Visit Ecomare, Texel's legendary seal rehabilitation centre and natural history museum, where rescued seal pups are nursed back to health before ocean release. An intimate, emotional wildlife encounter unlike anything else in Northern Europe.
What to expect
Set within the dunes just outside De Koog, Ecomare houses the North Sea's most important seal rescue and rehabilitation programme alongside a first-rate natural history museum covering the Wadden Sea ecosystem. Observe playful seal pups in open pools and time your visit for feeding sessions (typically 11:00 and 15:00). The museum galleries — covering shipwrecks, island geology, and migratory birds — are beautifully curated and suitable for all ages. The surrounding dune garden is a peaceful oasis of native flora.
Good to know
Located in De Koog, a 10-minute taxi or 20-minute bike ride from Oudeschild. Pre-purchase tickets at ecomare.nl to skip the queue. Allow 2–2.5 hours. Seal feeding times: approximately 11:00 & 15:00 — check the website the morning of your visit to confirm.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Texel — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.