Experience
The changing tides provide a unique experience on the mud flats. Beautiful sunsets, sunrises, the pure sea air and the sound of birds, combined with the water, make for a unique experience to remember!
Mudflat hopping
Go on an adventure, go mudflat hopping!
Why Wadden hopping?
Visit several islands in one holiday, who wouldn't want that! Wadden hopping is a unique way of holidaying and for real adventurers. Sailing over the dynamic Wadden Sea, you discover the beauty of the Wadden area and experience that every island is different and has its own charm.
Be surprised and enjoy!
Nature
The Wadden Sea is number 1 among Europe's wonders of the world. Not for nothing is the Wadden area part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and you can experience this beauty! You sail through gullies, past sandbanks that have fallen dry and along the way you see seals and many shorebirds.
Sustainable
Wadden hopping is an eco-friendly way to travel. The islands encourage sustainable tourism and offer plenty of opportunities for activities such as cycling and hiking. You can also choose to discover the islands by sailing and enjoy nature to the full without burdening it too much.
Adventure
Sailing across the Wadden Sea is an adventure in itself. And then you haven't even seen the islands yet! And that's where the second adventure begins: step off board and discover the unique culture, the most beautiful places, history and the islands' own products.
Mudflat hopping, this is how it works
Under the influence of tides and currents, sandbanks and channels that have run dry and sand and silt displacement take place at changing times. This makes the Wadden Sea region a unique and dynamic area, fascinating to see and also ecologically valuable and very attractive for birds and marine animals, such as seals.
The constant influence of the tides thus ensures that the Wadden area is always on the move. New structures, such as channels arise and old ones disappear. You get the picture: the Wadden Islands are cozily close together, but because of the constantly changing dynamics of this unique area, it also takes time to reach them. Make use of the time and enjoy!
During wadden hopping, you sail on a ferry, motor vessel or sailing boat over the Wadden Sea through this special and dynamic area. The boat takes you to one of the Wadden Islands where you can choose to stay for one or more days and then sail to another island at another time to discover that island. A unique way to travel!
The possibilities
Fixed ferry connection from the mainland to the islands
The easiest way to visit several islands in one holiday is to use the fixed ferry connection from the mainland to the islands. Wadden hopping this way is possible all year round. You decide how long you stay on an island. Having visited one island, take the regular boat back to the mainland and drive to the port of the next island of your choice.
Oh yes: don't forget to enjoy the Friesian Wadden coast along the way!
Mudflat hopping directly from island to island
If you want to visit several islands in one holiday, without going back to ‘the mainland’, opt for direct boat connections between the islands. These trips take place in the summer months and are provided by several shipping companies.
While wad hopping this way, you don't have to return to the mainland. Also, the boat trip from one island to another takes longer because of the channels, so have more time to enjoy the mud flats!
Texel - Vlieland
Wadden ferry De Vriendschap is a seasonal passenger vessel and takes you from the port of Texel to the port of Oost-Vlieland and vice versa.
Vlieland - Terschelling
For transport between Vlieland and Terschelling, you can use the fast ferry of shipping company Doeksen from 1 May to 30 September. This boat service takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays except festivals
Terschelling - Ameland
The m.s. Zeehond and the historic sailing clippers Willem Jacob and Minerva sail between the islands of Terschelling and Ameland. These crossings are only possible at high tide and in the summer months.
Ameland - Schiermonnikoog
The direct boat connection between Schiermonnikoog and Ameland is provided by the historic sailing clippers Willem Jacob and Minerva and take place only a few times a year and vary in duration from 2.5 - 10 hours.
Useful to know
Express service
It is also possible to travel by water taxi. These boats are smaller and the sailing time is often shorter.
Choose the bike!
When island hopping, bringing a car is not possible. Bringing a bicycle is possible to a limited extent. Bicycles can also be rented on the islands.
Staying overnight
Staying overnight in a hotel, holiday home, bed & breakfast, flat or tent during your hop holiday? Anything is possible on the islands!
Tip!
While Wadden hopping, you will arrive on the mainland in a different port from where you left. Choose public transport or a taxi to get back to where your holiday started.
