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.

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 Ostend 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 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.

If the rescue stations are not open, a general swimming prohibition applies. This is clearly indicated with signs 'forbidden to bathe' and / or wind bags. On this page you can check where you can go for a safe splash in the water!

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

Windsock =
bathing prohibited!

Dogs at the beach

The beach is the ideal destination for many dogs to enjoy. A Frisbee, a stick or a ball can fetch give great pleasure. And what is more fun than making a beach walk with your dog? However, on various beaches are dogs, loose or on a leash, not allowed all year.

Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Oostende during the period from Easter vacation till 1 October.
Outside of the above mentioned period are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Oostende.

Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).

Nearest beach for dogs at Oostende

Leashed dogs are allowed all year:
- from beach Halvemaandijk in the direction Bredene;
- from beach Westlaan in the direction Middelkerke.

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.