Every time we look at the beach in Ostend, we notice just how vast it actually is. From the peaceful dunes at Raversijde to the Klein Strand where seals rest and play. It is striking how the different beaches feel different too! We can see this on the official beach maps of the city of Ostend as well. This blog explains where you can swim, walk your dog, or find a toilet on the beach in Ostend.

Where can you swim, walk your dog, or find a toilet on the beach in Ostend?

The Ostend beach plans explain all rules and facilities per beach zone. What do the beach plans mean? How do you read them? Why do they exist?

We have also listed all the beach zones of Ostend: from Raversijde to Oosteroever. This way, you can easily see what you will find there and what each stretch of coast offers you as a guest of our holiday accommodation.

What is a beach plan?

A beach map is an official detailed map that depicts a specific section of the coastline. The beach maps of the city of Ostend show, among other things, where you can swim safely, where your dog is welcome, and where you can find the nearest first aid post or toilets.

Instead of one map for the entire Ostend coast, the city is publishing five separate detailed plans, each for a different part of the beach.

Which beach zones does Ostend have?

Ostend has divided its 7 km sandy beach into five zones. The five beach plans follow the coastline of Ostend from west to east:

• Raversijde – the westernmost part, against the border with Middelkerke
• Mariakerke – the beach west of the city center
• Center – Sports Beach – Main Beach – the heart of Ostend, right in front of the seafront and the Kursaal
• Center – Growing Beach – Small Beach – the stretch of beach around the harbor channel, in the extension of the center
• East Bank – across the harbor mouth, east of the city

Each map shows in detail how that specific section of the beach is laid out: where the supervised swimming zones are located, where dogs are or are not welcome, and which facilities such as toilets, first aid posts, and beach bars can be found there. This way, no matter where you are on the beach in Ostend, you know immediately which zone you are in and what you are allowed to do there.

In this practical guide, you will find the beach plans of Ostend.

Why are the beach plans in place?

The beach plans are part of the management of coastal safety and the organization of the beach by the city.

Ostend has 13 official swimming zones and one surfing zone. Lifeguards from the beach rescue service monitor these zones during the summer months from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Swimming is not permitted outside these supervised zones. In addition, the city uses the same division into beach sections for practical matters. For example, the allocation of pitches for beach cabins. These may only be placed between April 5 and September 30. A fixed procedure applies for driving onto the sea dike.

In short: the beach plans ensure that a long, diverse stretch of coastline remains manageable and safe. That is convenient for emergency services and for everyone who comes to enjoy it.

Which symbols can you find on a beach map?

Each beach map uses the same legend. Once you know it, you will read all five maps effortlessly. Some of the most important symbols:

• You are here: a green dot that indicates your position on the map.
• Supervised swimming zone (blue swimmer icon): you may swim here, supervised by lifeguards from 10:30 to 18:30.
• No swimming zone (red icon, crossed-out swimmer): swimming is not allowed here.
• Water sports zone: a strip reserved for surfers, kiters, and other water sports enthusiasts.
• Sports beach: the section for sports and active beach experiences, such as beach volleyball.
• Dogs on the beach: Green dog icons indicate zones where dogs are always welcome. Red icons represent zones where dogs are only allowed before 10:00 AM and after 8:00 PM (in July and August), or only on a short leash.

Did you know that your dog is also welcome in our apartments? Click here for more info.

• First aid, toilets and wheelchair-accessible toilets: the nearest emergency and sanitary facilities.
• Beach shower, beach bar, beach lockers and playground: Practical amenities for a day at the beach.
• Sun, Sea, Carefree (beach wheelchairs and accessible beach with a concrete beach path): facilities for visitors with a disability.
• Beach police and lifeguard headquarters: where to go in case of problems or an emergency.
• Lost children zone and lost child wristbands: At the lifeguard stations, you can pick up a free wristband with contact details for young children. There is also a designated spot where lost children are met.
• Smoke-free beach: indicates where smoking is not allowed on the beach.

Which three beach flags do the lifeguards hoist?

In addition, each map contains general basic information: the sea dike is a walking and cycling zone (cyclists adjust their speed accordingly) and waste belongs in the bins. Camping, making fires, and flying drones are not permitted on the beach.

The beach plans also explain the three lifeguard beach flags :

A green flag means that the coast is safe and swimming is permitted.

A yellow flag means that swimming is allowed, but that floating and inflatable objects are not permitted.

A red flag means that swimming is too dangerous and is therefore prohibited.

Do you see a seal or porpoise in distress on the coast? Then be sure to keep a distance of at least 30 meters and call the free emergency number listed on every map: +32 491 74 32 78.

What do the beach plans mean for holidaymakers?

