Logistics · Country Guide
Tidal Zeeland shore dives and North Sea wreck windows
Updated Dec 7, 2025 • 12 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
The European Netherlands is easy to reach via major European hubs, with Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) as the primary gateway and fast rail connections across the country. For Zeeland shore diving, plan on renting a car or joining a local operator because entries are spread out and gear is bulky. Bonaire is covered under the separate Caribbean Netherlands country layer even though it remains constitutionally connected to the Netherlands.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
AMS • EHAM
15 km • 15 km train or taxi
Main gateway for European Netherlands and the easiest starting point for a Zeeland road trip or a connection onward to the Caribbean.
Transport: Direct trains, Airport taxis, Car rentals
Rotterdam The Hague Airport
RTM • EHRD
7 km • 7 km taxi or bus
Convenient for Zuid-Holland coast trips and a shorter drive to Zeeland than AMS in many cases.
Transport: Airport taxis, Public bus to metro/train, Car rentals
Eindhoven Airport
EIN • EHEH
8 km • 8 km bus or taxi
Budget-friendly gateway for the south and for driving-based dive plans, including Zeeland and inland lakes.
Transport: Airport buses, Taxis, Car rentals
Trains and buses are reliable for cities, but a car is the easiest way to do Zeeland shore diving because entries are spread out and gear is bulky. Cycling is excellent for non-dive days, and many coastal routes are flat and well marked.
European Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area. Many travelers can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period; others need a short-stay Schengen visa. Passport rules commonly require the document to be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned Schengen departure. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out from 12 Oct 2025 for short-stay non-EU travelers, with biometric registration on first entry. ETIAS is planned to start in the last quarter of 2026 for many visa-exempt nationalities.
Cold-water exposure protection is the main gear decision. Many divers prefer a drysuit outside summer. Expect DIN valves to be common; bring the right regulator fitting or an adapter. A mat, bins for wet gear, and warm wind layers make shore logistics much easier.
Euro (EUR)
European Netherlands uses the euro and is highly card-friendly, including tap-to-pay in small towns. Carry some cash for small parking, tips, or rural backup needs.
ATMs are widespread in cities and most towns, though small villages may have fewer options.
230V • 50Hz • C, F
European Netherlands uses types C and F. Bring a universal adapter if your chargers use another plug standard.
Communications
European Netherlands has excellent mobile coverage and fast data, and many travelers can use EU roaming. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes.
Language
Dutch is the national language in European Netherlands, and English is widely spoken in tourism and cities. Frisian is also used in the north.
Insurance
For cold-water and tidal diving, choose insurance that covers recompression treatment, search-and-rescue, and trip interruption. Dive-specific insurance such as DAN is common among frequent divers and freedivers.
Packing list
Pack for cold water, wind, and darker dives: