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Ecomare

4.5
·11k reviews·De Koog, Netherlands

Ecomare: A nature museum, aquarium & sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating seals and birds of the Wadden Sea.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, during feeding times

See seals at their most active!

CrowdMedium
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Leuk om een dagje te spenderen. Je kan er genieten van de dieren alsook een leuke wandeling make

Ecomare

Best Time

Daily, during feeding times

See seals at their most active!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ecomare: A nature museum, aquarium & sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating seals and birds of the Wadden Sea.

4.5
(11k reviews)

"A wonderful sanctuary that helps rehabilitate injured seals and educates visitors on marine life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Seal Feeding Times

Don't miss the seal feeding! Check the schedule upon arrival for the best viewing experience.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the exhibits and outdoor areas.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seal Feeding Frenzy

Seal Feeding Frenzy

Outdoor Seal Habitat

Witness the playful antics of rescued seals during their feeding time. A truly heartwarming and educational experience for all ages.

Wadden Sea Aquarium

Wadden Sea Aquarium

Basement Level

Explore the diverse marine life of the Wadden Sea and North Sea in this surprisingly delightful aquarium.

Seal Rehabilitation Stories

Seal Rehabilitation Stories

Indoor Exhibits

Learn about the incredible work Ecomare does rescuing and rehabilitating seals, from tiny pups to adults.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Seals

Ecomare is a seal sanctuary, so seeing them fed is a highlight. Check the feeding schedule upon arrival to maximize your chances of witnessing this engaging activity. Arriving earlier in the day can also mean more active seals.

Understanding Ecomare's Mission

Ecomare is more than just a tourist spot; it's a vital rescue and rehabilitation center for seals and birds. Your admission fee directly supports their conservation efforts, so embrace the educational aspect and learn about the Wadden Sea ecosystem.

Best Times

When
Daily, during feeding times
Why
See seals at their most active!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ecomare de Koog-Texel#de Koog#niederlande #texel #seehunde #reisefeeling #urlaub
@darkwife79
51 likes • 2.1K views

🎯 Check Seal Feeding Times

Don't miss the seal feeding! Check the schedule upon arrival for the best viewing experience. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the exhibits and outdoor areas. Instagram

𝙴𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚎🐑🌊🦀 we zijn vorige keer op de foryou gekomenn kan dat weer? #foryoupage #foryou #ecomare #texel #vacation #twisthermind #pov
@texeldekrim
124 likes • 3.5K views
Ontmoet Snoet! 🦭 Tegelijk met Wave is Snoet verhuisd naar het buitenbassin. Dat betekent dat het steeds een beetje beter gaat. Snoet is opgepikt bij Paal 9 met een fikse longworminfectie 🪱 De eieren van longwormen komen voor in vissen, en zeehonden krijgen ze binnen via hun maaltijden. In veel gevallen is dat geen probleem: een sterke zeehond met een goede weerstand ruimt ze vanzelf op 💚 Maar al...
ecomaretexel
6.3K likes • 53.2K views

🗣️ English Information Available

While feeding talks are in Dutch, many signs and info cards have English translations. Reddit

💰 Admission Supports Animals

Your ticket price directly funds animal care and conservation. Reddit

Texel welcomed us with wind and rain—but Ecomare saved the day. 🌧️🦭 It was close to our hotel, so we decided to check it out—and I’m really glad we did. The museum is great if you're into nature and marine life, but even you're not, you'll like it. Super kid-friendly, with interactive exhibits and fun facts about the Wadden Sea and Texel’s ecosystem. The best part? 🦭 SEALS They’re rescues being ...
trifonovaevgenia
17 likes • 398 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Seal Feeding Times

Don't miss the seal feeding! Check the schedule upon arrival for the best viewing experience. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the exhibits and outdoor areas. Instagram

🗣️ English Information Available

While feeding talks are in Dutch, many signs and info cards have English translations. Reddit

💰 Admission Supports Animals

Your ticket price directly funds animal care and conservation. Reddit

👶 Kid-Friendly Fun

Ecomare is a fantastic place for children with interactive exhibits. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Ecomare for its dedication to seal rescue and rehabilitation, finding the experience both heartwarming and educational. The seal feeding and the Wadden Sea aquarium are frequently highlighted as major attractions. While some find the entry price a bit high, most agree the funds directly support the animals and the valuable conservation work, making it a worthwhile visit.

