Beach
The most popular and crowded beach of Oostende lies in front of the Koninklijke Gaanderijen. You will find a less crowded stretch of beach east of the jetty, nearby the fort. The beach is separated from the pleasant city by a wide boulevard. On hot summer days, the sand beach is crowded with sunbathers, but it is primarily a family-friendly beach. The beach is a couple of kilometres in length and on average between 50-110 metres wide.
A sunbath or a walk along the beach, playing fun or water sports. The very well maintained, white beaches of Oostende will offer you peace and quietness. The beaches will be cleaned everyday during the summer. Besides the rescue brigade will guard the beaches and warns when there is a dangerous current or wind; a pleasant and safe feeling.
Facilities
A sunbath or a walk along the beach, playing fun or water sports. The very well maintained, white beaches of Oostende will offer you peace and quietness. Optimum facilities will tribute to the comfort and with that the holiday pleasure of the guests. It starts with accessible beach crossings and the lifeguards and the rescue brigade whom watch over the well being of the guests, with a First aid post nearby. Furthermore the local cafes, terraces and restaurants near the beach will take care of the needs for serving drinks, icecream, lunch and diner.
Flags
On the beaches you will find flags and signs with instructions for swimming. It is wise to take account of these signals. They are there for you!
Swimming allowed
Swimming prohibited
Dangerous sea;
Floating Bodies prohibited
Floating Bodies prohibited
Windsock =
bathing prohibited!
bathing prohibited!
Dogs at the beach
The beaches of Oostende be an attractive environment for recreation, for both humans and dogs. And what could be better than a walk on the beach with your dog. In the summer season are dogs, either loose or on a leash, not on all the beaches of the Belgian coast welcome.
From the Easter vacation until October 1, dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Oostende.
Outside these abovementioned time periods are dogs allowed on the beaches of Oostende.
On the beach from the Westlaan (Raversijde) to the border with Middelkerke: dogs are throughout the year allowed.
On the beach from the Halvemaandijk to the border with Bredene dogs allowed all year, but not in July and August and not during the Easter vacation.
Please read the information boards carefully, which are at each beach (entrance).
Beach tips
- At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
- Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
- Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.
- Help to keep the beaches clean.