Experience the Zwarte Meer Sloop Route!
Discover the Zwarte Meer Loop Sloop Route from Marknesse/Vollenhove with Natural Yachts' electric sloops. Ideal for a day charter through the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Enjoy a silent, emission-free 4-hour and 30-minute journey on this 27 km route. Suitable for all experience levels, explore nature and the tranquil canals.

Welcome to Natural Yachts' zero-emission harbour - Marknesse / Vollenhove
Natural Yachts' harbour is located in the centre of the Netherlands, you will pass through the beautiful National Park Weerribben-Wieden where you can fully enjoy the beautiful nature and tranquillity on the water. With this sloop route, we hope to inspire you for a lovely day on the water with an electric sloop or with the X Shore 1 with Weerribben-Wieden as starting point.

Sloop route to Zwarte Meer 
After checking in, you can embark on a beautiful and serene boating journey with the Zwarte Meer Loop. This idyllic sloop route is perfect for a relaxing day trip, combining tranquil canals with the open water of the Zwarte Meer lake.

 

The Zwarte Meer (Black Lake)
Reach the expansive Zwarte Meer, a beautiful open border lake. As you cruise, you will pass the renowned Vogeleiland (Bird Island), a strictly protected bird sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready, as this is a prime location to spot rare species, including the majestic Sea Eagle, often visible from your sloop as you boat by (maintaining a respectful distance to preserve the birds' tranquility).

 

Key Facts about the Vogeleiland (Bird Island): 

- A Haven for Birds: The island is a true paradise, attracting over sixty different breeding bird species, including the Sea Eagle (Zeearend), Bluethroat (Blauwborst), Nightingale (Nachtegaal), and Great Reed Warbler (Grote Karekiet).

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- Unique Ecosystem: The island's habitat is a rich mix of forest, marshy reed beds, and grassland, providing a safe and tranquil environment crucial for breeding and resting birds. It often resembles a dense "jungle."
 

- The Boating Experience: When you pass by with your sloop, you should keep a respectful distance and stay in the designated navigation channel. (Be sure to stay within the marked navigation channels, especially on the Zwarte Meer, as parts of the lake can be shallow.) The mere act of cruising past often offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching from the water, especially for spotting large birds of prey like the majestic Sea Eagle soaring above or perching in the trees.

 

The Ganzendiep
Boat through the picturesque Ganzendiep, a lovely waterway offering peaceful views and a sense of calm as it winds towards the larger lake. It’s an ideal stretch for slow cruising and enjoying the natural landscape.
 

This day route is about 4 hours and 30 minutes of boating.