"Ecomare was absolutely wonderful! Would highly, highly recommend a visit. This sanctuary helps rehabilitate injured and ill seals including sending sick babies back to the wild when they are better and permanently housing blind adults. Make sure to watch a seal feeding and spend some time exploring the museum, small aquarium, and outdoor areas. We took a train and ferry from Amsterdam to visit Texel and would do it again even if just to visit Ecomare!"

Damian Lang

"The main attraction is supposed to be the seals, but the aquarium in the basement was an absolute delight.
Definitely recommended."

Mara Kalat

"I went to that seal rescue center on Texel Island. The location is beautiful, and the staff were friendly and helpful. While the entry price was a bit high, I didn’t mind as I know the money goes toward feeding the animals and maintaining the protection area.
Some parts were still under construction, but I enjoyed learning about sea animals’ life and exploring the aquarium."

Rith Pisey

What People Like

Seal rescue and rehabilitation
Engaging seal feeding
Informative Wadden Sea aquarium

What People Dislike

Entry price can be high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a train from Amsterdam to Den Helder, then a ferry to Texel. From the ferry terminal, Ecomare is accessible by bus or a short taxi ride. Many visitors find it a worthwhile day trip from Amsterdam. Reddit

Yes, Ecomare is well-served by local buses on Texel. Check the Texel public transport schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. Instagram

Ecomare has ample parking available for visitors who choose to drive. This is a convenient option if you are exploring Texel by car. Instagram

Absolutely! Ecomare is a popular day trip destination, especially for families. You can easily spend several hours exploring the exhibits and observing the animals. Instagram

Many visitors rent bikes on Texel, which is a great way to see the island and reach Ecomare. Driving is also convenient, and public buses connect key points. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry price can vary, but it's generally considered a bit high by some visitors. However, many feel it's worth it as the funds support the animal rescue and care operations. Reddit

It's advisable to check the official Ecomare website for the most current ticket information and to see if online booking is available or recommended, especially during peak seasons. Instagram

Information on discounts for children, seniors, or groups is usually available on the Ecomare website. It's always a good idea to check for any available promotions before your visit. Instagram

Ecomare's opening hours can vary seasonally. Always consult their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times. Instagram

Yes, Ecomare is very kid-friendly with interactive exhibits and the engaging seal feeding demonstrations, making it a great outing for families. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include observing rescued seals in their habitats, the Wadden Sea aquarium, and learning about marine life and conservation efforts. InstagramReddit

The best time to see the seals is during their scheduled feeding times. These are announced daily at the center, so check the schedule upon arrival. Reddit

Ecomare is both! It's a nature museum, an aquarium, and a sanctuary for seals and birds, focusing on rescue and rehabilitation. Instagram

Yes, many of the information cards and signs throughout Ecomare are translated into English, which is appreciated by international visitors. Reddit

The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique tidal ecosystem. Ecomare provides insights into its biodiversity and importance. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Ecomare typically has a cafe or restaurant on-site offering refreshments and light meals for visitors. Instagram

While specific policies can vary, many visitors bring snacks or packed lunches to enjoy in designated areas. It's best to check Ecomare's guidelines. Instagram

Expect typical cafe fare such as sandwiches, soups, coffee, and pastries. It's a convenient option for a break during your visit. Instagram

The availability of specific dietary options can change. It's recommended to inquire at the cafe upon arrival or check Ecomare's website for current menu details. Instagram

There might be dining options in the vicinity of Ecomare or in nearby towns on Texel. However, the on-site cafe is the most convenient for a meal during your visit. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed at Ecomare, especially for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas. Instagram

