TEXELFANS
Texel is full of unique outings, but this one literally and figuratively stands out. Exploring the Waddenzee on an authentic fishing boat. The nets go out, the deck smells of the sea, you feel the wind through your hair – and moments later you are standing amongst crabs, fish, shells and shrimps. When shrimp fishing on Texel, you step aboard the TX20 Walrus for an experience full of nature, marine life and stories.
Press, twist, pull
The TX20 departs from the harbour of Oudeschild, the lively heart of the Texel fishing industry. As soon as you step on board, you feel that you are on a real ship – one with character, with ropes, nets, a robust galley and a crew that knows the ropes. No fuss, just good honest quality.
After a short sail across the Waddenzee, the nets are cast. A little later, the catch is brought onto the deck: shrimps, crabs, small fish, starfish, shells – everything passes by. Together with you, the crew sorts the catch and enthusiastically explains everything you see. Why a shrimp is curved, exactly what a hermit crab does and which fish you’d better not stroke.
A portion of the shrimps is cooked immediately on board, and yes – you get to peel and taste them yourself. With your hands, just as it should be. Or as the crew explains: press, twist, pull. All while you look out over the water, the sky above you and Texel in the distance. It doesn't get much more 'Texel' than this.
Seal spotting and tall tales
As if that weren't enough, there is a good chance of spotting seals. They lie resting on sandbanks or swim curiously past the boat. Sometimes they look at you, as if you are the one being observed. And honestly: you are. You are a guest in their habitat for a moment.
Meanwhile, the skippers fill you in on life on the water, the history of the ship, the fishing industry and the animals that live in the Waddenzee. No rehearsed speeches, just the way they experience it themselves and how it really is. Partly informative, partly pure Texel humour – exactly how it should be on a trip like this.
Want to go on a 'regular' seal tour? That is also possible! Click here!
Warm, hospitable and for everyone
Is it a bit chilly or is a shower passing over? No problem. The TX20 has a heated galley where you can sit comfortably inside, out of the wind and with a view over the sea. A place to warm up, grab a cup of coffee or a Texel beer and recover from all that peeling. The atmosphere on board is informal and everyone feels at home immediately.
Furthermore, the boat is wheelchair-friendly, and your dog is also welcome on board. All this makes this trip suitable for young and old, families or groups of friends and everyone in between.
A Texel experience that lingers
Whether you are on Texel for the first time or have been coming back your whole life: this is a trip you must experience at least once. The combination of sailing, learning, seeing, tasting and simply being truly outdoors makes this an outing that stays with you.
Click here for more information about shrimp fishing on Texel!
