Sightseeing boat cruising across coastal waters under blue sky

See Wadden Sea Seals on a Family-Friendly Robbentocht

2-hour departures from Nes, Friesland aboard the ms Zeehond — kid- and dog-friendly wildlife cruises.

Featured Robbentochten

Short, guided seal-watching trips from Nes with live local commentary.

Water Activities & MS Zeehond Wadden Sea Adventure

Discover the stunning Wadden Sea on a family-friendly boat trip with Captain Mario aboard MS Zeehond. Perfect for all ages, it offers close encounters with sea lions and engaging stories about this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Water Activities & MS Zeehond Wadden Sea Adventure

water activities

Nes, Friesland

Nes

Seal Cruises on the Wadden Sea with De Zeehond

Board the family-run ms Zeehond for a 2-hour seal cruise from Nes, Ameland. Enjoy live narration, close seal encounters, and a kid- and dog-friendly atmosphere on the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea.

Seal Cruises on the Wadden Sea with De Zeehond

water activities

About De Zeehond

De Zeehond is a family-run passenger boat operating from Nes in Friesland on the island of Ameland. The ms Zeehond offers short, guided Robbentochten—two-hour seal-watching cruises—that explore the dynamic Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage tidal area. Captain Mario provides live storytelling and local insight on each departure, discussing seal behavior, coastal ecology, and the maritime history of the region. The crew emphasizes a child-friendly atmosphere with onboard activities for children and permits dogs on board, making trips accessible to families and pet owners.

The business offers two main experiences: a standard 2-hour Robbentocht focused on seals and coastal wildlife, and a 2-hour Robbentocht met lancering Paardenredding-boot, which includes a launch demonstration of a historic rescue boat. Both departures prioritize wildlife observation and education, with commentary tailored to general audiences and families. Routes are chosen to maximize opportunities to see seals and other intertidal species while respecting wildlife and local tidal conditions.

De Zeehond operates with local knowledge of shallow channels and tidal patterns around Ameland and adheres to regional navigation practices. Departure times are scheduled to align with tides for clear viewing opportunities. Booking and embarkation take place at the harbor in Nes, Friesland. With a focus on friendly service, clear interpretation, and family-oriented outings, De Zeehond provides a trustworthy way to experience the Wadden Sea and its seal populations on a short, informative boat trip. Captain Mario draws on local knowledge and experience to guide safe, informative outings suitable for first-time visitors and repeat guests alike throughout trips.

De Zeehond — Robbentocht and Wadden Sea Seal Watching

Experience the Wadden Sea from Nes, Friesland

De Zeehond operates guided Robbentochten from the harbor in Nes, Friesland, offering easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. The ms Zeehond runs short, two-hour wildlife cruises focused on seal observation, local ecology, and maritime storytelling. These family-run seal-watching trips are ideal for visitors who want close, respectful encounters with the tidal ecosystem around Ameland.

Two Featured Trips

Robbentocht (2 hours) — A standard seal-watching cruise with live commentary from Captain Mario about seal behavior, tidal flats, and coastal wildlife. Ideal for families and photographers.
Robbentocht met lancering Paardenredding-boot (2 hours) — Includes the added element of a launch demonstration of a historic rescue boat (Paardenredding-boot), giving extra insight into local maritime traditions while searching for seals.

Why Choose a Robbentocht with De Zeehond

Local knowledge: Departures are led by Captain Mario and crew familiar with Wadden Sea tides and shallow channels.
Family-friendly: Onboard activities and a relaxed atmosphere make these Robbentochten suitable for children.
Pet-friendly: Dogs are permitted on board, so pet owners can join wildlife outings.
UNESCO setting: Cruises operate within the Wadden Sea, a protected and internationally recognized tidal region.

What to Expect on a 2-Hour Seal-Watching Cruise

Guests can expect guided narration about local seal populations, behavior, and the Wadden Sea environment. Routes are chosen to maximize seal sighting opportunities while following guidelines to minimize disturbance. The Robbentocht met lancering Paardenredding-boot pairs wildlife observation with a practical demonstration of a rescue boat launch, offering both nature and maritime culture in one trip.

Helpful Planning Tips

Departures leave from the harbor in Nes, Friesland on Ameland.
Cruises last approximately 2 hours, scheduled to match tidal conditions for optimal wildlife viewing.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing; conditions on the Wadden Sea can change quickly.

Keywords and Search Terms

To find the ms Zeehond and its offers, search terms that commonly connect visitors to these experiences include: Robbentocht, Wadden Sea seal watching, ms Zeehond Nes Friesland, Robbentocht Ameland, Paardenredding-boot launch, and family-friendly seal cruise.

Summary

De Zeehond provides short, focused Robbentochten from Nes, Friesland, combining local storytelling, seal observation, and regional maritime tradition. Whether choosing the standard Robbentocht or the Robbentocht met lancering Paardenredding-boot, visitors receive informative, family-oriented outings that showcase the unique tidal landscape of the Wadden Sea and its seal populations.

Horse-drawn team hauling a boat across sandy beach with crowd

Reserve a Robbentocht from Nes Today

Secure a 2-hour wildlife cruise on the ms Zeehond — family- and dog-friendly departures with local commentary.