Unesco heritage

The Waddensea is the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. The Waddensea is one of the largest wetlands in the world. It consists of islands, channels, gullies and flats, which are continually changing shape and sometimes even location. The Waddensea is unique: it is the only tidal and coastal island system in the world with a temperate climate that is so large and contains such an enormous variety of plants and animals. A World Heritage Site since 2009 it has a surface area of almost 11,500 km² and is shared by The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

Wildlife

The Waddensea is teeming with life! Mussel banks and mudflats that arise from the sea at low tide form a rich area where large amounts of mussels, shellfish, worms, shrimps and plants make up a richly laid table for many birds and fish. Many North Sea fish use the Waddensea as a nursery while others live there year round. Marine mammals, such as the harbour seal, the grey seal and the porpoise, profit from the rich fish life in the Waddensea. The seals hunt in the sea at high tide and rest on the sandbanks at low tide. More than 30,000 harbour seals live in the Waddensea as well as over 2000 grey seals. The area is famous as both a breeding ground and winter fuel station for migrating birds. In total, 10-12 million migrating birds pass through every year, consisting of waders, geese, ducks and gulls.

Vintage villages

During our half day tour we will stop in the beautiful historic town of Medemblik on the IJsselmeer coast. Founded in the 13th century the town became important and wealthy in the 16th and 17th century, largely because of the trade vessels which sailed to faraway cities on the Hanze Trade route. The town has a small castle from the 14th century as well as a working grain mill.  Wandering along its canals it is easy to imagine the times of the golden age!

During our full day Island tour we explore the beautiful island of Texel, located in the Unesco World Heritage site Wadden Sea. The island has a wide variety of picturesque fisherman’s villages that we will visit along the way.

About us

Dutch Seal Tours was founded by Sarah and Eva, close friends since they were kids. Both coming from a family of passionate flatboat sailors, we spent a substantial part of our childhood out on the mudflats of the Wadden Sea, searching for shellfish and scouting for seals. We have already passed on the love for this unique wildlife area to our kids and friends, but we are convinced the Waddensea is one of the must sees for international nature lovers! This small country is home to a great UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with wildlife and we would like to share it with you! As conservation of the area is key, our focus is on sustainable tourism. It’s a wonderful world out there, let’s go exploring!

Dutch Seal Tours is a member of VvKR (Dutch Association for small scale travel organizations).