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Top Ten dive sites in the Netherlands for beginner scuba divers
Scuba diving in the Netherlands. For some a nightmare, and for others a lifelong passion. Not many people know that the Netherlands offers the most beautiful dive sites of Northern Europe. During scuba diving season people come from Belgium, Germany and even France for scuba diving holidays to Holland. However the Netherlands is also known for it’s treacherous waters, and not all dive sites are accessible to every diver. So where are the best dive sites for beginner scuba divers to explore in Holland?
The Netherlands offers both salt and fresh water scuba diving locations. In this article I’m focusing on the salt water dives sites, as they are usually the reason why scuba divers visit my country. The Netherlands has much to offer, even for beginner scuba divers. Some of my friends always talk about learning to scuba dive in Egypt or the Caribbean. I always urge them to start scuba diving here in the Netherlands. If you can dive here, you can definitely scuba dive in clear blue waters!
Scuba diving in the Netherlands can be dangerous. We have treacherous waters with strong tidal currents, cold temperatures and low visibility. An important rule for me: “Scuba dive to your level of expertise”. Meaning if you have 10 dives in your logbook, you just can’t scuba dive a location with strong tidal currents. Be careful.
Luckily the Netherlands has lake Grevelingen. Lake Grevelingen was created when the area was closed off by a dam in 1971. The lake has a total surface area of 11,000 hectares of water. The elimination of the tide created an area ideal for (beginner) scuba divers. The dam has several inlets which still keep the lake connected with the North Sea, which means the lake is still salt water and has loads of marine life.
Most of the dives sites can be found on the southern coast of lake Grevelingen, between Bruinisse and around Brouwershaven. Below is an overview of the top 10 dive sites for beginner scuba divers. I have dived these sites and I can recommend them all. Off course there are many more dive sites to to explore in the Netherlands, but below is a great central starting point:
1. Het Koepeltje
Has a great reef wall which you can dive alongside.
2. Le Serpent
The wreck itself is for more experienced scuba divers. However the two little wrecks, reef balls and platform are definitely worth checking out and are accessible for beginner divers.
3. Scharendijke
Just right of Le Serpent you can find a small bay area in which you can scuba dive.
4. De Muur
Take a ladder with you, you’ll need it to climb the wall. The dive site isn’t easy to reach, which means not many divers go here. Loads of smaller marine life (especially snails).
5. Den Osse Nieuwe Kerkweg
This is one of my favourite locations with artificial reef balls which hold a score of different marine life.
6. Den Osse Haven
It will take some time swimming out, but then you have a drop-off you can follow down. On your way back it’s scuba diving at a depth of 2 to 3 meters, but smaller marine life is abundant here.
7. Kijkuitpolder
Easy dive site with not that many divers.
8. Bommenede
This one is a bit more dangerous as you’re scuba diving below a sea lane. Remember not to make a direct ascend here!
9. Dreischor Frans Kokrif
Also one of my favourite dive sites. Easy to enter the water, and whether you go left or right there is always an abundance of marine life.
10. Dreischor Gemaal
Somewhat more difficult to enter the water, but definitely worth it! When reaching the Gemaal you can expect a beautiful view.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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