Beach of Oostduinkerke

The beach of Oostduinkerke is one of the most characterful beaches on the Belgian coast, famous for its unique traditions and wide open views.

• 3 km of beach: The beach stretches for about 3 kilometres, from Koksijde in the west to Groenendijk in the east.
• Child-friendly: The gently sloping shoreline makes the beach safe for young children. During the summer season, there are lifeguarded swimming zones and plenty of space to play and build sandcastles.
• UNESCO Heritage: Oostduinkerke is the only place in the world where shrimp are still caught on horseback – a living tradition recognised as intangible UNESCO World Heritage.
• Walking and nature: The vast sandy beach at low tide is perfect for seaside walks. Nearby dune areas like Doornpanne and Ter Yde offer beautiful trails through nature, rich in flora and fauna.
• Oostduinkerke Beach Pool: Along the promenade, there is a heated outdoor swimming pool with a 25-metre pool and five lanes. For toddlers and young children, there is a separate water play area with safe shallow depths.
• Authentic atmosphere: Unlike more touristy resorts, Oostduinkerke has retained its small-scale, friendly character – with cosy beach pavilions and a relaxed holiday vibe.

Facilities & Safety on the Beach

The beaches of Oostduinkerke are clean, well-maintained, and fully equipped for a relaxing day by the sea.

• Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned to ensure you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
• Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – perfect after swimming or playing.
• Lifeguards & First Aid: During the summer season, the lifeguard service and beach patrols ensure your safety. At the busier beach entrances, first aid stations are available to assist in case of accidents or injuries.
• Swimming safety outside patrol hours: When lifeguard stations are closed, a general swimming ban applies. This is clearly indicated by 'no swimming' signs and/or wind socks. For up-to-date information on patrolled zones and safe swimming areas, visit www.ikwv.be.

Comfort for everyone

Whether you're here to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy water sports – the wide beaches of Oostduinkerke offer peace, space, and comfort for all ages.

• Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Nearby car parks make your beach visit even easier.
• Food and drinks within reach: Along the beach you'll find inviting pavilions and terraces where you can enjoy an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.

Orientation Poles on the Beach

On the main beaches of Oostduinkerke, eye-catching orientation poles are placed during the summer season. Each pole has a unique figure on top – like an animal or symbol – clearly visible from a distance. They are mainly intended as reference points for children.

• For children: The recognisable figures help them remember where they are sitting or where their parents are.
• For parents: Agree on a specific pole in advance as a meeting point to find each other again.

Flags and Their Meanings

On the beaches of Oostduinkerke, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:

• Green Flag

  Normal sea
  Swimming is allowed.

• Yellow Flag

  Be cautious while swimming! Do not use flotation devices!
  You may swim, but all floating and inflatable objects are not allowed in the sea due to offshore wind.

• Red Flag

  Do not swim! Very dangerous sea
  Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are prohibited.

• Swimming allowed

  Swimming is permitted
  In this beach zone, you may swim in the sea between 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM.

• Swimming prohibited

  Do not swim!
  In this beach zone, swimming in the sea is strictly prohibited!

Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.

Dogs on the Beach

For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.

• Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Oostduinkerke during the period 1 June till 15 September between 10:30 till 18:30.
• Outside of the above mentioned period and time are only leased dogs allowed on the beaches of Oostduinkerke.

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 Oostduinkerke

Leashed dogs are allowed all year:

1. Sint-Idesbald: from the municipal border with De Panne to the Pieterlaan (approx. 350 metres),
2. Koksijde: between Elisabethplein and Sint-André (G. Scottlaan) (approx. 1,170 metres),
3. Oostduinkerke: between Felix Timmermanslaan and Paardevissersweg (Groenendijk) (approx. 1,625 metres).

The zones are marked on-site and can also be found in the brochure which you can download from the official Municipality of Koksijde website.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Beach of Oostduinkerke

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.