When you think of an exotic nature getaway, you rarely imagine spotting seals less than two hours from the Lille metropolis. However, over in West Scheldt in Zeeland, there are several observation points where you can admire these mustachioed creatures enjoying a chill moment on the sandbanks.
A Seal Sanctuary in the Heart of Zeeland
The most famous spot is around Hooge Platen, a nature reserve located near Breskens, in the Netherlands. On these sandbanks that appear at low tide, about thirty grey seals regularly come to rest, sunbathe, and quietly observe the water's ballet. The scenery has a magical touch: golden sand, an endless horizon, seabirds as far as the eye can see, and in the distance, the round silhouettes of seals lounging in the sun.
Two Ways to Observe Them
Here's an important detail: the reserve itself is not open to the public, to fully protect the wildlife. But here’s the good news: there are two options to enjoy the spectacle. The first is to watch them from the shore with binoculars, especially from a spot called Nummer Een or from the observation hut Magereind on the south bank. The best time to catch a glimpse is about two hours before high tide, when the seals come up on the sandbanks. The second option, much simpler (and honestly spectacular), is to hop on a cruise to see the seals departing from Breskens or Cadzand-Bad.
A Cruise to See Them Up Close
Starting from the port of Breskens, the company Rederij de Festijn offers a special seal excursion for just 18€ per adult. Another option from Cadzand-Bad is a more intimate boat ride provided by Knokke Boat, &
partire da 75€ per gruppo. È decisamente la formula più semplice per osservarli senza stress, godendo della bellezza selvaggia del Belgio Occidentale.Un'idea perfetta per una gita nella natura a meno di 2 ore da Lille
Oltre alle foche, il posto merita sicuramente una visita per la bellezza dei suoi paesaggi. I 1.800 ettari di banchi di sabbia ospitano anche una straordinaria varietà di uccelli marini: sterne, gabbiani, tadorne, piovanelli e oche grigie. Il tipo di luogo perfetto per una fuga primaverile tra una passeggiata rinfrescante, una pausa in terrazza a Breskens e un momento di tranquillità immersi nella natura.
Hooge Platen - Breskens, Zelanda