Yerseke
Ierseke · Yerseke haven · Oester Yerseke
51°29.3'N 04°03.4'E
Depth
1.5–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m on Oosterschelde mud and clay in 1.5–4m at HW. Tidal range 2–2.5m — allow for tidal swing; use 5:1 scope. Shellfish beds are marked by posts and buoys — anchor clear of all marked beds. The Oosterschelde tidal streams carry 2–3kt at springs.
About This Anchorage
Yerseke is the oyster and mussel capital of the Netherlands — the entire Oosterschelde is a protected shellfish cultivation area and Yerseke is its heart. The village (population 6,500) has been cultivating Zeeland oysters (oesterkweek) and mussels (mosselen) since the 18th century. The Zeeland flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) is considered one of the finest oysters in the world — they are exported to Paris, London, and beyond. The harbour is surrounded by the oyster companies' processing buildings and the mussel boats (mossel kokkels) that work the estuary. The Oosterschelde remains tidal because the Oosterscheldekering (storm surge barrier, 1986) keeps the estuary open — the barrier only closes in storm surge conditions. The National Oyster Centre (Nationale Oestercrème) in Yerseke offers tours and tasting. The underwater nature of the Oosterschelde is extraordinary — the tidal currents maintain exceptional water clarity.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approx €15–18/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Anchor only in designated areas — shellfish beds (oesterbanken, mosselperken) are marked with posts and must not be disturbed; Oosterscheldekering barrier — do not approach the barrier; tidal streams 2–3kt — navigate with tidal planning; commercial shellfish boats have priority.
Hazards
- !Shellfish beds — marked with posts; anchoring in or near beds is prohibited; boat propellers can destroy years of shellfish cultivation
- !Oosterschelde tidal streams — 2–3kt at springs in main channel; plan approach/departure with tide
- !Tidal range 2–2.5m — anchorage may be very shallow at LW; check depth carefully
- !Commercial shellfish boats working the estuary — give way and keep clear
- !Oyster season restrictions — some areas closed during specific periods; check with harbour master
Skipper's Tips
- →Buy Zeeland oysters directly from the companies at the harbour — the price is a fraction of what you'd pay in restaurants; local knowledge on which company has the best flat oysters that day
- →Mussel season in the Netherlands runs July–April; the new season mussels (July arrival from Wadden Sea beds) are the finest — time a visit accordingly
- →The National Oyster Centre offers guided tours of the cultivation process — fascinating insight into a traditional Dutch industry
- →The Oosterschelde is one of the best diving locations in the Netherlands — tidal currents maintain 5–8m visibility; soft corals, seahorses, and lobsters in the shellfish beds
- →The Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier (visible 10nm away) is open to cycle and walk across — the Delta Works information centre at Neeltje Jans (15nm) is worth visiting
Facilities
Yerseke has excellent seafood restaurants (oysters, mussels, lobster). Buy oysters and mussels directly from the processing companies at the harbour — the freshest available anywhere in the Netherlands.
Nearest provisions: Yerseke village (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Yerseke is best visited in July–August when the new mussel season has started. September–October is oyster harvest season — the most active period. The harbour is quieter than the Grevelingenmeer lake anchorages.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the Zeeland Delta tidal channels, anchor drag can carry you into shipping lanes. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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