Offshore Sailing Adventure: Rotterdam to Tenerife
Cast off from Rotterdam and sail south through the English Channel, across the Bay of Biscay and on to the warm shores of Tenerife.
Step aboard tall ship Oosterschelde in the heart of Rotterdam and sail south on an offshore sailing adventure. Navigate down through the English Channel, across the Bay of Biscay and along the Portuguese coast, before the outline of Tenerife slowly rises from the sea.
This voyage is perfect for those wanting a hands-on sailing experience on a traditionally rigged tall ship while navigating open water offshore sailing. As the days grow longer and the light grows warmer, life aboard finds its natural rhythm with watches, shared meals, and starlit nights.
- 22 nights of offshore sailing south
- From wintry Rotterdam to sunny Tenerife
- Cross the Bay of Biscay
- Private cabins, full board included
- Hands-on sailing experience
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Setting Sail South from Rotterdam on an Offshore Adventure
Rotterdam, Netherlands → North Sea → English Channel → Bay of Biscay → Portuguese Coast → Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
Your offshore sailing voyage begins in Leuvehaven, right in the heart of Rotterdam. The crew welcomes you aboard, and over dinner, the captain outlines the plan for the coming weeks, introducing you to life aboard a tall ship and the rhythm you’ll soon find yourself absorbed in.
The following morning, you cast off, and Rotterdam falls away behind you. Via the North Sea, head south toward the English Channel with busy waters, where cargo ships and fishing boats constantly cross paths. On deck, a steady rhythm quickly develops: adjusting sails, standing watch and settling into the rhythm of the ocean.
The Bay of Biscay and the Portuguese Coast
As we reach the Bay of Biscay, the sea changes character entirely. Depths drop from around 100 metres to several thousand, and this is the open ocean at its most dynamic, with strong winds, lively seas and conditions that require attention on deck. Along the Portuguese coast, the light softens and warms. The days take on a different pace, with more time spent on deck and a sea that more often shows its gentle side.
Gradually, the Canary Islands appear on the horizon, and Tenerife rises slowly from the sea. As Oosterschelde enters Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it feels remarkable to see land again after so many days at sea.
Tall Ship Oosterschelde
With three masts, a topsail schooner rig and over 50 metres in length, Oosterschelde is one of the largest Dutch tall ships still actively sailing today. Built in Rotterdam in 1917, she began life as a cargo ship before being lovingly restored to the authentic tall ship she remains today. There is something particularly fitting about beginning this southward voyage in her home city. Her professional crew welcome all ages and abilities, and no previous sailing experience is needed – just a willingness to get involved.
- Sleeping: Six twin-berth and three four-berth private cabins, sleeping 24 guests
- Bathrooms: Five shared bathrooms; all cabins fitted with washbasins
- Saloon: Spacious communal saloon with library, bar, reading tables and piano
- Dining: Full board; freshly prepared meals by a professional chef, using local produce
- Experience: Hands-on sailing on a traditionally rigged tall ship
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
Night watches?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
Over the years, Oosterschelde has become a firm favourite for sea lovers. She is perfect for those seeking an active sailing holiday while exploring bucket-list destinations aboard a beautifully historic tall ship.
Getting Involved
You really don’t need any experience to sail with Oosterschelde, just a passion for adventure. The professional crew loves to share their knowledge, and they welcome as much or as little participation as guests want. They often find that most guests enjoy some level of involvement in sailing the ship, from hoisting the sails to taking the helm.
Sleeping Relaxation
With a hull length of over 50m, three masts and nine cabins able to sleep 24 guests, the size and scale of Oosterschelde will be one of the first things to realise as you climb aboard for the very first time. Space is plentiful, from twin- to four-berth private cabins and five bathrooms to choose from, the sleeping quarters feel more like a floating hotel than a boat. All cabins are fitted with a washbasin with hot and cold running water.
The communal areas are furnished comfortably and supplied with all modern conveniences. In the spacious and stylishly appointed saloon, there are reading tables, seating areas, a library, a fully stocked bar and even a piano. With underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove, Oosterschelde ensures her guests are always cosy and warm, even in colder climates. The saloon is also where the captain or first mate will inform you of the voyage progress and the weather report on a daily basis.
Dining Aboard
Life on board is enhanced by the good meals prepared by our appointed professional chef. All food will be freshly prepared onboard to the highest standard. Expect continental breakfasts, freshly baked bread, and delicious lunches and dinners that make use of the local produce on offer. All dietary requirements can be catered for, and you’ll undoubtedly be well taken care of after a day of sailing.
A typical day
A typical day will vary from voyage to voyage, but generally, after breakfast, the crew will discuss the plan for the day before preparing the ship for sailing to the next destination. Time under sail will vary depending on the location. In the Cape Verde Islands, longer sailing distances may be required to reach different islands. Generally, the boat tries to stop at least every day, if not every two days, to go ashore. On her longer ocean-going voyages, there will be consecutive days at sea.
Sample menu
Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST (Continental)
- Yoghurt, fresh fruit, cereal, bread, cheese, meats, jam
- Eggs (cooked, baked or scrambled) or pancakes, muffins or French toast
LUNCH
- Quiche, soup, lasagna, pasta and salad, breads, cheeses, meats
DINNER
- Lasagne
- Risotto
- Asian dishes
- Baked potatoes and either fish or meat, all accompanied by vegetables and a salad
DESSERT
- Fresh fruits, mousse, ice cream, cheesecake
More holidays in Netherlands or Tenerife
Offshore Sailing Adventure from the Netherlands to Scotland
Mile Builder Sailing from France to the Netherlands
Offshore Sailing Adventure: Rotterdam to Tenerife
Offshore Sailing Expedition from Svalbard to the Netherlands
More holidays on Oosterschelde
Bay of Biscay Sailing: Azores to France
French Coastal Sailing: The Gulf of Morbihan
Offshore Sailing Adventure: Rotterdam to Tenerife
Offshore Tall Ship Sailing from Tenerife to Cape Verde
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
