Richel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈrɪxəl] ⓘ; English: Ridge), or rather De Richel (The Ridge), is a permanently dry sandbank in the Wadden Sea, in the gap between the Dutch islands of Vlieland and Terschelling.

[2] The island is primarily known as the most important breeding place in the Wadden Sea for grey seals.

[4] The sandbank is only able to support some temporary colonisation by the grass species sand couch (Elytrigia juncea).

During low tide, it is possible to walk to the sandbank from Vlieland (see mudflat hiking) although Richel is off-limits to humans due to its importance as a nature area.

Boat trips from Vlieland used to be organised daily during the summer tourist season to observe the seal population on Richel.