Connect with us
background

News

Top Ten dive sites in the Netherlands for beginner scuba divers

Published

on

Scuba diving in the Netherlands. For some a nightmare, and for others a lifelong passion. Not many people know that the Netherlands offers the most beautiful dive sites of Northern Europe. During scuba diving season people come from Belgium, Germany and even France for scuba diving holidays to Holland. However the Netherlands is also known for it’s treacherous waters, and not all dive sites are accessible to every diver. So where are the best dive sites for beginner scuba divers to explore in Holland?

The Netherlands offers both salt and fresh water scuba diving locations. In this article I’m focusing on the salt water dives sites, as they are usually the reason why scuba divers visit my country. The Netherlands has much to offer, even for beginner scuba divers. Some of my friends always talk about learning to scuba dive in Egypt or the Caribbean. I always urge them to start scuba diving here in the Netherlands. If you can dive here, you can definitely scuba dive in clear blue waters!

Scuba diving in the Netherlands can be dangerous. We have treacherous waters with strong tidal currents, cold temperatures and low visibility. An important rule for me: “Scuba dive to your level of expertise”. Meaning if you have 10 dives in your logbook, you just can’t scuba dive a location with strong tidal currents. Be careful.

Luckily the Netherlands has lake Grevelingen. Lake Grevelingen was created when the area was closed off by a dam in 1971. The lake has a total surface area of 11,000 hectares of water. The elimination of the tide created an area ideal for (beginner) scuba divers. The dam has several inlets which still keep the lake connected with the North Sea, which means the lake is still salt water and has loads of marine life.

Most of the dives sites can be found on the southern coast of lake Grevelingen, between Bruinisse and around Brouwershaven. Below is an overview of the top 10 dive sites for beginner scuba divers. I have dived these sites and I can recommend them all. Off course there are many more dive sites to to explore in the Netherlands, but below is a great central starting point:

1. Het Koepeltje

Has a great reef wall which you can dive alongside.

2. Le Serpent

The wreck itself is for more experienced scuba divers. However the two little wrecks, reef balls and platform are definitely worth checking out and are accessible for beginner divers.

3. Scharendijke

Just right of Le Serpent you can find a small bay area in which you can scuba dive.

4. De Muur

Take a ladder with you, you’ll need it to climb the wall. The dive site isn’t easy to reach, which means not many divers go here. Loads of smaller marine life (especially snails).

5. Den Osse Nieuwe Kerkweg

This is one of my favourite locations with artificial reef balls which hold a score of different marine life.

6. Den Osse Haven

It will take some time swimming out, but then you have a drop-off you can follow down. On your way back it’s scuba diving at a depth of 2 to 3 meters, but smaller marine life is abundant here.

7. Kijkuitpolder

Easy dive site with not that many divers.

8. Bommenede

This one is a bit more dangerous as you’re scuba diving below a sea lane. Remember not to make a direct ascend here!

9. Dreischor Frans Kokrif

Also one of my favourite dive sites. Easy to enter the water, and whether you go left or right there is always an abundance of marine life.

10. Dreischor Gemaal

Somewhat more difficult to enter the water, but definitely worth it! When reaching the Gemaal you can expect a beautiful view.

The dive sites above are not just for beginner scuba divers; they are just as interesting for experienced divers too. I still do most of my scuba diving at these locations. If you want to know what to expect scuba diving here, check out some of my Dutch diving adventures in this video:
[youtube id=”fqKfm4UcvB0″ width=”100%” height=”400px”]

Sebastiaan van Aard has been scuba diving since the summer of 2009, when he travelled to Dahab in Egypt and gained his PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications. He was immediately hooked by the wondrous world below the waves. Since then he has become a PADI Rescue Diver and is currently considering making the next step to Divemaster. Scuba diving is more than just a hobby to Sebastiaan; it’s become his passion – a passion he loves to share with others around him. Sebastiaan wanted to share his adventures and his views on scuba diving with the rest of the World, so in 2013 he started his own blog, ‘My Scubadiving Stories’. To read more from Sebastiaan, visit www.myscubadivingstories.com.

Gear Reviews

GEAR REVIEW: JOBY SeaPal Underwater Housing for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy (Watch Video)

Published

on

JOBY SeaPal

In a video shot exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman reviews the JOBY SeaPal underwater housing for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones.

Continue Reading

Blogs

Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

Published

on

idc

Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.

Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.

Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:

  • 12 April
  • 5 July,
  • 20 September
  • 29 November

Partnership with Casita Palma

If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.

Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

Instagram Feed

Popular