Long and varied beach: The beach stretches about 5 kilometres in length and is on average 50 metres wide. It runs from the Schipgat Dunes in the north to De Panne in the south – perfect for sun lovers, walkers and sports enthusiasts.
Family-friendly: Wide beach zones, shallow water at low tide and good facilities make the beach of Koksijde ideal for families with children.
Lively beach area: Near the main entrances you’ll find cosy beach pavilions, restaurants and terraces where you can enjoy a drink, lunch or ice cream with a sea view.
Hoge Blekker viewpoint: Close to the beach lies the Hoge Blekker, at 33 metres the highest dune in Belgium. From the top you’ll have a stunning view over Koksijde, the coastline and the hinterland.
Seal spotting: At low tide, seals can often be seen resting on the sandbanks – a true highlight for nature lovers.
Cycling and walking: Directly behind the beach are the Schipgat Dunes and the North Dunes – perfect for a bike ride or a hike through the varied dune landscape. The renovated sea dike is car-free and perfect for strolling or cycling.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Koksijde 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 Koksijde 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.
In 2012 received the ‘Quality Coast Award’ for its high quality of human and nature-friendly tourism.
Orientation Poles on the Beach
On the main beaches of Koksijde, 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 Koksijde, 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.
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.
Your dog is allowed on the beach. However, there is one exception: from 1 June to 15 September, dogs are only allowed in three dog zones between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
Sint-Idesbald: from the municipal border with De Panne to the Pieterlaan (approx. 350 metres),
Koksijde: between Elisabethplein and Sint-André (G. Scottlaan) (approx. 1,170 metres),
Oostduinkerke: between Felix Timmermanslaan and Paardevissersweg (Groenendijk) (approx. 1,625 metres).
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.
Leashed dogs are allowed all year: