Sailing

Learn to Sail in a Weekend in the Oosterschelde National Park

April to October

3 days| 2 nights

Eco-score 5/5

What you will experience

Embark at Sint-Annaland and spend your first night on board on the ultra-calm waters of the Oosterschelde, ideal for a gentle introduction.

Learn how to steer a course, trim the sails and navigate the marked channels by understanding the real effect of currents and tides.

Pass under the Oosterscheldekering and enter the National Park, between monumental dykes, mudflats and salt meadows visible at low tide.

Sail through the heart of the estuary to Zierikzee, an emblematic medieval port, preparing the route and manoeuvres with the crew.

Cross the wildest parts of the Oosterschelde, between sandbanks and wide horizons, where seals can sometimes be seen from a distance.

Itinerary

DAY 1 / 3

Accommodation :

Sailing boat

We'll meet at 6pm at the port of Roompot or Sint-Annaland, the departure point for the expedition. You board the yacht and discover your living space for the next few days.

We take the time to get to know each other and get to know the boat. Dinner is prepared together, a first convivial moment to create a crew dynamic. The boat stays alongside for the night, in the calm atmosphere of the Oosterschelde. A gentle evening, ideal for settling into life on board.

DAY 2 / 3

Accommodation :

Sailing boat

Navigation :

The day begins with a full safety briefing: roles on board, basic manoeuvres and how the boat works. As soon as you leave the harbour, you take an active part in the navigation: trimming the sails, staying on course, tacking and reading the beacons.

Passing under the Oosterscheldekering, you enter the national park and its wide open spaces, between dykes, mudflats and salt meadows. Depending on the season, many seabirds can be seen.

At the end of the day, we manoeuvre to a quiet harbour or protected anchorage, before a short walk ashore and a debriefing of the day.

DAY 3 / 3

Navigation :

We adapt the start to the tide times and reversing, which are essential in this sector. Together, we read the map, choose the passages and coordinate the manoeuvres, with everyone gradually becoming more independent.

On to Zierikzee, a medieval town with a rich maritime history, perfect for a relaxing stopover. In the afternoon, we return to Sint-Annaland via the wildest parts of the estuary, between sandbanks and areas frequented by seals, observed from a respectful distance.

Final manoeuvring exercises, group debriefing and the end of the course at around 4pm, with a real understanding of navigation in tidal zones.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Ben

Skipper

Dutch

French

English

Hello ! My name is Ben and I'll be your skipper and guide throughout this sailing adventure. With over 10 years' sailing experience, I'm passionate about the sea, discovery and sharing.

My aim? To give you an authentic, accessible and unforgettable experience, whether you're a novice or a seasoned sailor. Together, we'll sail to secret anchorages, crystal-clear waters and timeless moments, all in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Find out more about Ben

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: Sailing under the guidance of a skipper, who will accompany you step by step as you discover sailing, tidal navigation and life on board.

Accommodation: 2 nights aboard a liveaboard sailing yacht - Bavaria 34 CRUISER, in port or at anchor, in calm conditions suitable for learning.

Training & practice: Safety briefing and getting to grips with the boat. Active participation in navigation: course keeping, sail trimming, tacking, harbour manoeuvres.

Safety equipment: Life jackets supplied on board.

Not included

Transport to the port of departure: The return journey to the port is not included.

Meals: Meals are managed via a €25/day on-board fund, contributed collectively by the group. This covers shopping, meals on board, port charges and consumables.

Personal expenses: Special drinks, snacks, souvenirs or personal consumption on land.

Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "What's included" section.

What level should you expect

Level 1

You should be at least 16 years old to participate

You want to discover sailing without pressure, in a calm and safe environment, ideal for a first experience.
You're comfortable with the idea of living on board for two days, sharing space, meals and crew life.
You're ready to take an active part in sailing: take the helm, trim the sails, help with manoeuvres and understand how the boat works.
You want to learn the basics of sailing and coastal navigation: simple course reading, finding channels, the influence of currents and tides.

Getting there

Start: Sint-Annaland or Roompot (18h00)

End: Sint-Annaland or Roompot (16h00)

Transport

Roompot and Sint-Annaland are perfect destinations to reach by car from Belgium, France or the Netherlands.

From Brussels: approx. 2h30
From Paris: approx. 4h30

The sites are easily accessible and have free on-site parking for the duration of the exhibition.

Don't forget to carpool: a WhatsApp group has been set up 10 days before departure to help you make arrangements with other participants.

How to register

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.

Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

Can we see any animals?

Yes, Oosterschelde is a National Park rich in biodiversity. Depending on the season and the conditions, you can observe many seabirds and sometimes seals, always from a distance and respecting their tranquillity.

What's life like on board?

Life on board is simple and friendly. As soon as you arrive, you'll find your bearings on the yacht and take part in the life of the group. Meals are prepared together, chores are shared and everyone naturally finds their place. Nights are spent in port or at anchor, always in calm, sheltered areas where you can relax.

Will I really be sailing or just observing?

You play a full part in the sailing. From the first moment you set sail, you'll be taking part in the manoeuvres, course keeping, sail trimming and tacking. The skipper accompanies you step by step, explaining the movements and letting you take the helm when conditions allow. Everyone progresses at their own pace, without pressure.

What will we actually learn?

You'll learn to understand the basics of navigating in tidal zones: simple map reading, anticipating currents, choosing departure times, following marked channels and coordinating the crew. You'll also learn how to adapt your navigation to the current reversal and the conditions of the day.

Is there any time spent ashore during the expedition?

Yes, you can often take a short walk during your stopovers, particularly in Zierikzee, a medieval town with a historic port. Depending on the location and tide times, you can also observe the intertidal zones around the boat, mudflats and salt meadows uncovered at low tide.

Where does the expedition begin and end?

The expedition can start or finish in Sint-Annaland or Roompot, depending on the location of the boat at the time of departure. Both ports are located in the Oosterschelde and offer equivalent sailing conditions. Precise information about the port of departure and arrival will be confirmed to you in advance of the expedition, so that you can organise your transport with peace of mind.

What type of sailboat will we be using during the holiday?

We're sailing a Bavaria 34 Cruiser, a modern and reliable cruising yacht launched in 2016. It is a monohull renowned for its stability, ease of handling and comfort, perfectly suited to coastal sailing and tidal areas such as the Oosterschelde. The Bavaria 34 Cruiser is designed for cruising. It has comfortable double cabins, a bright saloon for socialising and a functional galley. Nights are spent in port or at anchor, in calm, sheltered areas, ideal for recuperating.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).

In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.

What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.

Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.

They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.

If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.

35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.

10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.

25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.

1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.

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Selected from 4 departures

From € 390 /pers.

Want to choose your own date with your own group?

Select Alma to pay in 2, 3, or 4 installments.

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed

Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure

Instalment facility available