Mudflat walking is a unique experience in perhaps the most unspoilt nature reserve in the Netherlands.
It is not for nothing that the Wadden Sea was declared a World Heritage Site in 2009 and the most beautiful nature reserve in the Netherlands in 2018. Be surprised by the natural beauty of this area. Mudflat walking is also a sporting activity. Walking through mudflats is very different from walking on a solid surface and requires a good condition, especially on the trips that take longer.
What do I wear? As footwear, 'high canvas sneakers' with socks are mandatory. Choose high socks and not low (ankle) socks. Diving shoes are also very suitable. High surf shoes are only suitable if they have a sturdy sole, due to sharp shells. Low sneakers and so-called water shoes remain in the strongly sucking mud and are not suitable. If you do not have suitable footwear with you, the guides can refuse participation in the tour. The clothing you wear is of course tailored to the weather conditions. Keep in mind that it is an open area where it often blows a fresh sea breeze. Therefore, make sure you have warm and windproof outerwear. You must carry a windbreaker or rain jacket with you (in your backpack). Since gullies are passed along the way, wearing shorts is advisable. Wet jeans can start to rub.
What do I take with me? Bring something to eat on the go and plenty of water or drinks. In the summer, but certainly also in the spring, it is advisable to apply well in sunshine as you burn quickly on the Wad. A cap is therefore a good idea. In less favorable weather conditions, make sure you are warmly dressed and have a wind/rain jacket with you.The wind has free rein on the mudflats and when you get wet at the passage of the gullies you cool down considerably at a lower ambient temperature. When crossing to 1 of the islands, take dry clothes in a plastic bag with you in your backpack. During the wanderings you can leave the dry clothes in the car.
So be well prepared when you want to do a trip, choose a trip that suits you in terms of heaviness and check whether you are healthy & fit enough to make the trip. Also make sure you are on time, the tide does not wait and therefore neither do the guides!
You can discover the beautiful Wadden Sea area during mudflat excursions. Various mudflat excursions are organized from Den Helder, such as mudflat walking and bird watching excursions. At low tide you walk through mudflats, sandbanks and over mussel beds.
Also from Den Oever, a fishing village located just in front of the Afsluitdijk, you can join mudflat walks. Mud, water and the beautiful surroundings are the ingredients for a wonderful day on the mudflats.
