Seals and life in the Wadden Sea

Spotting seals

Both harbour seals and grey seals live on Schiermonnikoog. Your best chance is on the beach from beach post 7 towards the east, where it is quieter, and above all on the Balg, the island's eastern tip. Groups of seals often rest on the sandbanks there. The walk is long; the Balg Expres can take you there too. Keep an eye out during the ferry crossing as well.

Balg Expres

A seal on the beach

Sometimes a seal lies alone on the beach. Often it is simply resting. Keep your distance, do not touch it and keep dogs away. If you think the animal is sick or injured, call the coordinators.

Important numbers

The mudflats: nursery of the North Sea

Twice a day the bed of the Wadden Sea falls dry. The seabed and shallow water are full of animal life: lugworms, cockles, mussels, shrimps, shore crabs and young fish such as plaice and sole. Many North Sea fish spend their first year in the shelter of the mudflats. All this life in turn feeds the millions of birds that visit the area.

Mudflat walking and excursions

At low tide you can walk across the bed of the Wadden Sea with a guide. With a dip net and fork you look for worms, shellfish, shrimps and fish. Never go onto the mudflats without a guide: the water comes back quickly and unexpectedly. Information and tickets from VVV Schiermonnikoog.