As a guest, you will find the beach maps particularly practical. They help you quickly find the stretch of beach that suits your plans: a quiet spot for a long walk along the dunes, a lively zone with sports and water sports for the children, or the busy central strip right in front of the shops and terraces.

The plans also show exactly where the supervised swimming zones are located. You can see where your dog is allowed, during which hours, and where you can go for a plaster, a jellyfish sting, a toilet, or to cool off at the beach shower.

Ostend's five beach plans explained

If you cross the Zeedijk from Het Appartement en De Loft, you are immediately on the beach of Mariakerke. We will go over the highlights of this beach second in our list from West to East.

The beach of Raversijde

This is the westernmost beach of Ostend, situated between the dune area of ​​Mariakerke and the Provincial Domain Raversyde. It is located near the sub-municipality of Raversijde, with the Saint Raphael Church and the Our Lady of the Dunes Church as recognizable landmarks just behind the seafront promenade.

The beach map immediately reveals that this is the quietest part of the coast: the majority of this beach is designated as a “no swimming zone”. There are only two supervised swimming zones, including one in front of the large holiday resort Vaya Mundo . Dogs are welcome here in many places all year round at any time of day.

New is the viewing platform with wide, sloping wheelchair access to the beach.

This beach is therefore ideal if you are looking for space, peace, and nature during your stay, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

The beach of Mariakerke

To the west of the city centre lies the beach of Mariakerke. This beach stretches from 17 Oktoberstraat to the end of the wide promenade. You will find the Strandplein, Hertogenplein, an amphitheater, and a viewing platform as eye-catchers on the seafront.

You will also find a Tourist Information Point there, handy for anyone looking for some extra tips during their holiday.

The beach map indicates a supervised swimming zone every few hundred meters. This way, you can dive into the sea right in front of your holiday accommodation. Dogs are allowed to run free before 10:00 AM and after 8:00 PM. Read everything about dogs allowed at our holiday accommodation on this page.

Mariakerke attracts many families in the summer and, thanks to the length of the beach, offers plenty of room to find your own spot even on sunny days.

The Beach Center – Sports Beach – Main Beach

This beach is the beating heart of Ostend's sporty beach life. It stretches from the surf zone right next to our own apartments to the front of the Kursaal in Ostend.

On this beach map, you can see the highest concentration of facilities on the entire coast. You will find first aid posts, toilets, beach showers, beach lockers, and a playground. They are located close together, along with well-known spots such as Beach House Surfclub, Thermae Palace, and the Koningspark with the Japanese Garden.

A watersports zone is located near the Beach House Surfclub. Be sure to go watch the windsurfers on a day with high waves. Spectacle guaranteed!

The Sports Beach itself is the domain of young people and active holidaymakers. Here you can play beach volleyball or practice another sport. Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10:00 AM and after 8:00 PM. Please note: even then, they must remain on a leash in the sports areas.

The Groot Strand is and remains the busiest and most popular beach in the city. You will find beach bars, all kinds of shops, and terraces within walking distance. Time for an ice cream or a Trappist beer? Or a go-kart ride? It is all possible there.

The beach of Centrum – Groeistrand – Klein Strand

This beach connects to the city center and stretches from the Kursaal to the harbor channel and the Zeeheldenplein, with the large red blocks by Arne Quinze as landmarks.

The Klein Strand is smaller and quieter than the Groot Strand, with its own atmosphere close to the fishing harbor and overlooking the shipping channel. In the summer, singer and actress Camille sets up her circus and amusement park there.

Throughout the entire year, this is the seals' favorite beach. Be sure to read the blog "Watching seals in Ostend? Yes, that is possible" about this.

If you walk further, you will reach the Montgomery Dock. The free ferry to the East Bank departs from the Fishermen's Quay.

The beach of Oosteroever

Across the harbor mouth lies the Oosteroever. This zone is controversial due to the many buildings, the new residential towers, protected nature reserves, and the lighthouse beam of Lange Nelle.

You can easily reach this part of the beach with the free ferry from the Visserskaai. If you take this, you find yourself in a beautiful contrast to the lively promenade in the city of Ostend. We certainly don't want to miss this outing when staying at Het Appartement or De Loft.

This is the place for those who love nature and tranquility: miles of sea views. Here you will still find large, pristine dunes and a very wide beach, from the protected Fort Napoleon to beyond Bredene.

On the beach map, you can see a mix of green and red zones where dogs are always welcome. Nicely, on the way to Bredene, you will find the only section of Ostend beach where dogs are always allowed to run around off-leash. If that isn't the ultimate freedom for your four-legged friend!

You will find another water sports zone at the Spinoladijk.

There you have it, now you know everything about the beach zones in Ostend.

And now? Which beach zone are you going to tomorrow?

Any more questions about the beach? Read our FAQ