Sailing to Schiermonnikoog

It’s a beautiful summer day. You actually want to do something adventurous. Due to the heat of the blazing sun, you are still looking for a bit of refreshment. The perfect solution: a day sailing to Schiermonnikoog!

Can you picture it? The delightful salty breeze in your hair and the calm sound of the water. That surely sounds good, but do keep in mind a good preparation. This way, you ensure that you can have a fun trip and time. To guarantee you a worry-free day, this article provides you with useful information and tips.

Which boat can you take to sail to Schiermonnikoog?

A frequently asked question is which boat you can take to sail to Schiermonnikoog. Once you leave the Lauwersmeer through the lock, you will encounter a transition from fresh to salt water. Due to the strong current in the salt water, you cannot cross the Wadden Sea with just any boat.

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 a limited draft, allowing you to reach many places even at low tide. When the water recedes, the boat will remain upright on the bottom, which is also referred to as grounding. The boat stays put, and you can go mudflat walking around it. Do keep in mind that when the water rises again, the flat-bottomed boat will gradually drift away. You will want to be back on board by then. Good news, you do not need a boating license to rent a flat-bottomed boat!

Before your departure, we will inform you about everything you need to know. This way, you can first get accustomed to the beautiful Lauwersmeer before you embark on the adventure in the Wadden Sea!

Sailing through the lock to Schiermonnikoog

When you sail to Schiermonnikoog, it’s nice to know the following about the lock in advance.

As soon as you depart with your boat, you will sail towards the lock at Lauwersoog. Here, you make the official transition from fresh to salt water. When you arrive at the lock, there is a procedure that you, like other skippers, need to consider. There may be several boats waiting for a signal from the lock master. To avoid getting in each other’s way, we recommend mooring your boat along the side.

Extra tips for sailing through the lock:

• If you encounter commercial shipping, always let them go first.
• With the VHF radio, you can contact the lock master, which can be done at Lauwersoog on VHF channel 84 for the Robbengatsluis. This makes communication and following further instructions much easier.
• The Rijkswaterstaat has created a clear infographic that displays general instructions regarding the lock.

The crossing to Waddenhaven Schiermonnikoog

The marina of Schiermonnikoog is a tidal harbor. This means that you cannot always reach the harbor. At low tide, there is not enough water to enter or leave the harbor. The marina is accessible between 2 hours before and 1 hour after high tide.

Before you start your journey, it is 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 miles.

You should depart no later than 1 hour before high tide from the harbor of Lauwersoog. You will have to sail against the current for a while. Therefore, the sailing time depends on wind strength and/or engine power.

After passing the harbor heads of Lauwersoog, you will sail in a NW direction towards Z18 or Z16. At Z 4-BZ 15, you must make a choice;

– Deep-draught vessels sail via the Zoutkamperlaag towards Z8-GL 1. Via the Glinder, you must keep the green buoys to starboard and sail towards the separation buoy GL4-GvS 5.

– Shallow-draught vessels can go via the Geul van Brakzand. It is important to pass the last section of the Brakzand route 2 hours before to 1 hour after high tide. You will sail along the green buoys, keeping them to port, until you reach the separation buoy GZ 1-BZ 2.

Sailing from Ameland to Schiermonnikoog

For the Wadden Sea route, follow the route through the Reegeul along the ferry dock, then the Veerbootgat and then over the wantij via the Zuiderspruit. You will then end up in the Zoutkamperlaag. You will head north and then steer to starboard towards the Groote Siege. From the Groote Siege, see the description above for deep-draught or shallow-draught vessels.

The last section

Groote Siege – After this, you will head east in the Groote Siege until the Reegeul, the Reegeul buoy 2 is located at position N53.27,5 O00.610,7 (info 2016). After this, you will follow the buoys and markers of this shallow and very narrow channel until the head of the harbor. The depth of the Reegeul was measured by Rijkswaterstaat in 2022 at 50 cm ABOVE NAP. This means that the channel completely dries out at low tide.

TIP: the open markers (i.e., red) are on the edge of the channel; if you sail two meters clear of the markers, you will be in the middle of the channel.

• The harbor entrance has become quite narrowed due to natural conditions.
• Passing each other at the harbor entrance is very tight; outgoing vessels have priority.
• The harbor has a depth of 1 meter at low tide at the start of the season. You will partly be in the soft silt at greater depths. On the east side of the Oude Veerdam, vessels can ground.

Facilities in the marina

During the season, the harbor masters are present during high tide to welcome you to the harbor and assign your berth. The harbor office is open from 08:00 to 10:30 and from 16:30 to 17:30. Deviating opening hours will be indicated at the harbor office.

If you want to know if there is still a berth available, check Waddenhavens.

Sanitary facilities

The sanitary facilities have limited opening hours. The opening hours are from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:30 PM until the restaurant closing time of approximately 10:00 PM. Outside these hours, the night toilet, disabled toilet, and chemical toilet are available for 24 hours at the red door at the entrance of the sanitary facility.

Electricity and water

At the docks, there are free water connections and a limited number of power connections. Ask the harbor master about the maximum amperage available on site.

WiFi

The entire harbor, harbor building, and restaurant are equipped with free and fast WiFi.

Restaurant Wad Anderz

Lunch or dine at one of the most beautiful spots in Schiermonnikoog. Whether it’s a delicious 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 a view of the Wadden Sea and a menu for everyone’s taste.

Rates

€ 0.86 per m² per night including VAT.

The use of water and electricity is free.

Sights on Schiermonnikoog

After your sailing trip across the Wadden Sea, you will arrive at the beautiful Schiermonnikoog. This Wadden island is known for its cozy atmosphere and many cycling routes. Fun fact: on the island, you will find the widest beach in Europe.

Sights in Schiermonnikoog that you definitely shouldn’t miss include the Whale Jaw. This is a huge archway in the middle of the village center. Are you a freshwater lover? Then it’s also possible to swim at the Westerplas! Does it sound delightful to become one with nature? Then choose to walk through the beautiful dunes. To get from A to B, you can rent a bike at the local tourist office!

Are you sailing to Schiermonnikoog for a short visit? Then it’s also possible to fill the remaining days by island hopping. You can read in our series of blogs what there is to experience on each island!

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