6 Boat trips in North Brabant
As the sun starts breaking through more often and temperatures rise, you know the sailing season has started in North Brabant. Time to go onto the water and enjoy the stunning countryside. Hire a boat, go on a boat trip or try stand-up paddleboarding! Discover our province’s most beautiful waterways!
The sailing season is from 1 April to 31 October.
1. Boat trip on the Binnendieze in ’s-Hertogenbosch
The Binnendieze underground waterway is the perfect place to get to know ’s-Hertogenbosch from a completely different angle. You sail through the small canals under the city centre with a guide. You learn all about the rich history of Brabant’s capital city on route. Combine your boat trip with a visit to the Noordbrabants Museum or St John’s Cathedral and don’t forget to taste the famous local delicacy the Bossche Bol.
2. Explore the Dommel by canoe
Step into a canoe and discover the River Dommel! Paddle past natural green banks, vast meadows and go through North Brabant’s most beautiful nature areas. The Dommel is a 125-kilometre-long river that starts as a little stream in Belgium and becomes an increasingly wider river as it flows towards Eindhoven and finally to ’s-Hertogenbosch. You can experience the outdoor life in North Brabant at its best during your canoeing trip.
''There’s a trail by the Dommel, which you can walk in six stages. You follow the story of the windmills going from Peer (BE) to 's-Hertogenbosch. And you follow the story of the heritage and countryside going from 's-Hertogenbosch to Peer.''
3. Sailing through De Biesbosch National Park
The largest freshwater tidal area in Europe
The largest freshwater tidal area in Europe
Did you know that De Biesbosch National Park is the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe? Hire a boat from one of the boat hire companies in the area, for example Bootje Gezond in Raamsdonksveer, and go out on the water for a day. Navigate the maze of creeks, islands and swamps. If you do not fancy steering the boat, let someone else take the helm and enjoy a relaxing boat trip that starts at the Biesbosch MuseumEiland.
4. Stand-up paddleboarding
If you are looking for an adventurous way to explore North Brabant, stand-up paddleboarding is today’s most popular water sport. While standing on a sturdy board, you slowly paddle over the water. Feel like having a go yourself? With its calm water and stunning natural green landscape, the IJzeren Man in Vught is the perfect spot to go stand-up paddleboarding, both for novices and experienced stand-up paddleboarders!
5. A tour of Breda’s canals
Breda is a very naturally green city, and you get the best views of that from the water. With a boat trip on the canals, you experience the city’s tranquillity, while seeing all the lovely sights in and around the centre. These include the Kopelgevangenis (literally, dome prison), the Spanjaardsgat (water gate), Breda Castle and the lovely Valkenbergpark. At Bootje Varen Breda, you can hire a boat or go on a boat trip. It is perfect for a day out with friends or family!
6. Sail on the Maas
Heusden is a beautiful, fortified town with an idyllic port. It is the starting point of various boat trips over the Maas and surrounding rivers. You sail past many picturesque villages and stunning nature areas. Enjoy the beautiful vistas and exceptional water birds.
