Diving in Utrecht

Utrecht is a region in the center of the Netherlands that has many lakes and rivers that are suitable for diving. It is the smallest providence by area in the Netherlands at 1,400 square kilometers (540 square miles). The capital city is also called Utrecht which is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands. It is known as the religious center of the country and is also home to Utrecht University, the largest university in the Netherlands.

While it is mostly surrounded by land, there are many lakes and rivers that are in or run through the Utrecht region. The Vecht River, a branch of the Lower Rhine River flows from Utrecht up to where it empties into the North Sea near Amsterdam. The area around the river, called the Vechtstreek, includes some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. While many rivers in the region can be explored by divers, the best area for diving is in the Vinkeveense Plassen lake. Here, in addition to a host of freshwater fish, you will also be able to see some smaller shipwrecks and other unique things such as a sunken passenger bus. In fact, Utrecht’s lakes offer great opportunity for divers to explore clear, fresh waters, and are also popular for a whole host of other water sports.

The descriptions provided here are intended as general information and personal experiences related to specific dive sites and locations and should not be construed as definitive advice or recommendations. Before diving, please confirm that diving is permitted at your chosen location, and comply with all relevant local laws, regulations, and posted signage. The responsibility for verifying the legality of the dive and assessing any associated risks rests entirely with you.