Richel Island

Richel is a small uninhabited sandbank and tidal shoal in the Wadden Sea off the coast of Friesland in the northern Netherlands. It is a dynamic tidal feature shaped by currents and sediment deposition and functions as a natural habitat for seabirds and marine mammals.

The shoal is important for migratory and breeding bird species and is typically visited only by researchers or via authorised boat trips during permitted periods. Vegetation is sparse and the feature is submerged or exposed with the tides.

Richel lies within the intertidal zone of the Frisian Wadden Sea and is managed as part of the region’s protected coastal and marine habitats.

• Wildlife refuge: Uninhabited tidal sandbank in the Wadden Sea that serves as a resting and breeding area for migratory seabirds and seals, and access is restricted to protect wildlife.

Richel is accessible only by small boat. Launch points and charter skippers operate from Frisian harbours; consult local marinas in Friesland for trips and permissions.

• Richel is a low, sandy shoal and is best observed from a boat or the mainland; do not attempt to land without local approval as it is ecologically sensitive.
• Bring binoculars for seabird and seal watching; the shoal is important as a habitat in the Wadden/Zuiderzee region.