know.
Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
