The Netherlands is a great place for cold water diving and to enjoy the more technical aspects of scuba diving with rivers, lakes and seas aplenty.
Because of Dutch dams, many dive sites offer a unique and non-stressful environment. The dams protect the waters and the marine life from the ravages of the sea. Said to be more populated with marine life than the Mediterranean Sea, waters in the Netherlands offer great sightings particularly in the springtime when hundreds of cuttlefish gather to mate.
The Oosterschelde is a national park and the largest saltwater estuary in Europe. It is a popular diving location due to its rich biodiversity and unique underwater landscapes.
Outside of Zeeland, lakes and rivers provide ample training opportunities for a variety of levels. The wild North Sea contains plenty of shipwrecks for advanced divers.
While diving is possible year-round with the use of a dry suit, it is far more comfortable to dive The Netherlands in the summer months. Water temperatures range from 43-64°F (6-18°C). Winter air temperatures are regularly below freezing - for those who dare to take a dip in the cool Netherlands, a plethora of fantastic dive sites await.
Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is a major European hub and welcomes flights from around the world. It is also possible to fly into one of the smaller airports, namely Eindhoven Airport, Maastricht Airport, Rotterdam-The Hague Airport, and Groningen-Eelde Airport.
Reaching The Netherlands is simple by train as well. The country is well-connected from most other European destinations.
Once you arrive in The Netherlands, it is easy to travel around the country by car, bus, bicycle, tram or train. The country is particularly designed for travel by bicycle with bike lanes available throughout most major cities.
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