Publication date: 09/05/2025
Sailing from Hellevoetsluis to Bruinisse: a coastal itinerary between the Haringvliet and the Grevelingenmeer
Two of the marinas in the Port Adhoc Nederland network are located in Hellevoetsluis – in South Holland – and in Bruinisse – in Zeeland: Marina Cape Helius, for the first, and Jachthaven Bruinisse for the second.
Between the two, under sail, it is possible to gain a very fine overview of the diversity of Dutch waters. Along the way, you will be very close to the surrounding nature and can visit iconic stopover destinations.
Sailing on the Haringvliet, heading East-South-East
To set a course for Bruinisse from Hellevoetsluis and Marina Cape Helius, you will first sail on the Haringvliet. On this former arm of the North Sea, now an inland waterway, you will enjoy many picturesque harbours, and perhaps encounters with certain interesting waterbird species. For example, the avocet, the Eurasian spoonbill, or the Sandwich tern!
On your way to Jachthaven Bruinisse, you may pass either to the north or to the south of the island of Tiengemeten (always depending on the conditions!).
Crossing the Haringvliet bridge by boat
Between Hellevoetsluis and Bruinisse, you will then need to pass under the Haringvliet bridge, with a clearance of 11.98 metres. This is what allows you to sail from the Haringvliet to a new body of water: the Hollands Diep.
➡️ If you are sailing in a yacht and your vessel has an air draught greater than this height, check the bridge opening times on the website Vaarweginformatie.nl.
The Volkerak and Krammer locks
Once past the Haringvliet bridge, you will next take the Volkerak lock. This is a major structure, which is often busy. In high season, you may need to let several boats go before you, before being able to pass through to the other side of the lock, onto the body of water of the same name.
In this new sailing basin, you will continue with vigilance, until the next lock: the Krammer. This will be the last major step of your route between Marina Cape Helius and Jachthaven Bruinisse! The Krammer lock will allow you to enter the Grevelingenmeer, the body of water on which Jachthaven Bruinisse is located.
The port of Bruinisse
On your arrival at Bruinisse, if you do not yet know it, you will discover our marina: at the heart of Lake Grevelingen, between Goeree-Overflakkee and Schouwen-Duiveland, Jachthaven Bruinisse welcomes boaters and visitors in a preserved environment, just a stone’s throw from Rotterdam. A lively and friendly place, the marina offers more than 1,000 berths, accessible all year round.
Boatyards, winter storage services, fuel station, electricity and water at the pontoons, modern facilities and sanitary blocks, Wi-Fi, supermarket, swimming pool… everything has been designed by our teams for the comfort and peace of mind of sailors!
Would you like to make the journey from Jachthaven Bruinisse to Marina Cape Helius, again by boat? Simply follow these steps in reverse!
From Bruinisse to Strijensas: the Mast-Up Route through Dutch inland waters
From Jachthaven Bruinisse, why not sail towards Jachthaven Strijensas? The journey from Bruinisse to this other port in our network – located this time in South Holland – also has much to offer.
The route from Bruinisse to Strijensas – just like the reverse journey from Strijensas to Bruinisse – takes you on a winding adventure, exploring the Dutch inland waterways.
Did you know? 💡
This route is known for being part of the famous Mast-Up Route: a route which allows sailing yacht owners not to have to unstep their mast. When sailing from Bruinisse to Strijensas, the presence of movable bridges along the way makes it easier for boats to pass, including those with a significant air draught.
From the Grevelingenmeer to the Hollands Diep
From the port of Bruinisse, you will first need to retrace the reverse of the previous route: the Krammer lock, in this direction, will open the way to the Krammer and the Volkerak. Then, you will take the infrastructures leading to the Hollands Diep: the Volkerak locks.
Upon reaching the eastern part of the body of water, you will leave the long sandbank to starboard: the port of Strijensas will be to port, just before the Moerdijk bridges.
The marina of Strijensas
Nestled in the heart of the Hoeksche Waard and in the immediate vicinity of renowned nature reserves, Jachthaven Strijensas attracts boaters with its calm, green, and authentic atmosphere. The marina offers just under 400 berths and many services, for motorboat and sailing boat owners with vessels up to 18 metres in length.
It is a modern and friendly marina in South Holland, perfect for boaters seeking tranquillity!
💡 To discover the Netherlands by sailing, this marina in particular offers a central position.
Sailing from Strijensas to Hellevoetsluis: a route combining coastal sailing and canals
What if you were also to consider the sailing route from Strijensas to Hellevoetsluis? From our marina in South Holland, set a course for the north-east of the Haringvliet and Marina Cape Helius!
On this journey, your sailing route will cross several very different environments, with two options: to sail through some of the bodies of water already mentioned in this article – the Hollands Diep, then the Haringvliet – or to also take the Oude Maas and the Spui.
From Jachthaven Strijensas to Marina Cape Helius, via the Haringvliet bridge
By choosing this sailing route, you will head west on leaving the port of Strijensas. Unsurprisingly, you will pass under the Haringvliet bridge – with no issue if your boat’s air draught allows it (see above).
You will then set a course West-North-West and, after passing the mouth of the Spui to starboard, you will find our marina.
The sailing route via the Oude Maas
By choosing the alternative route, you will sail on other bodies of water, and enjoy even more of the region’s diversity: you will take the Hollands Diep eastwards for a very short stretch, then the Dordtsche Kil, the Oude Maas – or the Old Meuse – and the Spui. At the end of your journey, you will return to the Haringvliet, and will then be almost at Hellevoetsluis!
💡 To note: On this segment, sailing may be more technical: traffic can be denser and congested banks can leave little room to manoeuvre.
Marina Cape Helius
Do you not yet know our marina on the Haringvliet, in Hellevoetsluis? The one we call “the sunniest marina in the Netherlands” is really worth a visit!
275 berths are available there, for both small and large boats – up to 40 metres in length. On site, boaters enjoy comfort and great convenience: Marina Cape Helius offers premium pontoons, wide catways, water and electricity at the quay, marine services… and there is even a children’s playground and an adjacent beach for your moments of relaxation.
Sailing distances between the 3 ports
Are you planning to sail from Cape Helius to Bruinisse, from Bruinisse to Strijensas, or from Strijensas to Cape Helius? It is possible to discover the region easily, by coastal hopping throughout the year.
Here are the distances for the different routes we have presented, whether by motorboat or by sailing yacht.
The geographical proximity of the ports in our network
| Distance to cover | |
|---|---|
| Sailing from Hellevoetsluis to Bruinisse | -30 nautical miles |
| Sailing from Bruinisse to Strijensas | -22 nautical miles |
| Sailing from Strijensas to Hellevoetsluis |
-22 nautical miles via the Haringvliet bridge -30 nautical miles via the Old Meuse |
Has this article made you want to discover the marinas in our network, and to explore this specific region under sail?
Contact our agents to find out about the reception conditions in the Dutch marina or marinas of your choice!
