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. If you’d rather take the helm yourself, hire a sloop at Tramkade, known for its colourful silos, and explore ’s-Hertogenbosch’s waterways from there.
"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. Sail past terraces in the Piushaven in Tilburg
The largest city harbour in North Brabant
The Piushaven in Tilburg is Brabant’s largest city harbour. Here, the bridgeman manually opens the historic bridge once an hour. The charming terraces and cafés along the Piushaven contribute to a wonderful harbour experience. Hire a private sloop or enjoy a relaxing boat trip with a guide.
5. A tour of Breda’s canals
Breda is a green oasis, and you actually notice it best from the water. On a trip through the canals, you’ll experience the tranquillity of the city while passing all kinds of wonderful sights. These include a dome prison, the Spanjaardsgat (water gate), Breda Castle and the beautiful Valkenbergpark. You can hire a sloop (electric versions available) from Bootje Varen Breda. If you’re coming with a larger group, an experienced skipper will take you on a boat tour. End your trip with a lovely drink on the quay at BAAI and soak up that holiday feeling.
‘"f you’d rather have a paddle in your hand on a stand-up paddleboard, you can do that too! Take your own or hire one from one of the many locations. If you’d like to do your bit for the environment or your own mental wellbeing at the same time, then book a stand-up paddleboard clean-up or a stand-up paddleboard yoga session."
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. For example, you can depart from Jachthaven de Wiel (marina) with Rondvaart Wiljo and sail past picturesque villages and stunning nature areas. Take your binoculars along and enjoy the beautiful vistas and exceptional waterbirds.
