The landscape changes continuously under the influence of ebb and flood. At low tide, large swathes of land fall dry, revealing a variety of plants and animals. If you take the time, you can see the metamorphosis happen in front of your eyes. Many plants and animals have adapted to these extreme conditions.

There is a wealth of water plants in the Oosterschelde, such as anemones and seaweeds, as well as animals like cuttlefish and seahorses. You might even spot a rare shark.

Plenty of birds come here in winter and summer, to nest, rest, and spend the winter months. When the tide is low, you will be able to spot oystercatchers, redshanks, curlews, and spoonbills on the dry mudflats and sandbars. They are hunting for bottom-dwellers and water animals to eat. When the tide is high, they rest on the salt marshes, clay reclamation fields, and polders between two dikes. If you want to see if the tide is high or low, look where the birds are. Except for the ducks, since they dive underwater to find food.

The Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier, the biggest and most famous section of the Delta Works. The nine-kilometer storm surge barrier closes off the Oosterschelde under adverse weather conditions. A closed dam was planned initially, but huge sluicegate-type doors were installed to preserve the extraordinary nature reserve. As a result, the water is still salt water and the tides still run.

The island of Neeltje Jans, which served as a work island during construction of the storm surge barrier, has been converted and is now a nature reserve. The elements were given free rein and a dune landscape emerged. It is freely accessible so you can roam the roads and trails.