The Spui is a small tidal river in South Holland in the Netherlands. It is about 16 km long and between 130 and 255 metres wide. The average depth is 5.55 metres. It connects the Oude Maas and the mouth of the Haringvliet and separates the islands of Voorne-Putten and Hoeksche Waard. Historically, it branched from the Oude Maas at Oud-Beijerland and ended at Haringvliet. As a result of (planned) works on the delta, its course has been reversed.[citation needed] The Spui was formed as a result of a levee breach during the All Saints‘ Flood of 1532, a storm surge that permanently altered the surrounding landscape.
There are no bridges or tunnels across the river. However, there is a car ferry from Hekelingen (municipality of Nissewaard) to Nieuw-Beijerland (municipality of Hoeksche Waard). There is also a ferry for pedestrians and cyclists between Oud-Beijerland and Rhoon (in Albrandswaard).
Spui is the dividing line between the former Putten Island and Hoeksche Waard. Opposite Goudsward, the Bernisse flows into the Spui via an inlet. The Bernisse supplies the Brielsemeer with fresh water.
Along the river there are well-known recreational areas such as Oude Tol near Oud-Beijerland, Zonneweide near Pershil and Costa del Spui near Goudsward. Extra care should be taken when swimming in the river. Tidal currents reach speeds of several kilometres per hour.
There is a car ferry between Nieuw-Beijerland and Hekelingen and a pedestrian and cycle ferry between Oud-Beijerland and Beerenplaat and Rhoon. There is no bridge over the River Spui.
