Small Group Half Day Seal Safari at UNESCO Site Waddensea from Amsterdam

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(38 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this half day small group tour you will explore the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site Waddensea. We will pick you up right in the center of Amsterdam in the morning and drive you through the beautiful Dutch country side: land claimed from the sea, past farms, villages and windmills. Upon arrival, we will board our ship that takes us onto the Waddensea. Because of its unique coastal wetlands and tidal system, it is a refuge for a huge number of animals, including marine mammals such as the harbor seals, gray seals and harbor porpoises. Then we will explore the Waddensea by boat at low tide, scouting for gray seals, harbor seals and migrating birds. On the way to the boat or back, we will take a short detour to the authentic and picturesque 17th century village of Twisk

Available options

Tour starts 14:15

Tour starts 09:30

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 12:30

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 14:00

Tour starts 16:00

Tour starts 14:45

Tour starts 08:00

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 09:00

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 11:30

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 08:15

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 11:45

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 15:15

Tour starts 13:45

tour starts 13:00

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 11:00

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 12:00

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 11:15

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 10:15

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 14:30

Tour starts 08:45

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

Tour starts 15:30

Tour starts 15:00

Tour starts 13:15

Tour starts 13:30

Tour starts 15:45

Tour starts 10:30

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

tour starts 10:00

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

tour starts 12:45

Duration: 5 hours drinks and snacks minivan

What's included

Driver/guide that stays with the group

View Enclosing Dike from the sea

Transfers from Amsterdam by private minivan

2,5 hour boat tour on the Waddensea

Detailed itinerary

Seal spotting, boat tour

We will take a short detour to the authentic and picturesque 17th century village of Twisk.

What's not included

Lunch

Dinner

Breakfast

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR

Written guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

30 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark

Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival at appointed time

Children must be accompanied by an adult

The transport by minivan/car is private

Child tickets for children 3 - 7 yrs of age

Meeting point

We will leave from De Ruijterkade 153, 1011 AC Amsterdam, next to the ALOHA café (at the end of the River Cruises Docks, under the big bowling pin). It is behind the Central Train Station. Take the IJ exit of the Central Station and turn right, keep the water on your left and walk 300m (1/4 Mi)!

Important notes

We will leave from De Ruijterkade 151, 1011 AC Amsterdam, next to the ALOHA café (at the River Cruises Docks). It’s in the center of Amsterdam, right behind the Central Train Station. Take the IJ exit of the Central Station and turn right. A guide from Dutch Tours will be underneath the live size bowling pin on the bridge at the ALOHA café to welcome you!

WE WILL LEAVE AMSTERDAM ON THE EXACT TIME AS SHOWN ON YOUR TICKET. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO BE AT THE PICK-UP LOCATION 20 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE!

Transportation
Our driver will be waiting for you at the pick-up location and will bring you back to Amsterdam at the end of the trip. Your Dutch Tours guide will travel with you throughout the day

Boat
Our boat have both indoor and outdoor seating and are equipped with a bathroom. Wildlife is best viewed on deck! A bar is available for drinks and snacks (please, cash only!). When we approach the seals, we request that you stay seated and quiet, so that everyone can enjoy them for as long as possible!

Food and drinks
We offer you two drinks and a snack while we sail the Wadden Sea.

Weather conditions
The Wadden Sea is a calm sea with hardly any swell so the tour can take place in almost any weather condition. Please note that on the Wadden Sea it is always a few degrees colder than in Amsterdam. Besides that, we will be out on a boat for a large part of the day. Bringing warm clothes, comfortable (walking) shoes and a raincoat is strongly advised. The boat does have a nice indoor seating area, but the seals and mudflats are best viewed from the deck! In case of severe weather, the trip can be canceled. We will always inform you timely and offer you a full refund or a new tour on a date of your choice.

We’re looking forward to seeing you on board soon! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to
contact us!
Your Dutch Tours Team
info@dutch-tours.com | +31-6-28 65 59 96 (Eva) | +31-6-21 81 64 80(Sarah)

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Museum 2-3 hours €20

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.

Museum 1.5-2 hours €20

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.

Historical 1 hour €16

Dam Square

Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.

Historical 1 hour Free

Jordaan

Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.

Neighborhood A few hours to explore Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stroopwafel

A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar

Bitterballen

Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal

Snack Contains meat, gluten, and dairy

Haring

Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth

Dish Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians

Poffertjes

Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy

Popular Activities

Canal kayaking Bike tours Escape rooms Canal cruises Visiting parks and gardens Spa and wellness treatments Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German, French
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center

By train

Amsterdam Centraal

By bus

Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Getting around

Public transport

Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jordaan De Pijp De Wallen (Red Light District) Museumplein Amsterdam-Noord

Day trips

Zaanse Schans

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.

Haarlem

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.

Utrecht

50 km from Amsterdam • Full day

A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.

Festivals

King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday) Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October

Pro tips

Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes