Grevelingenmeer
Grevelingen · Hompelvoet · Grevelingen Lake
51°44.5'N 03°53.3'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m on sand and mud in 2–5m (open area). In the sheltered eastern bays, reduce to 60m on clean sand — excellent holding. No tidal swing to account for (only 0.3m). The SW fetch across 12km can build short steep chop in F5+ — choose a sheltered bay in strong SW winds.
About This Anchorage
Grevelingenmeer is universally regarded as the finest Dutch anchorage — and arguably one of the best in Northwest Europe. Created by the Grevelingendam (1965) and Brouwersdam (1971) as part of the Delta Works, it is the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe with 4,300 hectares of clear water (visibility 8–10m in summer). Without tides (only 0.3m sluice variation), the lake is ideal for anchoring — no tidal arithmetic, no streams, no timing. The sand and mud bottom gives excellent holding. The reefs and wrecks created during the lake's formation have become superb dive sites. The Hompelvoet island (managed by Staatsbosbeheer) is the jewel — a former tidal island now a nature reserve with a lighthouse, accessible only with a permit. The surrounding area (Goeree-Overflakkee island, Schouwen-Duiveland) has excellent cycling and the restored fortified town of Zierikzee nearby.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
SW · W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in designated areas; mooring buoys at Hompelvoet (fee)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Anchor only in designated areas (marked on ANWB waterkaart); nature reserve zones closed (Hompelvoet requires permit); speed limit 9km/h in most areas (check waterkaart); no anchoring in fairways; Hompelvoet island access by permit only.
Hazards
- !SW fetch — 12km open water in SW/W winds creates short steep chop; choose sheltered eastern bays in SW above F4
- !Speed boats, jet skis, and kite surfers on the lake — designated zones for each activity; check waterkaart
- !Nature reserve zones — strict no-entry for boats in bird nesting areas (April–July)
- !Hompelvoet island — access without permit is prohibited; wardens patrol
- !Extremely busy in July–August weekends — prime Dutch sailing destination; arrive early for good anchorage position
Skipper's Tips
- →The eastern bays (Bommenede, Stampersplaat) are the best anchorages in SW winds — protected by the narrow eastern section of the lake
- →Grevelingenmeer has the best diving in the Netherlands — reefs, wrecks, and marine life created since 1971 closure; visibility 8–10m
- →The Hompelvoet island permit (Staatsbosbeheer) is worth applying for — a unique overnight experience on a remote island in the middle of the lake
- →Kite surfing and windsurfing at the Brouwersdam — one of the best spots in the Netherlands; observe the designated zones
- →Visit Zierikzee (10nm) from Grevelingenmeer via the Zijpe — one of the most beautiful historic towns in Zeeland; medieval towers and a fascinating harbour
Facilities
No facilities at open lake anchorage. Brouwershaven (5nm) and Bruinisse (eastern end) have full facilities. Zierikzee (10nm) is the main provisioning town.
Nearest provisions: Brouwershaven (5nm by water) (5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Peak season (July–August) is extremely busy — one of the most popular Dutch cruising grounds. Spring (May–June) offers the best visibility, fewer boats, and calmer conditions. Water temperature reaches 22°C in July–August — swimming is excellent.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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