Ecomare: more than just seal spotting

Of course, Texel is beautiful in every season and every month. Even when it’s bitterly cold and the wind blows at force 10, there’s plenty to do on Texel. Visit Ecomare, for example. And no, it’s not just about the seals.

Fascinating Exhibitions

We often hear people say: “Yeah, Ecomare. We’ve been there. No need to go again.” Sadly, that “been there” was often years ago, back when there wasn’t much more than seals to see. But those days are long gone. Sure, the seals are still a major attraction—understandably, they’re adorable! They swim, catch fish tossed to them by the caretakers, and look at you with those big brown eyes. But don’t be fooled—they’re actually the Netherlands’ largest predator! With their sharp teeth, they could cause serious injury, so keep your distance. In winter and spring, Ecomare often takes in so-called “howlers”—young seals who’ve lost their mothers, often during storms. These pups are usually weak and undernourished. Ecomare nurses them back to health and releases them once they reach a healthy weight.

Northern Gannets

Other impressive residents are the northern gannets. These huge birds have a wingspan of about 2 meters. Eight live at Ecomare. They were once rescued but didn’t recover well enough to be released—some have poorly healed broken wings or vision problems that prevent them from hunting. They now live with other seabirds, many of which are released back into nature once they’re recovered. These may include auks, guillemots, or terns that were covered in oil, sick, injured, or weak. Birds that are not seabirds are transferred by Ecomare to other facilities in the Netherlands.

Aquariums and Exhibitions

There’s also lots to see indoors at Ecomare. The marine aquariums are fun for all ages. You’ll learn all about the fish, rays, sharks, and other sea life. You can also test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. The permanent and rotating exhibitions are interesting and often surprising. In the Wadden City exhibit, you’ll discover fun facts in a playful shopping street setup. Did you know that Texel seagulls eat fries in… Amsterdam’s Dam Square? One highlight is the Whale Room, where enormous whale skeletons are displayed, bathed in mystical blue lighting.
We won’t spoil everything Ecomare has to offer, but one thing’s for sure: Ecomare is about much more than just seals! Want to know more about the exhibits, kids’ activities, or excursions? Check out the website.