Who thinks of the Wadden, thinks of seals. These curious animals are the true icons of the Wadden Sea and regularly show themselves along the coast of Ameland.
Whether you spot them during the boat crossing to Ameland, a Seal expeditions or unexpectedly on the beach, it remains a special experience.
Ameland is one of the best places in the Netherlands to admire seals in their natural habitat. These beautiful animals can often be seen on the sandbanks surrounding the island. During a boat trip you can see them up close, especially at low tide when the sandbanks run dry. The common seal and the grey seal are the most common species you can see here.
But you can also get lucky without a boat trip! Sometimes a seal rests on the beach.
Sometimes, a seal may rest on the beach for a while. This is completely normal! Keep your distance (at least 30 metres), keep dogs on a lead, and quietly enjoy the moment. A seal can sometimes stay in the same spot for up to two days. Is it lying on its side or with its head and tail raised (the so-called ‘banana position’)? If so, this is a natural resting posture.
Does the seal appear sick or injured? Please contact 114 Red een Dier or the Seal Centre Pieterburen foundation at 0031595-526526. Always mention a recognisable landmark or beach pole number so that rescuers can locate the animal quickly.
Would you like to admire seals up close? From Ameland, you can take a seal-expedition to Robbeneiland, located between Ameland and Terschelling. Here, a large group of harbour seals and a smaller group of grey seals can be found.
Experience a seal trip on Ameland!
Get on board and sail along to the sandbanks where seals rest in the sun. These atmospheric impressions will give you a taste of these unique trips across the Wadden Sea, where you can admire the curious seals up close. Take a look and get inspired for your own adventure!
The common seal is the most common seal species in Dutch waters, including the Wadden Sea. They can be recognised by their round head with large, dark eyes and a short snout. Their fur has a mottled pattern and varies in colour from grey to brown.
Habitat and behaviour
Common seals live along sheltered shores, such as sandbanks and estuaries. They are superbly adapted to the tidal area of the Wadden Sea and often rest on sandbanks that have run dry at low tide. When the water rises, they migrate back into the water to hunt for fish.
Feeding and reproduction
These seals feed mainly on fish, such as herring, cod and flatfish, as well as crustaceans and squid. They dive for 2 to 3 minutes on average to catch their prey, but can stay underwater for up to 10 minutes.
Pups are born in June and July. Unlike the grey seal, a pup of a common seal is born with smooth fur after only a few hours and can swim immediately. Mother and pup stay together for a few weeks, after which the pup has to survive independently.
The grey seal is the largest seal species in the Netherlands. It can be recognised by its long, straight snout and substantial physique. Males can grow up to 330 cm long and weigh more than 300 kg, females remain smaller. Their fur ranges from dark grey to silver grey with dark spots.
Habitat and behaviour
Grey seals mostly live along rocky coasts, such as in Scotland and Scandinaviaë but a small population also occurs in the Wadden Sea. They can often be found on sandbanks between Vlieland and Terschelling and on Robben Island near Ameland.
They are often found on sandbanks between Vlieland and Terschelling and on Robben Island near Ameland.
Feeding and reproduction
These seals eat a wide range of fish species, including herring, plaice and cod. They can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes while hunting.
The reproduction takes place during the winter months. Unlike the common seal, grey seals are born with thick white fur, which protects them from the cold. They cannot swim for the first few weeks and remain on land until they lose their white fur and acquire a water-repellent coat.
Besides seals, the Wadden Sea area is a true paradise for migratory birds. The tidal flats provide food and resting places for birds travelling between Northern Europe and Africa. Species you can spot here include terns, waders, ducks, geese, ospreys, and songbirds.
Want to learn more about birdwatching on Ameland? Read on >>
Seals don’t just look adorable – they’re also incredibly cuddly.
Of course, in the wild, you should leave them undisturbed, but with these soft seal cuddly toys, you can snuggle up safely!
From a cute little version to an XXL plush seal, they’re just as irresistible as their real-life counterparts on the beach and sandbanks.
