Ecomare

Ecomare is a visitor centre and wildlife rescue station near De Koog on Texel, the largest of the Dutch Wadden Sea islands, and it is the island's best known family attraction. It combines a seal sanctuary, a small aquarium, exhibitions about the natural history of the Wadden Sea and the North Sea, and a dune park around the grounds, and it is an easy place to spend a half day regardless of weather. The centre is dedicated both to caring for animals in difficulty and to explaining the environment they live in.

The seals are the main attraction. Young or injured seals that are found on the beaches of the Wadden Sea are brought here, cared for until they are strong enough, and then released back into the wild. Visitors can see the animals in pools, and daily presentations explain how the rehabilitation works, what the seals eat and why pups are sometimes separated from their mothers on the beach. Both grey seals and harbour seals live in the Wadden Sea, and watching them in the pool gives a clear sense of their size and behaviour. The centre also takes in other animals, such as porpoises and birds, when they are found in need of help.

The exhibitions give context. The Wonderful Wadden Sea shows how the tides shape the landscape, what lives in the mud and the sand, and why the area was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Whale Hall displays the skeletons of large whales that have washed up on Dutch coasts, which gives an idea of the scale of these animals that no photograph can match. The Sea Aquarium holds local marine species, and there are feeding presentations at set times. Children usually enjoy the touch tanks and the interactive displays.

Outside, the dune park has short nature walks and chances to see birds. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, and there is a museum shop and a cafe. Opening hours, presentation times and ticket prices are listed on the centre's website and change with the season, so check them before you go, and arrive early on summer days when the car park and the pools are busy. Texel itself rewards several days: the beaches of Texel, the Dunes of Texel National Park, horseriding, kitesurfing and the lighthouse of Texel are other well known activities.

Ecomare suits families with children, nature lovers and visitors who want to learn about the Wadden Sea. Allow two to four hours, and wear comfortable shoes for the outdoor parts.