Seal safari on the Oosterschelde with a guide from Natuurmonumenten.

Sail with Frisia and Natuurmonumenten to the second largest sandbank of the Oosterschelde, the Galgeplaat, and come face to face with common and grey seals and the bird richness of this 'roadside restaurant'.

Twice a day, the water of the Oosterschelde retreats and mudflats, sandbanks, and salt marshes become exposed. Thousands of birds, mostly roosting inland, know exactly when the first parts become exposed and rush en masse to a richly set table to eat their fill. Knots, red knots, spoonbills... just a selection of the many species of shorebirds that enjoy the rich marine life of the Oosterschelde.

Clouds of Birds and Seals
During a 2-hour boat trip, a nature guide takes you on a 'safari' in the largest and wettest national park in the Netherlands. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Zeelandbrug that connects Schouwen-Duiveland with Noord-Beveland on the way to the Galgeplaat. Scan the water surface in search of harbor porpoises. And gaze at the sky at clouds of birds shuttling between their 'roadside restaurant' and the inland nature reserves. At the Galgeplaat, we silently enjoy the common and grey seals that are lounging during low tide.

Raising the Galgeplaat
We also reflect on the biggest threat to the Galgeplaat: sand hunger. Especially during storms, sand is eroded from the sandbank and disappears into the channels. Due to the construction of the storm surge barrier in the late 1980s, the tide has become much weaker. The tide is no longer strong enough to bring the sand back to the sandbanks. As a result, the period of exposure of the Galgeplaat is getting shorter, an ecological disaster for the birds and seals. That is why Rijkswaterstaat, Province of Zeeland, and Natuurmonumenten are working on a plan to raise the Galgeplaat, as has been done before with the Roggenplaat. During the boat trip, you will learn more about this.

Experience the nature of the Oosterschelde like you've never seen it before!

*Natuurmonumenten members receive a 2-euro discount on the boat trip upon presentation of their membership card. Bookings are made through the shipping company. Order your tickets here.

Tips from the ranger:

Bring binoculars to observe the birds and seals closely.
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
Bring a raincoat just in case and keep enjoying the weather and nature outside.
Make sure you are on board at least 15 minutes before departure.
The boat runs on schedule and therefore needs to leave at the agreed time.