Join De Groot Recreatie for a hands-on mudflat walk and seal-spotting boat tour in North Holland, topped off with classic Dutch fish and chips. Perfect for families and outdoor lovers alike, it offers an authentic coastal adventure with a tasty finish. Read on to discover why this trip should be on your Dutch bucket list.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking involved
Wildlife
History
Hippolytushoef has a long history as a fishing village, with traditional livelihoods still present today.
Conservation
De Groot Recreatie emphasizes environmentally responsible tourism, minimizing impact on local wildlife and habitats.
De Groot Recreatie
Join De Groot Recreatie for a hands-on mudflat walk and seal-spotting boat tour in North Holland, topped off with classic Dutch fish and chips. Perfect for families and outdoor lovers alike, it offers an authentic coastal adventure with a tasty finish. Read on to discover why this trip should be on your Dutch bucket list.
De Groot Recreatie is a family-run recreation provider based in Hippolytushoef, Noord-Holland, specializing in guided Wadden Sea experiences and holiday home rentals. The company organizes shrimp fishing (garnalenvissen) departures that include scenic boat tours from Den Oever, wildlife viewing of spoonbills and seals, and onboard coffee and instruction. Guided wadlopen (mudflat hiking) on Wieringen and private wadlooptochten are offered with expert guidance, customizable group options, and safety-focused briefings. De Groot Recreatie operates several Waddenhuus holiday homes: two 10-person options—one with a boeibad and one with sauna and hot tub—and a 20-person connected retreat featuring multiple kitchens, living areas, and a private terrace. These accommodations are fully equipped for families and groups and serve as bases for mudflat hiking, shrimp fishing, and boat tours.
Additional experiences include family-friendly four-hour wadlopen with a boat tour finishing with traditional fish and chips, private shrimp-fishing trips, celebrations (feesten) with food and drinks, and bootcampen op het wad. Booking options include private trips and group stays that accommodate family outings and events. Guides on water and mudflat activities are described as experts who emphasize safety, local wildlife, and regional sights such as the Afsluitdijk. De Groot Recreatie caters to nature lovers and families seeking an active coastal holiday on the UNESCO Wadden Sea. For visitors looking for guided outdoor activity, wildlife encounters, and comfortable seaside accommodations, De Groot Recreatie provides targeted experiences and bookable packages in Noord-Holland.
Availability is managed through direct booking or partner platforms, and details appear on listings for each experience online.
Location
Hippolytushoef, Noord-Holland
Base near the Wadden Sea
Group Size
Up to 20 guests
Holiday homes and private trips
Stays Available
Waddenhuus for 10–20
Fully equipped family homes
Activities
Wadlopen, garnalenvissen, boat tours
Wildlife encounters & adventures
Reserve guided mudflat walks, shrimp-fishing boat trips, private group outings, or a Waddenhuus holiday home — check availability and book the right experience for the whole group.
Wear waterproof footwear
Mudflats can be muddy and wet; sturdy waterproof boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Check the tide schedule
Timing the walk with the tide charts ensures a safe and enjoyable mudflat experience.
Bring layers and sun protection
Weather can change quickly; bring layers and sunscreen for comfort and protection.
Respect local wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from seals and birdlife during the tours to protect their habitat.
Waterproof boots
Sturdy waterproof footwear is vital for walking on muddy, wet flats.
Layers and windbreaker
Dressing in layers helps manage changing weather conditions during the walk.
spring,winter
Sun protection
Apply sunscreen and bring a hat to shield from the sun during warmer days.
summer
Binoculars
Great for spotting seals and seabirds from a distance on the boat or mudflats.
spring,summer,fall,winter