Discover the seals of Ameland

Pure nature on the Wadden Sea

Seal-watching on Ameland

The Wadden Sea is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Netherlands, and Ameland is the place to see seals up close. Around the island, hundreds of harbour and grey seals often rest on the sandbanks or pop their heads out of the water in curiosity. Whether you join a boat tour or watch from the beach: seal-watching on Ameland is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Where can you watch seals?

You have the best chance to spot seals at low tide, when they like to lie on the sandbanks of the Wadden Sea. Popular spots are the Oerdplaat on the east side of Ameland and the sandbanks near Hollum. With binoculars you can often see them right from the beach or the dike. On calm days they even sometimes swim close to the coast.

Seal-watching trip on Ameland, a special experience

If you really want to admire the seals up close, join an organised seal-watching trip departing from the harbour of Nes. The skippers know the Wadden Sea inside out and know exactly where the seals like to rest. On the trip you hear more about the seals’ life, the tides and the unique Wadden ecosystem. A seal-watching trip appeals to young and old alike.

You can choose from different providers for regular seal-watching tours:

Robbentocht Ameland: departs from the harbour of Nes and sails along the sandbanks where the seals love to rest.
Rondvaartbedrijf Kiewied: combines nature experience with an informative tour about the Wadden Sea and its wildlife.

Did you know…

…that seals on Ameland sometimes stay underwater for up to 30 minutes without breathing? They slow their heart rate from around 100 beats per minute to as little as 10 so they can hunt in silence. The harbour seal often stays close to the coast, while the larger grey seal travels longer distances across the Wadden Sea. The grey seal is much larger and is recognizable by its long, dog-like head. The harbour seal has rounded features and a friendlier face. With some luck you spot both species during your trip.

Combine your day with a stay at Strandcamping Duinoord

After a day of seal-watching and exploring the Wadden Sea you return to Strandcamping Duinoord and the sound of the sea is still whispering in the background. From the campsite you reach the beach in just a few minutes, and on calm days you may even spot seals swimming close to the shore. Spend the night among the dunes, recharge in nature and make your seal-watching experience part of your own Ameland story.

Plan your stay, discover the seals and be amazed by the island.

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