It’s a beautiful summer day. You want to do something adventurous, but with the heat of the blazing sun, you’re also looking for a bit of refreshment. The perfect solution: a day trip sailing to Schiermonnikoog!
Can you picture it? The delightful salty breeze in your hair and the soothing sound of the water. That sounds great, but be sure to prepare well. This way, you can ensure you have a fun and enjoyable trip. To guarantee you a worry-free day, read on for useful information and tips in this article.
Which boat can you use to sail to Schiermonnikoog?
A frequently asked question is which boat you can use to sail to Schiermonnikoog. Once you leave the Lauwersmeer through the lock, you encounter a transition from fresh to salt water. Due to the strong currents in the salty water, not every boat can navigate across the Wadden Sea.
Fortunately, there are special flat-bottomed boats that you can rent. These boats are perfect for sailing over the Wadden Sea. A flat-bottomed boat has shallow draft, allowing you to access many places even at low tide. When the water recedes, the boat will remain upright on the seabed, a process known as grounding. The boat stays in place, and you can even go mudflat hiking around it. However, be cautious because as the tide returns, the flat-bottomed boat will gradually float again. You’ll want to be back on board by then. Good news is, you don’t need a boating license to rent a flat-bottomed boat!
Before your departure, we’ll inform you about everything you need to know. This way, you can first get accustomed to the beautiful Lauwersmeer before embarking on your adventure on the Wadden Sea!
Sailing through the lock to Schiermonnikoog
When you plan to sail to Schiermonnikoog, it’s helpful to know in advance about the lock.
As you depart with your boat, head towards the lock at Lauwersoog. Here, you’ll make the official transition from fresh to salt water. Upon arriving at the lock, there’s a procedure that you, like other skippers, need to be aware of. There may be multiple boats waiting for a signal from the lock master. To avoid obstructing each other, we recommend mooring the boat along the side.
Additional tips for navigating through the lock:
– If you encounter commercial shipping, always give them right of way.
– You can communicate with the lock master using a VHF radio; at Lauwersoog, use VHF channel 84 for the Robbengatsluis. This makes it easier to communicate and follow further instructions.
– Rijkswaterstaat has created an informative infographic outlining general instructions around the lock.
The crossing to Waddenhaven Schiermonnikoog
The marina of Schiermonnikoog is a tidal harbor, which means it’s not accessible at all times. During low tide, there isn’t enough water to enter or leave the harbor. The marina is accessible between 2 hours before and 1 hour after high tide.
Before embarking on your journey, it’s advisable to contact the harbor master of Schiermonnikoog (+31 6 300 10 883 or channel 31). Someone is present from 3 hours before to 2 hours after high tide.
Sailing from Lauwersoog to Schiermonnikoog
The sailing distance between Lauwersoog and Schiermonnikoog is approximately 5 nautical miles.
You should depart from Lauwersoog harbor no later than 1 hour before high tide. You’ll need to sail against the current, so the travel time depends on wind strength and/or engine power.
Once you pass the harbor heads of Lauwersoog, head northwest towards Z18 or Z16. At Z 4-BZ 15, you need to make a choice:
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Deep-draft vessels should navigate via Zoutkamperlaag towards Z8-GL 1. Passing through Glinder, keep the green buoy to starboard and sail towards the separation buoy GL4-GvS 5.
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Shallow-draft vessels can navigate via Geul van Brakzand. Ensure to pass the final part of the Brakzand route 2 hours before to 1 hour after high tide. Follow the green buoy, keeping it to port, until reaching the separation buoy GZ 1-BZ 2.
Sailing from Ameland to Schiermonnikoog
For the Wadden Sea route, follow the route through Reegeul along the ferry pier, then Veerbootgat, and across the wantij via Zuiderspruit. This will lead you to Zoutkamperlaag. Head north and then starboard towards Groote Siege. From Groote Siege, follow the description above for deep-draft or shallow-draft vessels.
Final stretch
Groote Siege – Continue eastwards in Groote Siege until Reegeul. Reegeul buoy 2 is located at position N53.27.5 E00.610.7 (info 2016). Follow the buoys and markers of this shallow and narrow channel until reaching the head of the harbor. Reegeul’s depth was measured by Rijkswaterstaat in 2022 at 50 cm below NAP, meaning the channel completely dries out at low tide.
TIP: The open markers (red ones) are placed on the edge of the channel; if you keep two meters clear of the markers, you’ll sail in the middle of the channel.
The harbor entrance is considerably narrowed due to natural conditions. Passing each other in the harbor entrance is tight; outgoing vessels have priority.
At the start of the season, the harbor has a depth of 1 meter at low tide. With deeper draft, your vessel may partly sit in soft mud. Ships can dry out on the east side of the Oude Veerdam.
Facilities in the marina
During the season, harbor masters are present during high tide to receive you in the harbor and assign your berth. The harbor office is open from 08:00 to 10:30 and from 16:30 to 17:30. Any deviations in opening hours are indicated at the harbor office.
To check for berth availability, consult Waddenhavens.
Sanitary facilities
The sanitary facilities have limited opening hours. They are open from 7:30 to 12:30 and from 16:30 until restaurant closing around 22:00. Outside these hours, the night toilet, disabled toilet, and chemical toilet near the red door at the entrance to the sanitary facilities are open 24 hours.
Electricity and water
Free water connections and a limited number of power connections are available at the docks. Inquire with the harbor master about the maximum amperage available.
WiFi
The entire harbor, harbor building, and restaurant have free and fast WiFi.
Restaurant Wad Anderz
Enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the most beautiful spots on Schiermonnikoog. Whether it’s a nice cup of coffee with homemade cake, a lunch or drinks on the terrace, or an extensive dinner, it’s a delight at “Wad Anderz“; a harbor pavilion with views of the Wadden Sea, offering something for everyone on the menu.
Rates
€ 0.86 per m² per night including VAT.
Water and electricity use are free of charge.
Sights on Schiermonnikoog
After your journey across the Wadden Sea, you arrive at the beautiful Schiermonnikoog. This Wadden Island is known for its cozy atmosphere and numerous cycling routes. Fun fact: the island boasts the widest beach in Europe.
Some of the must-see attractions on Schiermonnikoog include the Walviskaak (Whale Jaw). This is a massive archway located in the center of the village. If you’re a freshwater enthusiast, you can also swim at the Westerplas! If you enjoy immersing yourself in nature, opt for a hike through the stunning dunes. To get from point A to B, you can rent a bike from the local tourist office (VVV).
Are you visiting Schiermonnikoog for a short trip? You can also fill your remaining days by island hopping. Read our series of blogs to discover what each island has to offer!
