Ouddorp, Stellendam, Havenhoofd

Believe it or not - Goeree is one of the best places outside the Wadden area to observe seals. In fact, more than eleven hundred have been counted in a single day on sandbar ‘De Aardappelenbult’! That plate, aka ‘The bulbs of the Ooster’, lies between Goeree and the Zeeland island of Schouwen. In this part of the sea, also known as the ‘Voordelta’, special rules apply to protect marine life. For instance, professional fishermen are only allowed to operate here under strict restrictions, which benefits seals, among others. The nice thing is that both Dutch seal species are found here: the common and the grey. The latter is somewhat rarer, but still regularly observed.

Not to mention the Kwade Hoek, where you can occasionally approach the seals on the beach from a few metres away. Sometimes it is one that seeks a quiet spot to die. Don't be alarmed, it's part of nature's game. You can call the seal shelter, but remember that such a dead animal is food for all sorts of other life forms again. And you are likely to find plenty of live ones. The whole coastline, so between Kwade Hoek and that Aardapelenbult, is something of a showcase for seals.

But there is more to this island than just seals. There are lots of different landscapes up for grabs here, which this cycle tour purposefully crosses. Each type of landscape has its own species of mammals, although barren areas with little vegetation have less to offer. After all, most animals like to hide when danger threatens. The advantage of more open areas, however, is that you can usually spot a rabbit, fox or deer quite quickly.

Goeree is pretty good at mice. In fact, one such mouse species can be considered a speciality of the islands of South Holland and Zeeland. Namely, the root vole has a unique, Dutch subspecies. It is found in five areas in our country, including the Delta region. It didn't need bridges or locks to get to the islands, as the creature is not afraid of water and swims across a fair bit of salt or fresh with ease. Too bad you won't see it so soon, though. In the hay fields, roadsides, reeds and marshlands where it occurs, they can easily hide. But of course, you never know. Our route runs through the entire northern dune strip and it has plenty of hidden mouse spots. Even in the West Dunes, special because they are inland, you have a chance.

Don't grieve if you miss the Northern vole. There are plenty of other mammals to be found, even if the seal doesn't give home. Of our list of eight species of animals, you should be able to get half of them in the picture, at least if you are not racing through everything at full speed. In all cases, a little luck never hurt anyone.


This premium cycling route was compiled by our editor Matthijs Termeer.