Boating in North Limburg: 10 places where you can take to the water in no time
Especially now, you want to go to the water. The days are getting longer, the sun lingers a bit more often and along the river Meuse, North Limburg is getting back on track. Would you like to rent a boat in North Limburg? Here, you don't have to look far to find a fine sailing spot. At the Mookerplas, the Leuker Lake, the Meuse and smaller waters, you step into a sloop, canoe, kayak, SUP or tour boat. Sometimes active, sometimes lazing back. Both are good.
These are 10 spots for boating in North Limburg. From quiet boating on the Meuse to supping in North Limburg among the greenery. Cast off, sunglasses on, and go.
- Sloepvaren over de Mookerplas at Marina Mookerplas
- Floating from Jachthaven 't Leuken
- Canoeing and supping on the Niers
- Water fun at Leuker Lake in Well
- Boat rental at Strandpaviljoen Dushi
- Canoeing from Tienray to Wanssum
- Mooring at Wanssum Marina
- Sloepvaren over de Maas with Sloepverhuur Limburg
- Across the Meuse by ferry
- Sailing on the river Maas with Sloepverhuur Venlo
1. Sloepvaren over de Mookerplas at Marina Mookerplas
At Marina Mookerplas in Plasmolen, you just step onto a sloop, kayak or SUP. You sail directly onto the Mookerplas, overlooking the green banks of the Maasduinen. Especially on sunny days, there is such a relaxed holiday atmosphere here where no one seems to be in a hurry. No boating licence is required for a sloop. So it's handy if you just want to spend an afternoon on the water without any hassle. So are you looking for a boat for hire in North Limburg? Then this is the place for you. Extra nice: at Marina Mookerplas you can also spend the night by the water, making it an easy weekend away. Sint-Jansberg is nearby: about 10 minutes by bike, 30 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car.
When are you welcome?
Marina Mookerplas is open for sloop hire from 10:00 to 18:00. But be sure to check the website if you want to make a reservation.
Visitor tip
Go out early if you want quiet boating. The lake is often still beautifully quiet then.
Witteweg 10, 6586 AE Plasmolen
To Marina Mookerplas
2. Floating from Jachthaven 't Leuken
At Jachthaven 't Leuken in Well, you can hire a sloop, lounge boat or BBQ donut for a relaxing afternoon on Leuker Lake. The BBQ donut in particular is one that automatically makes you happy. You cruise quietly on the water, look out over the green surroundings and don't really need to do much more than sit, steer and enjoy. If you want to rent a boat in northern Limburg for a relaxing afternoon with friends or family, this is the place to be. Day beach Seurenheide is close by: about 15 minutes by bike, 40 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car.
When are you welcome?
The Jachthaven is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check online in advance for current rentals and availability.
Our experience
This is one of those places where an afternoon of boating turns into a long summer evening unnoticed.
Halvemaanseweg 4, Well, North Limburg
Visit Jachthaven 't Leuken
3. Canoeing and supping on the Niers
In Gennep, you can discover North Limburg from the river Niers. At Kanook, you step into a canoe and paddle peacefully through the green landscape. Here, the Niers meanders through meadows, rows of trees and stretches of nature. This spot is also perfect for supping in North Limburg. The route is nice for those who want to be active, but are not looking for a heavy trip. You sail at your own pace and automatically get that outdoor feeling along the way. Afterwards, you can continue to Gennep for coffee, lunch or an ice cream. That's not bad after all that paddling.
When are you welcome?
Book in advance via Kanook and check current routes, pick-up points and availability. The start is at Ven-Zelderheide, in the municipality of Gennep.
Visitor tip
Bring dry clothes. Not because you have to fall in, but still. The Niers sometimes decides otherwise.
Hamsebrugweg 1, Ven-Zelderheide
To Kanook
4. Water fun at Leuker Lake in Well
At Vacation & Resort Leukermeer, everything is about being outdoors by the water. And the name says it all. It is also a resort, so staying overnight is also possible here. From the marina, you can sail onto the Leukermeer, with National Park De Maasduinen practically around the corner. Among other things, you can take to the water here in a canoe, pedal boat, SUP or e-sloop. That also makes this a great place for supping in North Limburg, especially if you want to combine it with the beach, swimming or a weekend away. Meanwhile, you'll see sloops, swimmers, suppers and families just enjoying the day. Well is close by for a tour of the village: about 15 minutes by bike, 45 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car.
When are you welcome?
Holiday & Resort Leukermeer is open every day but check current information about the marina, rentals and facilities via the website.
De Kamp 5, 5855 EG Well
Visit Leuker Lake
5. Rent a boat at beach pavilion Dushi
At Strandpaviljoen Dushi, you can easily combine boating with an afternoon at the beach. From the rental you sail directly into the Mookerplas. Meanwhile, you look out over surfers, boats and people enjoying themselves on the water. Especially in good weather, this feels like a little piece of summer in North Limburg. Mookerheide is close by: about 10 minutes by bike, 40 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car.
