Learn to Dive in the Netherlands
The Netherlands’ Highlights
The Netherlands has sites for both recreational and technical divers. It has a large coastline, as well as lakes and rivers. Diving in the Netherlands means both freshwater and saltwater sites.
When is the best time to go diving in the Netherlands?
April to October offer the calmest conditions and the warmest water.
Water Temperature: It can drop below 0°C in winter and rise to around 24°C in summer.
Currents: None to strong
Visibility: The visibility at most dive sites is usually quite low at around 5 to 10 meters. The low visibility can present challenges to novice divers and at some sites the use of a rope is required to keep divers together.
The Netherlands’ best dive sites
Oosterschelde Lake
Different species of marine life leave the North Sea and end up in Oosterschelde Lake to spawn. From June to October, seahorses visit the area and during the spring and summer months squid and cuttlefish visit the site. Due to strong changes in the tide, diving is only allowed at certain times throughout the day.
Boschmolenplas
One of the best freshwater spots in the Netherlands, Boschmolenplas has great visibility of over 12 meters. There are different areas to practice buoyancy, a sculpture museum and wrecks.
De Bergse Diepsluis
A popular dive site all year-round, De Bergse Diepsluis is popular for cuttlefish. They come here to find a match and mate. The water has to reach a chilly 12°C, which is ideal for cuttlefish.
About the country
The Netherlands is famous for growing and exporting tulips, windmills and museums. It has the highest concentration of museums compared to any other country. It relies heavily on renewable energy and boasts over 1,000 windmills.
Recreational Courses in the Netherlands
Dive Centers in the Netherlands
Getting to the Netherlands
The Netherlands is accessible from Europe, America, and the Middle East. There are planes and buses from neighboring European countries. To get around the Netherlands, it’s best to rent a car.
Other important information
- Capital: Amsterdam
- Official Language: Dutch
- Demonym: Dutch
- Currency: Euro
- Calling code: +31
- Driving Side: right
- Population: Over 17,700,000
- Pressure: Bar
- First Stage: DIN
