- A giant wooden egg crammed with natural wonders
- Colony of sandwich terns
- Spectacular views
Canoeing in the Biesbosch jungle
A small piece of Amazonia in the Netherlands
In the summer the Biesbosch can seem like a jungle. The best way to experience it is by canoe. Paddle slowly through its narrow creeks, along its verdant shoreline and under overhanging willows. Camouflaged by green, sit back and enjoy the melodious ensemble of innumerable birds. Gnawed branches, runnels and lodges point to evidence of beavers. A flash of blue is a kingfisher swooping low across the water. With a bit of luck you might catch sight of a deer standing motionless on the banks.
The ebb and flow of the tide add their own dynamics: at times the tidal range can be as much as 80 cm. At low tide the jungle is transformed into a mangrove of willow roots. Some adventuresome paddling is required!
Information
At various points it’s possible to tie up and stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic. Canoes can be rented from several locations on the fringes of the Biesbosch. Check out routes, recommendations and rental locations here
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More adventure
Camping on an island
The Biesboschhoeve lies at the very heart of the Biesbosch on the island of Vischplaat. Here it’s possible to pitch a tent in the middle of nowhere and sleep among Highland cattle. It’s an island, so you can only come and go by canoe or boat. www.biesboschhoeve.nl
Adventure under the stars
For a bit of adventure, why not pitch camp in the wilds of the Biesbosch? There are two sites which can only be reached by canoe. You will be leaving the civilised world behind, so don’t forget your sleeping bag and some food and drink. More info
Canoeing at sunrise
Cast off before dawn and enjoy the Biesbosch in all its morning glory. With a guide to accompany you, experience the mist as it rolls across the water and sit back and savour the dawn chorus and the cackle of waterfowl. More info
Mangrove canoeing route
They may appear as short water channels, but these canoeing routes in the Biesbosch can give you hours of adventure. The tidal ebb and flow in this part of the Biesbosch is perceptible to both the eye and the senses. Rent a canoe at the Biesboschcentrum Dordrecht and lose yourself in the ‘jungle’. Tip: the early bird catches the worm! More info
More nature of the Dutch Delta
NLDelta consists of a joined-up system of flourishing nature reserves. The water-rich ‘jungle’ of the Biesbosch is a unique freshwater-tidal zone, with a network of creeks, islands and morasses… Read more
