The Arkervaart is a 3-kilometre waterway that connects the Nijkerkernauw to the havenkom in the centre of Nijkerk.

It serves as a navigable canal allowing motorboats to travel directly into the town centre, though vessels must pass through the Arkersluis lock along the way. A movable bridge on the ring road is also operated by the lock keeper to allow passage.

The stretch between the Nijkerkernauw and the Arkersluis is known as the buitenhaven and offers various recreational facilities for water sports enthusiasts.

The inner havenkom provides sanitary facilities for visiting boaters, with keys available from the Arkersluis; these amenities were last renewed in 2011.