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.