© iStock/Ivankish Diving in Netherlands The word “Netherlands“ translates to “lower countries” in Dutch, which is appropriate since less than half of the country’s landmass sits more than one meter (three feet) above sea level. In fact, just over 20 per cent of the Netherlands 17.3 million people live below sea level. In addition to its North Sea coastline, thee major European rivers run through the Netherlands as well; the Rhine, the Meuse, and the Scheldt rivers. When you think of the Netherlands, you probably think of many things such as tulips, cheese, windmills, wooden clogs, or all the fun you can have during a night out on the town in Amsterdam. What you may do not think about, but probably should, is diving. The Netherlands offers some of the best diving locations in Europe with three great diving regions in, Zeeland, the North Sea, and Utrecht. It is a unique diving location that offers the ability to dive in lakes, rivers, and seas and because of the dikes that the Dutch are famous for, the waters are protected from the natural, harsh movement of the sea and offer a one-of-a-kind diving experience. Featured Training Centers Instructor Training CenterDuikcentrum OnderwaterwereldInstructor Training CenterOne2DiveInstructor Training CenterScuba World ArnhemInstructor Training CenterScublue Dive CenterInstructor Training CenterHerman LievenInstructor Training CenterCentral Dive Curacaohet Duikhuis RotterdamFundiving CuracaoDiveplaceGoby Divers and Watersports N.V. This data is provided from the logbook information in the MySSI app Featured places to go in Netherlands © iStock/zstockphotosCuracaoExpect colorful coral reefs only a short swim from land and abundant underwater life in Curacao.Learn more © iStock-Ultima_GainaArubaAruba is the go-to place if you want to explore some of the best wrecks in the Caribbean, a unique and thrilling experience.Learn more © Shutterstock/John A. AndersonBonaireBonaire is filled with striking natural beauty and pristine waters, making it an ideal diving destination.Learn more © iStock/CreativeNature_nlZeelandYou will find a variety of peninsulas and islands that all make up the delta of three key rivers, the Rhine, Schelde and Maas, where they meet the North Sea.Learn more © iStock/Olha RohulyaNorth SeaDiving in the North Sea is for very experienced divers only because of strong currents and low temperatures.Learn more © iStock/Sander MeertinsUtrechtUtrecht is a region in the center of the Netherlands that has many lakes and rivers that are suitable for diving.Learn more © ScubaproGrevelingenGrevelingen is a protected former estuary located on the northeast side of Zeeland and has the distinction of being the largest saltwater lake in all of Europe.Learn more © ScubaproOosterscheldeIn Oosterschelde, cuttlefish mating season is the big draw but also famous for many underwater inhabitants of the North Sea such as squid and sea horses.Learn more © ScubaproVinkeveense PlassenVinkeveense Plassen or, Lakes of Vinkeveen is a great lake for diving that lies in Utrecht.Learn more Dive Sites in Netherlands Travel Information for Netherlands Power Plug Type C, FAirports AMSCurrency EURLanguage nlElectricity 230 V / 50 HzTimezone UTC+01:00Network Provider KPN/Telfort, T-Mobile B.V., Vodafone Libertel Discover the wonders of the deep with SSI's blog Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves.