Waddenzwerftocht 2026 — Family Pirate Week Sailing on the Wadden Sea

    Event

    Past

    Waddenzwerftocht 2026 — Family Pirate Week Sailing on the Wadden Sea

    8 days (Sat–Sat)

    Price

    € 890,-

    Child: € 600,- (t/m 16) / € 450,- (t/m 8)

    Boarding

    Saturday 25 July 2026, 19:00, Harlingen

    Disembarkation

    Saturday 1 August 2026, 16:00, Harlingen

    The Waddenzwerftocht is the family holiday on the water: a whole week of island-hopping on the Wadden Sea aboard the historic clipper Johanna Engelina. From Harlingen we sail to Terschelling, Vlieland and other Wadden Islands — an adventure for the whole family. The Waddenzwerftocht is designed especially for families with children. By day the children become real pirates: they help hoist the sails, learn to tie knots and set off on treasure hunts across the islands. Meanwhile parents enjoy the peace and the views from the deck of the Johanna Engelina. Skipper Laurens and his crew make sure everyone — young and old — has an unforgettable week. The highlight of the Waddenzwerftocht? Running aground on a sandbank in the middle of the Wadden Sea! When the tide is favourable the water recedes and you can literally walk across the seabed. A unique experience of about 6 hours that you will find nowhere else. The children go treasure-hunting on the mudflats while the legendary tale of Captain Sinaasappel is told. During the Waddenzwerftocht we visit at least two Wadden Islands. On Vlieland you can rent bikes and roam through the dunes. Terschelling offers wide beaches and the charming village of West-Terschelling. Each island has its own character and surprises. Aboard the Johanna Engelina everything is taken care of. Our experienced cook prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Coffee, tea, water and lemonade are available throughout the day. You sleep in authentic ship's cabins with duvets — all you need to bring is yourself and your sense of adventure. The Waddenzwerftocht aboard the Johanna Engelina combines the best of the Wadden Sea: sailing across a World Heritage site, discovering islands, a pirate adventure for the children and complete peace of mind for parents. Looking for a summer holiday your children will never forget? Book the Waddenzwerftocht 2026!

    Highlights

    Family sailing holiday on the Wadden Sea
    Island-hopping to Terschelling and Vlieland
    Pirate activities and treasure hunts for children
    Running aground on a sandbank on the mudflats
    Cycling through the dunes of Vlieland
    All meals and overnight stays included
    Children's rates from € 450,-
    Clipper Johanna Engelina from Harlingen

    Programme

    Saturday 25 Jul

    Welcome aboard the Waddenzwerftocht

    From 19:00 skipper Laurens welcomes you aboard the clipper Johanna Engelina in Harlingen. Meet your fellow sailors and toast the start of your holiday week.

    Day 1

    Cast off — out onto the Wadden Sea!

    After breakfast, sailing instructions and a safety briefing we cast off the lines. Hoisting sails, weighing anchor and steering — the crew explains everything.

    Throughout the week

    Island-hopping and pirate adventure

    The Waddenzwerftocht takes us to Terschelling, Vlieland and beyond. Pirate training, knot-tying, treasure hunts and treasure-seeking on the mudflats. Cycling through the dunes and exploring the beach.

    Running aground

    Sandbank on the Wadden Sea

    Tide permitting, we run aground on a sandbank — a unique experience of about 6 hours in the middle of the Wadden Sea!

    Evenings

    Rest and relaxation on board

    Parents unwind on deck with a drink at sunset, while the children process their pirate adventures.

    Saturday 1 Aug

    Sailing back to Harlingen

    A final sail across the Wadden Sea back to Harlingen. Arrival around 16:00. An unforgettable Waddenzwerftocht behind you!

    Frequently asked questions

    Can the events be booked individually?

    Yes, every event and trip on this page can be booked per person on fixed dates. You share the ship with other guests — and that is exactly what makes the atmosphere on board so special.

    What does running aground on the Wadden Sea mean?

    Running aground means the ship settles onto a sandbank in the middle of the Wadden Sea at low tide. You can then literally walk across the seabed, go beachcombing for tidal treasures and spot seals — a unique experience on the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea.

    Is a sailing event suitable for children?

    Many events are aimed specifically at families, such as the Waddenzwerftocht (pirate week) and the Paaszeiltocht. Special rates often apply for children. No sailing experience is required and the crew takes care of safety on board.

    See also

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