Ameland (Nes)

About This Anchorage

Ameland is a 24km-long island with four historic villages (Hollum, Ballum, Nes, Buren) and one of the best lighthouses in the Netherlands (Hollum lighthouse, 1880, 56m, still oil-lit). The island is reached by ferry from Holwerd (45 minutes) or by yacht via the Borndiep or Reegeul channels. The Wadden side of Ameland is the most natural — tidal flats extending 10–15km to the mainland at low water, used by thousands of migratory wading birds (bar-tailed godwit, curlew, knot). The north coast has a 30km beach. The island is less commercialised than Texel or Terschelling — the lighthouse village of Hollum (west tip) is particularly quiet and traditional.

Hazards

• !Borndiep and Reegeul channels — tidal streams 2–3kt; channels shift after storms; use current Waddengids
• !Tidal range 2m — anchorage partially dries at LW; navigate only within 2hrs of HW
• !Ferry route Holwerd–Ameland crosses approach channels — monitor VHF and AIS
• !Nature reserves — extensive areas closed in breeding season (April–July)
• !Shallow draught essential for exploring Wadden side — maximum 1.5m draught recommended for channels

Skipper's Tips

• →Hollum lighthouse (1880) on the west tip of Ameland is worth cycling to — 7km from Nes harbour; still uses oil illumination; one of the last of its kind in Europe
• →Mudflatting (wadlopen) guided walks from Ameland across the tidal flats to the mainland at LW — 2–3 hour crossing; book with licensed guide
• →The north coast beach is the least crowded of all Wadden island beaches — accessible only by bicycle (no cars on the beach)
• →Seal colonies (grey seal and harbour seal) rest on the tidal flats east of Buren — visible by dinghy in appropriate season (outside nesting)
• →Approach via Borndiep (west approach) is better marked and more reliable than Reegeul — follow the Waddengids routing

Nearby Anchorages