Jachthaven Biesbosch
Surrounded by the beautiful nature reserve of the Biesbosch National Park, Jachthaven Biesbosch in the Netherlands offers unparalleled space and all the facilities that appeal to modern boaters.
Located in the North Brabant region of the Netherlands, the freshwater delta of the Biesbosch has been the epicentre of boating in the country for decades. The national park is a mecca for lovers of the outdoors with walkers, cyclists, kayakers and sailors all enjoying the vast expanse of rivers and wetlands.
In the historic fishing port of Drimmlen on the River Amer, Jachthaven Biesbosch is a hive of boating activity with more than 1,400 pontoon berths and regular visitors from all over Northern Europe. Spread across three marina basins, Jachthaven Biesbosch offers deepwater berthing for boats from 4m to 20m LOA, all serviced with water, electric and WiFi.
The marina is home to a wide range of boaters ranging from avid yacht racers, to sports fishing lovers and motorboat cruisers, along with regular visits from visiting yacht clubs from further afield. The easy accessibility of the marina and the waterway makes it a popular location for families and younger boaters.
The transformation
In 2013 award-winning marina owners, operators and developers Yacht Havens Group Ltd acquired Jachthaven Biesbosch. and the site has since undergone significant upgrades to make it a thriving, modern marina.
New washrooms and showers have been installed for berth holders and visitors as well as the installation of new pontoons. The on-water fuel station has been extended to cater for larger yachts and the marina office has been relocated to the heart of the marina.
A new self-operating ferry has been installed to connect the east and west basins and the pontoon piles have been coloured to make berthing quicker and easier for visiting boats.
As a result of the ongoing investment, other companies have been welcomed to the site to complement the core marina services. New eateries have opened including the More-Itz Restaurant and the Witte Huis (the White House) with the boatyard facility also being extended.
Further plans are afoot for 2018 including the installation of an indoor children’s play park and a new BBQ area adjacent to the visitor berths.
FACILITIES
- 1,400 fully serviced berths with water and electricity
- Berthing for yachts up to 20m LOA
- Deepwater with no dredging requirements
- Modern shower and washroom facilities
- Ample free parking
- Free WiFi throughout the site
- Diesel and petrol station
- Boat lifting (up to 75 tons)
- Indoor and outdoor boat storage ashore
- Slipway for self-launch and recovery
- A wide range of marine services including sailing schools, chandlery, brokerage, marine electronics and many more
- WSV Biesbosch – an active and friendly yacht club
OTHER FACILITIES ON-SITE
- Camper and Motorhome Park
- Children’s Splashpark & Adventure Playground
- A selection of waterfront restaurants, bars and cafes
- Grocery store and the Biesbosch Information Centre
- Inland beach and open water swimming
- Boat hire and yacht charter
- River tours
- Bike and scooter hire
- Great walking trails
- Mini golf
- Casino
ACCESS
In addition to a reliable road and rail network taking you to Drimmelen, there are several options when navigating to the Biesbosch by boat.
Option 1 (mast down) – The direct way through the Haringvliet
Enter the Haringvliet waterway by passing through the Goeree-locks near Stellendam. Continue east passing the Haringvliet bridge into the Hollandsch Diep to the Moerdijk bridge. Continue heading east on to the River Amer where you will find Jachthaven Biesbosch on the southern side of the river.
Option 2 (mast up) – Through Rotterdam
Enter the Nieuwe Waterweg heading east for 20nm ensuring you keep to the starboard side of the busy channel. Turn to starboard entering the River De Noord to the Alblasserdam and Papendrechtsche bridges. On reaching the towns of Papendrecht and Dordrecht, turn to port entering the Beneden-Merwede River. On reaching the Nieuwe-Merwede, turn to starboard and join up with the Hollandsch Diep and then to port on to the River Amer.
CRUISING
As one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Europe, the Biesbosch is a mecca for sailors and motorboaters with endless rivers, lakes and waterways to explore in the peaceful national park.
Covering over 35sq/miles, the national park has an abundance of flora and fauna waiting for you to discover, with the area especially famous for thriving populations of beavers and sea eagles.
Anchorages and moorings are plentiful throughout the rivers and creeks allowing boaters to explore the Biesbosch at their own pace.
Once ashore, trails and footpaths allow for easy exploration with a variety of shoreside towns and villages all offering different perspectives on Dutch life. It will quickly become apparent to visitors that all of these residential areas have the waterway at the heart of their community.
If you prefer the exhilaration and challenge of yacht racing, WSV Biesbosch runs racing all-year round with more than 300 active members. The Winter Series is one of the most popular in the country with classes including ORC, J-22, Cork 1720, sports boats, keelboats and unrated yachts, all taking part over eight winter races on the River Amer.
RECOMMENDATIONS
“The Netherlands has the finest inland water boating in Europe. They are all set up in ways that other countries are not… We were delighted with our choice of Jachthaven Biesbosch for our base in the Netherlands. Our initial welcome was wonderful and everything worked efficiently to get Isabela on to her berth. The Havenmeesters were very helpful and we received a wonderful welcome on our return from our first trip. We were made to feel like long-time friends. I could not recommend this place highly enough.” – Paul Schroeder
50 years of boating
In June 1968, the marina was officially opened by Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus of the Dutch royal family. To mark the 50th anniversary of the marina’s opening, there are a number of special and unique events planned throughout 2018. Check the website for more news and updates on the anniversary celebrations – www.jachthavenbiesbosch.nl
Jachthaven Biesbosch, Nieuwe Jachthaven 20, 4924 BA Drimmelen, Netherlands
Tel: 0031 162 682249
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