Reide (Termunten)
Reide creek · Termunten Wad · Groningen tidal creek
53°17.1'N 07°01.5'E
Depth
1–2m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
45m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
45m
45m on deep Groningen mud in 1–2m at HW. DRIES at LW — the creek is completely dry between tides. Set anchor alarm AND a separate tide alarm. This is a drying-out berth — the mud is very soft and gentle.
Setting Your Anchor
- Check tidal height for your arrival time — many Groningen Wad anchorages dry at LW
- Plan arrival at HW -2 hours or better for all tidal locations in this region
- Daylight navigation only in all Wadden and Ems channels — no exceptions
- Set your anchor alarm immediately after anchoring — the tide will drop while you sleep
About This Anchorage
Reide is a small tidal creek behind the Groningen coastal dike near Termunten — one of the most tranquil and atmospheric anchorages on the entire Dutch coast. The creek was once the outlet of the Reide river that drained the Reiderland polder. The name 'Reide' appears in medieval documents relating to the village of Reide (now Termunten). The experience of lying in a drying tidal creek behind the Groningen dike — surrounded by polders, farmhouses, and the vast sky of the Groningen plain — is one of the most peaceful sailing experiences in the Netherlands. No tourists, no noise, no traffic: just the tide and the land.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free — typically unmanned; leave nominal donation if collecting box present
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Very narrow access window (HW -1 to HW +1); max draft 0.8–1.0m; dries completely; daylight navigation in Wadden approach essential; check with Delfzijl harbourmaster for current creek conditions before attempt.
Hazards
- !DRIES AT LW — the creek is completely dry between tides; must be flat-bottomed or bilge-keel; fin keel vessels will heel uncomfortably
- !Very narrow time window — HW -1 to HW +1 maximum; miss this window and wait for next HW (12hrs)
- !Shallow approach: max draft 0.8–1.0m; check current conditions with Delfzijl harbourmaster
- !Remote: no assistance within 9nm; complete self-sufficiency essential
- !The Groningen Wad approach to the creek requires detailed Waddengids knowledge — not a first-time anchorage
Skipper's Tips
- →Walk to Termunten village (1km) and climb the church mound (terp) for a view across the entire Groningen polder landscape
- →The sunset from the dike top at Termunten across the Wad is one of the finest views in Groningen province — worth the difficult access
- →Check creek conditions at Delfzijl (9nm) before attempting — the harbourmaster will advise on current depth and channel state
- →Bring rubber boots for the mud — the Groningen Wad mud is extraordinarily soft and deep; fascinating underfoot
- →This anchorage rewards patience and experience — those who make the effort find something genuinely special
Facilities
No facilities. Delfzijl (9nm) for full services. Termunten village (1km) has a small café occasionally.
Nearest provisions: Delfzijl (9nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Expert Wadden sailors only. One of the most remote and peaceful anchorages on the Dutch coast. Requires detailed local knowledge and tidal awareness.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 45m
In the Groningen Wad and Ems estuary, anchor drag on a drying tidal flat can leave you stranded at low water. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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