www.bigpicturecompetition.org · Independent Public
Independent aquatic-life reference for De Melle pike and water-lily habitat
Dive Spot Guide•
De Melle
De Melle is a shallow freshwater pit near Turnhout.
Easy shore dive with parking by the water and a visibility drop once you go below the thermocline.
About De Melle
De Melle is a shallow freshwater pit near Turnhout with a sandy bottom, small hills and easy shore access. The site is set up as a simple local dive with parking and a ramp beside the water, but you need to respect the local school-registration rules and daylight access hours. Visibility is best above the thermocline; deeper water is often murky, while the shallows stay lively with vegetation and fish.
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Research Estimate At De Melle
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 5m
AccessSimple entry
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
Where Is De Melle?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
De Melle Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
0m - 11m
Depth Note
Shallow freshwater pit with a sandy bottom and hills; the reported maximum depth is 11m.
Best Season
Late summer in the shallows; spring is also good for plant growth and active wildlife.
Typical Conditions
Visibility is around 5m on average, better above the thermocline and often poor in deeper water for much of the year.
Safety & Access At De Melle
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Low visibilityEntanglement riskBoat traffic
Safety Notes
Watch fishing lines and stay alert if sailors or other watercraft are active.
Access Restrictions
Only local diving schools can use the site and advance registration is required; access runs from sunrise to sunset.
Legal Notes
Access is managed by local site rules rather than a public permit system, and the exit is locked after sunset.
Local Intel For De Melle
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Max depth about 11 m; expect a significant visibility drop below the thermocline.
Freediving
The shallow margin can work for calm-water practice, but De Melle is mainly a shore scuba and training pit.
Snorkeling
Possible in the very shallow edge, though the site is primarily used for scuba and courses.
Wildlife at De Melle
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At De Melle
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At De Melle
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility5m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
