Haringvliet
Haringvliet lake · Haringvlietdam · Willemstad anchorage
51°42.6'N 04°15.6'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m on Haringvliet sand and mud in 2–5m. No tidal swing (freshwater lake, level controlled). SW fetch of up to 30km — choose the eastern bays and inlets for shelter in SW winds. Sandbanks in the eastern section shift — use ANWB waterkaart.
About This Anchorage
The Haringvliet is the largest freshwater lake in the Dutch Delta Works system (36,000 ha) — created when the Haringvlietdam closed the former tidal estuary in 1970. The lake is less visited than the Grevelingenmeer but offers extensive anchoring possibilities on a freshwater lake with good facilities around its shores. The star-shaped fortress town of Willemstad (1583) on the north shore is a perfect Dutch fortification — intact bastions, a moat, and the Mauritshuis (a historic governor's residence). Hellevoetsluis on the north bank is a full-service sailing harbour. The Haringvliet sluices (17 sluice gates, 300m wide) are one of the most impressive Delta Works structures — partially reopened in 2018 to allow juvenile salmon back into the Rhine. The eastern shallows attract breeding terns and migratory waterfowl.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
SW · W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free in designated lake areas; Hellevoetsluis marina approx €16–20/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: ANWB waterkaart essential — sandbanks in eastern section; nature reserve areas on south shore (Natura 2000); speed limit 9km/h in most areas; Haringvliet sluices area — keep clear of sluice operating zone; entry from North Sea via Haringvlietmond (check tidal timing); Spui (connection to Hollandsch Diep) — commercial barge traffic.
Hazards
- !SW fetch of 30km — significant wave build in F4+ from SW; choose eastern bays or stay in Hellevoetsluis in strong SW
- !Sandbanks in eastern section — shift position; ANWB waterkaart essential and update regularly
- !Haringvliet sluice zone — large structure with operating zones; keep well clear when sluices are operating
- !Nature reserve south shore — restricted access in breeding season (April–August)
- !Entry from North Sea (Haringvlietmond) is tidal and requires timing — not for entry by unknown sailors without local knowledge
Skipper's Tips
- →Willemstad (north shore) is one of the most perfectly preserved star fortifications in the Delta Works region — the harbour entry through the water gate is dramatic; the Mauritshuis is open for visits
- →Hellevoetsluis (north shore) is the main service port for the Haringvliet — fuel, chandlery, and full marina facilities; the historic 18th-century naval harbour (admiraliteitshaven) is beautifully preserved
- →The Haringvliet sluices (2018 partial reopening) now allow young salmon through — the first Atlantic salmon restoration in the Rhine delta in 50 years; visible in the sluice pools in autumn
- →The Haringvliet is less crowded than the Grevelingenmeer — a good alternative when the Zeeland main lake anchorages are full in peak season
- →Entry from Rotterdam/Dordrecht via the Hollandsch Diep and Spui (commercial waterway) connects the Haringvliet to the Dutch inland waterways network — a common cruising route from the north
Facilities
No facilities at open lake anchorage. Hellevoetsluis (north shore) has full marina facilities, fuel, and provisioning. Willemstad (north shore) has restaurants and a small harbour.
Nearest provisions: Hellevoetsluis (north shore) (6nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. The Haringvliet is less popular than the Grevelingenmeer but offers more space and quieter anchoring. The Willemstad fortress and Hellevoetsluis are the main attractions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In the Zeeland Delta tidal channels, anchor drag can carry you into shipping lanes. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS