The Netherlands is home to a thriving seal population, thanks to its extensive coastline, tidal flats, and nature reserves. If you’re looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience, spotting seals in their natural habitat is a must. Whether you’re visiting the Wadden Sea, the Zeeland Delta, or one of the Dutch islands, there are plenty of opportunities to observe these fascinating marine mammals.
1. Wadden Sea – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Wadden Sea is one of the best places to see seals in the Netherlands. This vast tidal ecosystem, stretching from the northern Netherlands to Germany and Denmark, is home to both harbor seals and gray seals. Some top locations include:
- Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog – Take a seal-watching boat tour from these Wadden Islands and spot seals basking on sandbanks. I can recommend a tour with the ‘Vriendschap’. De Vriendschap organizes sealing trips and wading excursions from the picturesque jetty at De Cocksdorp. You can book a tour on their website.
- Texel’s Ecomare – A nature reserve and seal sanctuary where you can see rescued seals up close and learn about conservation efforts. You can book a ticket on their website.
- Lauwersmeer National Park – Located on the Frisian-Groningen border, this area offers excellent wildlife viewing, including seals near the Wadden Sea coast. Read more about the Lauwersmeer National Park…
Best Way to Spot Seals in the Wadden Sea
- Boat tours – Many guided excursions depart from Harlingen, Lauwersoog, and the Wadden Islands.
- Mudflat hiking (wadlopen) – Some hikes pass areas where seals rest on sandbanks.
- Beach walks – Look for seals resting on quiet shorelines, especially in early morning or late afternoon.
2. Other places to spot Seals in the Netherlands
The Zeeland Delta, located in the southwestern Netherlands, is another great place to see seals. The region’s tidal waters and sandbanks provide ideal resting spots for these animals. Top locations include:
- Westerschelde Estuary – Take a seal safari boat tour from Breskens or Vlissingen to see seals lounging on sandbanks.
- Grevelingenmeer – A saltwater lake with plenty of marine life, where seals can often be seen swimming near the shore.
- Oosterschelde National Park – The largest national park in the Netherlands, where guided boat tours provide close-up seal encounters.
Closer to Rotterdam, Hoek van Holland and the nearby Maasvlakte 2 nature area offer surprising opportunities to see seals. This urban coastline has become an important seal habitat due to its sandy beaches and shallow waters.
There are 2 types of seals to spot in the Neterlands
There are two types of seals in the Netherlands, the common seal and the gray seal. Sometimes you see them sunbathing together in groups. You can recognize the common seal by its round head. The gray seal’s head is conical with a pointed snout. That is why it is also called cone seal. If you can look at the seal up close with your binoculars, you will see another difference. The nostrils of the common seal are in a V-shape. In the gray ones they are vertical.
Best Time to Spot Seals in the Netherlands
- Spring and summer (April – September) – Seals are more active, and pups can often be seen.
- Low tide – Seals rest on sandbanks, making them easier to spot.
- Early morning or late afternoon – Fewer people around, increasing the chances of close encounters.
Seal Sanctuaries in the Netherlands
If you want to see seals up close and learn about conservation, visit one of the Netherlands’ rescue centers:
- Ecomare (Texel) – Rescued seals and educational programs. Read more about Ecomare on their website.
- Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen (Lauwersoog, Groningen) – One of Europe’s leading seal rehabilitation centers. Read more about them on their website.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re exploring the Wadden Sea, Zeeland, or the Dutch coastline, the Netherlands offers fantastic opportunities for seal watching. Though please respect nature and keep your distance from the seals and always go on a guided tour. Seeing these beautiful animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Where will you spot your first Dutch seal?
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