The outdoor seal habitats offer great opportunities for capturing seals in action. The aquarium tanks also provide unique underwater shots. Instagram

It's usually best to avoid flash photography, especially in areas with animals, as it can disturb them. Check for any specific rules regarding flash use. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited at nature centers and sanctuaries to avoid disturbing wildlife and other visitors. Always adhere to local regulations. Instagram

Visitors often share photos of the seals, the aquarium's marine life, and the natural landscapes surrounding Ecomare. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ecomare is a top-tier destination for families. The interactive exhibits and the excitement of seal feeding will captivate children. It's a place where kids can learn about marine life and conservation in a fun, engaging way. Instagram The aquarium is also a big hit, offering a glimpse into the underwater world of the Wadden Sea. Plan your visit around the seal feeding times for maximum enjoyment. Reddit

🌍 Nature Enthusiasts & Conservationists

For those passionate about wildlife and conservation, Ecomare is a must-visit. You'll gain a deep understanding of the challenges facing seals and the vital work Ecomare does in rescue and rehabilitation. Instagram The focus on the Wadden Sea ecosystem provides valuable insights into a unique natural environment. Your admission fee directly contributes to these crucial efforts. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Ecomare offers excellent opportunities for wildlife and nature photography. The outdoor seal habitats provide dynamic shots of seals playing and feeding. Instagram The aquarium tanks also present unique angles for capturing marine life. Remember to be respectful of the animals and other visitors by avoiding flash photography where prohibited. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Ecomare: Seal Rescue and Rehabilitation

Ecomare is renowned for its crucial role as a rescue and rehabilitation center for seals found along the Dutch coast. When seals, particularly pups, are found injured, sick, or orphaned, they are brought to Ecomare for expert care. The dedicated team works tirelessly to nurse them back to health, providing specialized diets and medical treatment. The ultimate goal is to release as many seals as possible back into their natural habitat in the Wadden Sea. TikTokInstagram

Visitors can witness this process firsthand, observing seals in various stages of recovery. Some seals are permanent residents due to permanent injuries or blindness, serving as ambassadors for their species and educating the public about the challenges they face. These resident seals, like Snoet mentioned in one reel, often have compelling stories of rescue and resilience. TikTokInstagram

This dedication to conservation is a core aspect of the Ecomare experience. It transforms a visit from mere sightseeing into an opportunity to support vital environmental work. Understanding this mission adds a deeper layer of appreciation for the center and its inhabitants. Reddit

Exploring the Wadden Sea Ecosystem

Ecomare serves as a gateway to understanding the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Through its exhibits, the center educates visitors about the diverse flora and fauna that call this tidal area home. You can learn about the importance of mudflats, salt marshes, and the intricate food webs that sustain life here. Instagram

The Wadden Sea Aquarium, located in the basement, offers an immersive experience into the underwater world of this region. It showcases a variety of marine life, from small fish and crustaceans to larger species that inhabit the North Sea. This provides a tangible connection to the environment that Ecomare strives to protect. Reddit

Beyond the aquarium, Ecomare's outdoor areas and educational displays highlight the interconnectedness of the land and sea. They emphasize the impact of human activities, such as pollution, on this delicate environment, encouraging visitors to become more conscious stewards of nature. Instagram

A Family-Friendly Adventure

Ecomare is consistently praised as a fantastic destination for families with children. The interactive nature of the exhibits, combined with the captivating presence of the seals, keeps young minds engaged and curious. Instagram The seal feeding demonstrations are a particular hit, offering a lively and educational spectacle that children often remember long after their visit. Reddit

Beyond the seals, the aquarium and various displays about marine life and the island's nature provide ample opportunities for discovery. The center is designed to be accessible and engaging for various age groups, making it a stress-free outing for parents. Instagram Many visitors note that Ecomare is a highlight of their Texel trip, offering a blend of fun and learning that appeals to both kids and adults. Instagram

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