When are you welcome?
Check online in advance which boats are available and book in time during sunny days. Beach pavilion Dushi is open Monday and Friday to Sunday from 11:00 to 22:00.
Our experience
Want to plop down by the water after a boat trip? Good idea. This place really is perfect for that.
Witteweg 10, 6586 AE Plasmolen
Visit Strandpaviljoen Dushi
6. Canoeing from Tienray to Wanssum
At Kanoverhuur Limburg, you start in Tienray for a canoe trip towards Wanssum. The route is about 6 kilometres long and takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, you'll pass quiet stretches of nature, green banks and small bridges. You do not need any experience, as you will be given an explanation before departure. That makes this trip fun for families, groups of friends or colleagues who want to do something active together. Meerlo is close by on the way: about 15 minutes by bike, 45 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car.
When are you welcome?
Book your canoe in advance via the website of Kanoverhuur Limburg.
Our experience
Active enough to be busy, quiet enough to catch up along the way.
Hogenbos 16, Tienray, Horst aan de Maas
Rent your canoe now
7. Mooring at Wanssum Marina
If you sail your own boat on the Maas, you will find a nice place to moor at Jachthaven Wanssum. Located in Wanssum, in the municipality of Venray, the marina is a practical stopover for water sports enthusiasts cruising through the Meuse region. You will find moorings, facilities and a place to catch your breath.
When are you welcome?
Jachthaven Wanssum is open daily but check in advance for up-to-date information on berths, transient spaces and facilities via the Jachthaven Wanssum website.
Visitor tip
Moor up, stretch your legs and take a stroll along the Meuse.
Geijsterseweg 8 Wanssum, municipality of Venray
Visit the marina
8. Sloepvaren over de Maas with Sloepverhuur Limburg
In Kessel, hire a sloop from Sloepverhuur Limburg for a trip on the river Maas. You sail here between Venlo and Roermond, with green banks, waterside villages and plenty of places you'll want to linger for a while. So steer by yourself, but at ease.
This tip fits perfectly with sailing on the Meuse and renting a boat in North Limburg. Kessel is a great place to combine your boat trip with a walk to Kasteel De Keverberg. From the Meuse you can get there in no time. First float, then go up for a view over the water. Sounds like a great day, right?
When are you welcome?
Book in advance via Sloepverhuur Limburg and check current availability, departure location and conditions.
Visitor tip
Take something tasty along the way. On the river Meuse, even a simple sandwich suddenly tastes like a holiday.
Veers, Kessel
Visit Sloepverhuur Limburg
9. Across the Meuse by ferry
Taking a ferry is simply part of a day along the Meuse. Especially if you are travelling by bike. You roll aboard, calmly sail to the other side and continue your route through villages and along floodplains. It may not be an afternoon cruise, but it is a fun way to spend some time on the Meuse. Around Kessel and Beesel, you can make it a nice cycling or walking route. Castle De Keverberg is nearby: about a 10-minute walk, 5-minute bike ride or 3 minutes by car.
When are you welcome?
Check online in advance whether the ferry is sailing. During high tide, bad weather or maintenance, a ferry may be temporarily out of service.
Our experience
A crossing like this immediately makes your route that little bit more fun. Small trip, big fun.
Various locations along the Meuse
Visit the ferry
10. Sailing on the river Maas with Sloepverhuur Venlo
In Venlo, hire a sloop from Sloepverhuur Venlo to discover the city and its surroundings from the river Meuse. You sail along quays, bridges, green banks and places you might normally pass by. Everything looks slightly different from the water.
This tip is great for those who want to sail on the Meuse but want to be at the helm themselves. Afterwards, you can walk straight into Venlo for a snack or drink. Just moor up, step out onto the terrace and reminisce.
When are you welcome?
Book in advance via Sloepverhuur Venlo and check the current conditions. Please note that the driver and main booker must be at least 21 years old.
Visitor tip
Plan your trip at the end of the afternoon. When the sun is a little lower over the river Maas, Venlo suddenly becomes even cosier.
Werf 1,Venlo
Visit Sloepverhuur Venlo
Good spots are the Mookerplas near Plasmolen, the Leukermeer near Well and the Maas between villages such as Baarlo, Blitterswijck, Venlo and Arcen. These areas are popular for sloops, canoes, SUPs, private boats and round trips.
Looking for more beautiful places in North Limburg? Then check out all our blogs with even more tips and inspiration here.
This differs per boat and rental company. Many smaller sloops do not require a boating licence, but always check with the lessor beforehand.
Looking for more outings on the water? Then check out our 'On the water' page for more inspiration.
Mookerplas and Leuker Lake are great places for families, as you can combine boating with beach, swimming and short routes in the area.
Looking for more fun outings with the kids? Then check out our 'With the kids' page.
Spring, summer and early autumn are the finest. On sunny weekends, reservations are smart, especially for sloop rentals.
Looking for more sunny outings? Then check out our blog Picking flowers in North Limburg: this is the place to be!
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