Diving atPut van Ekeren (Belgium)
Put van Ekeren, a natural freshwater lake near Antwerp, Belgium, presents a distinct underwater topography for divers. Reaching a maximum depth of 20 m / 66 ft, the site features clear water access via a spacious jetty. It offers an accessible entry point to a varied underwater landscape, blending natural lake features with interesting submerged structures for a consistent dive experience.
Recent updates for Put van Ekeren show an air temperature measuring 12°C. Overall water conditions reflect the typical seasonal state for Belgium. Please exercise standard safety precautions before entering the water.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Embarking on a dive at Put van Ekeren reveals a surprisingly rich freshwater ecosystem and a diverse array of underwater features. This popular site blends natural allure with artificial additions, attracting a wide variety of aquatic life, making each visit potentially unique.
Divers can explore various submerged structures alongside lush vegetation, where clarity often impresses, particularly during summer months. It's an ideal location for both training dives and more relaxed explorations, with maximum depths reaching around 20 meters. Navigating the site is straightforward; a spacious jetty provides easy entry, and convenient stairs assist with exiting the water.
Divers consistently report an engaging experience, noting the large fish stocks and the opportunity to find fossil shells embedded in clay walls at depths around 6 to 9 meters. A permit, obtainable via avos.be, is mandatory for all dives, ensuring organized access to this engaging environment. Also, keep an eye out for the distinctive "Buddy" statue, a unique submerged landmark.
Put van Ekeren
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Put van Ekeren show 12° air, --° sea temperature, N/A waves, and 21 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a dive at Put van Ekeren benefits from understanding its seasonal shifts, particularly between warmer and cooler periods. The prime diving months are generally June through September, when water temperatures are at their most inviting, typically ranging from 16-22°C / 61-72°F. During this peak season, the air temperature averages a pleasant 18-19°C, coupled with relatively low rainfall, which contributes to more comfortable surface conditions. Visibility also tends to be better during these months, occasionally extending up to 25 meters, though 5-10 meters is more consistently reported. Conversely, winter diving, from December to February, presents colder conditions; water temperatures can drop to 4-8°C / 39-46°F. While colder, winter still offers good visibility, often at 5 meters or more, and consistent dive scores indicate year-round potential for experienced drysuit divers. The site maintains a "Good" dive score label across all months, suggesting that while conditions vary, it remains a worthwhile destination.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Descending into Put van Ekeren, divers immediately notice the sandy bottom, which characterizes much of the lakebed. Depths average around 12 meters, though the site extends down to a maximum of 20 m / 66 ft. Visibility can vary considerably, typically ranging from 2 to 10 meters, but often sitting around an average of 4-5 meters; in favorable conditions, it can reach up to 25 meters. A significant aspect of diving here is the prominent thermocline, frequently encountered around the 10-meter mark. This distinct temperature stratification can lead to noticeable temperature changes, with surface waters reaching up to 23°C / 73°F in summer and bottom temperatures potentially dropping to 5°C / 41°F. Currents are typically absent, allowing for relaxed navigation and exploration of the diverse underwater landscape, including the clay walls where fossil shells are often observed between 6 and 9 meters.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Navigating Put van Ekeren requires adherence to specific guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive. Foremost, obtaining a permit from avos.be is strictly mandatory for every diver, as this is a paid diving site. Entry and exit are facilitated by a spacious jetty with convenient stairs, designed to accommodate divers of all levels, including those with disabilities. A primary consideration for divers is the noticeable thermocline, often encountered around 10 meters deep; this can lead to abrupt temperature drops, demanding appropriate thermal protection. While the site is generally calm with no reported currents, divers should remain vigilant about buoyancy control, especially near the sandy bottom to avoid silting. In case of an emergency, the national emergency number 112 should be utilized.
Recommended Equipment
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Hard-soled Dive Boots
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Put van Ekeren, Belgium. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
With water temperatures around 12°C (54°F), many divers find a a thicker wetsuit or drysuit provides comfortable protection.
Divers performing multiple dives may appreciate slightly warmer protection later in the day.
Weather patterns are currently shifting, so expect some variability in conditions. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, data hasn't been fetched for over 48 hours. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Put van Ekeren.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
Antwerpen - Edegem, UZA Hyperbaric Unit
24/7 ListedICU CapableAntwerpen (Edegem), Belgium•Approx. 14 km straight-line
Antwerpen - Edegem, UZA Hyperbaric Unit
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
ADRZ Hospital/Medisch Centrum Hyperbare Zuurstoftherapie
24/7 ListedGoes, Netherlands•Approx. 41 km straight-line
ADRZ Hospital/Medisch Centrum Hyperbare Zuurstoftherapie
24/7 ListedFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Brussels, Center for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
24/7 ListedICU CapableBrussels, Belgium•Approx. 42 km straight-line
Brussels, Center for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at Put van Ekeren
Approaching the underwater environment of Put van Ekeren, divers are often greeted by the prominent fish stocks that inhabit the lake. Expect to encounter various freshwater species such as perch, common roach, and carp. Larger fish like pike, eel, and sturgeon are also reported, alongside smaller loach and ruffe. Beyond fish, the site hosts a population of crayfish and zebra mussels, adding to the invertebrate diversity. Lush vegetation provides cover and habitat for much of this life, making observations engaging.
Dive Centers Near Put van Ekeren
Dive Location Put Van Ekeren
Working Hours
Today: Open 24 hours
Duikclub Diothron
Dive Pro Group
Scubadivers.Be
Buddies4Life
Dive Adventures Dive Center
Diving School Dive Senses
B&B Dive & Travel
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
Is a permit required to dive at Put van Ekeren?
Yes, a permit is mandatory for diving at Put van Ekeren. You can apply for a day permit or annual access through the www.avos.be website, as it is a paid diving site.
What is the maximum depth at Put van Ekeren?
The maximum depth reported for Put van Ekeren is approximately 20 meters / 66 feet. While the average dive depth is closer to 12 meters, the deeper sections are accessible for exploration.
What is the typical visibility like?
Visibility at Put van Ekeren varies depending on conditions and season, generally ranging from 2 to 10 meters. During favorable periods, particularly in summer, visibility can extend up to 25 meters, though an average of 4-5 meters is common.
Are there any specific safety considerations?
Divers should be aware of a distinct thermocline, often found around 10 meters deep, which can cause sudden temperature drops. A permit is also required for access, and comfortable entry/exit is provided via a jetty with stairs.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
The lake is home to diverse freshwater fish stocks, including perch, pike, carp, eel, and roach. You might also spot crayfish and zebra mussels, along with lush underwater vegetation. Don't forget to look for the "Buddy" statue.
What are the water temperatures at Put van Ekeren?
Water temperatures vary significantly by season, ranging from 4-8°C / 39-46°F in winter to 16-22°C / 61-72°F in summer. The thermocline can also create distinct temperature layers.
What type of bottom is found at the dive site?
The bottom of Put van Ekeren is predominantly sandy. Divers can also find areas with clay walls, particularly between 6 and 9 meters, where fossil shells are often present.
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Put van Ekeren
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Put van Ekeren show 12° air, --° sea temperature, N/A waves, and 21 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.