ANWB river guide and chart

For navigation on canals in the Netherlands, the ANWB – Wateralmanak Volume 1 is mandatory on board. Failure to carry it during an inspection will result in a fine.

ANWB Dutch nautical charts are an essential reference for recreational navigation in the Netherlands. Offered by Nautic Way, a specialized maritime bookstore, these charts are highly valued by pleasure boaters for their clarity, readability, and perfect suitability for Dutch coastal and inland navigation. Whether you are sailing in the North Sea, the Wadden Sea, the IJsselmeer, the Markermeer, or navigating canals and inland waterways, ANWB charts provide a reliable and user-friendly tool for planning and securing your voyages.

ANWB: a nautical institution in the Netherlands

ANWB (Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijdersbond) is a historic Dutch organization founded in the late 19th century. Originally focused on mobility, it is now a major reference in many fields, including boating and recreational navigation. ANWB nautical charts are specifically designed to meet the needs of pleasure boaters, as a complement or alternative to official hydrographic charts.

Unlike strictly professional charts, ANWB charts emphasize readability, ergonomics, and practical information, while maintaining a level of accuracy perfectly suited to leisure navigation.

Areas covered by ANWB nautical charts

ANWB nautical charts cover all navigable waters in the Netherlands, including:

• The North Sea along the Dutch coastline
• The Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• The IJsselmeer and Markermeer
• Estuaries, deltas, and port areas
• Canals, rivers, and inland waterways

This extensive coverage makes ANWB charts an ideal choice for coastal cruising, inland boating, river navigation, and mixed sea–inland routes.

Content and information provided on ANWB charts

ANWB nautical charts are renowned for the relevance and richness of their content, designed for practical onboard use:

• Clear bathymetry with depths shown in meters
• Coastlines, dikes, and shorelines accurately represented
• Buoyed channels and recommended navigation routes
• Aids to navigation: buoys, beacons, lights, leading lines
• Ports, marinas, and anchorages with access information
• Bridges, locks, and structures with air draft clearances and operating times
• Regulated areas and navigation restrictions
• Practical information useful to pleasure boaters

Symbols are deliberately simplified and highly legible, allowing quick chart reading even while underway.

Advantages of ANWB Dutch nautical charts

Charts designed for recreational boaters

The main strength of ANWB charts lies in their boater-oriented design. They are created to meet the real needs of leisure sailors: visual clarity, practical information, highlighted recommended routes, and points of nautical interest.

Excellent readability

ANWB charts are well known for their clear and educational design. The use of colors, symbols, and structured information enables quick understanding, even for less experienced navigators or those in training.

Ideal coverage for inland navigation

The Netherlands has a dense network of inland waterways. ANWB charts perfectly integrate these specificities, clearly showing bridges, locks, air draft limitations, and navigation constraints—essential information for canal and river cruising.

An excellent complement to official charts

ANWB charts do not always replace official hydrographic charts, but they are an ideal complement, especially for voyage planning, leisure coastal navigation, and gaining an overall understanding of navigated areas.

Limitations and disadvantages of ANWB charts

Non-official charts

ANWB nautical charts are not official hydrographic charts in the strict sense. For certain professional or regulated navigations, the use of official charts may be required.

Accuracy tailored to leisure navigation

While accuracy is more than sufficient for recreational boating, highly demanding navigators or those engaged in technical navigation may prefer official charts for specific or rapidly changing areas.

Coverage focused on the Netherlands

ANWB charts are dedicated exclusively to Dutch waters. For international or offshore navigation, they must be supplemented with other charting products.

Who are ANWB nautical charts for?

ANWB Dutch nautical charts are primarily intended for:

• Pleasure boaters navigating in the Netherlands
• Inland and canal navigators
• Sailboat and motorboat owners
• Beginners and experienced sailors alike
• Boating schools and boat rental companies

They are perfectly suited for family cruising, discovering Dutch inland waters, and enjoying coastal navigation with confidence.

Why choose your ANWB charts from Nautic Way?

As a specialized maritime bookstore, Nautic Way carefully selects nautical charts known for their quality, reliability, and suitability for navigators’ needs. By purchasing your ANWB charts from Nautic Way, you benefit from:

• Up-to-date charts, printed or supplied on demand
• Expert navigation advice
• A wide selection of European nautical charts
• Dedicated service for both recreational and professional sailors

Conclusion

ANWB Dutch nautical charts are practical, clear, and perfectly adapted navigation tools for boating in the Netherlands. Their excellent readability, educational approach, and wealth of practical information make them a preferred choice for navigating along the coast, inland seas, and canals. Although they do not always replace official charts, they are an essential companion for recreational navigation in Dutch waters.

With Nautic Way, choose ANWB nautical charts and navigate the Netherlands with confidence, safety, and peace of mind.

Find our inland navigation course books and exercise guides to properly prepare for your voyages.