Frequently asked questions about the beach in Zeebrugge

Horseback riding on the beach of Zeebrugge is prohibited throughout the year.

No, Zeebrugge has no naturist beach; the only official naturist beach in Belgium is in Bredene.

• Where: on the beach of Bredene, on the border with De Haan.

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Kitesurfing is not allowed everywhere on the Belgian coast, only in designated zones, usually near a water sports club.

• Club: Club North, Zeebrugge, www.clubnorthzeebrugge.be.
• Rules: follow the local clubs' rules and the lifeguards' instructions; during the bathing season kitesurfing is banned near the swimming zones.

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Most shops, beach clubs, bars, terraces and restaurants remain open during the weekends in the low season. Many are also open throughout the week.

Each year the low season in Zeebrugge begins after the autumn holidays till the beginning of the spring holidays. Several shops, beach clubs and restaurants use this period to rebuild, renew or for vacation. As a result, during this low season period, not all stores are opened every day.

Furthermore there is no general period when all the restaurants, bars and shops are closed. All entrepreneurs determine the temporary closure individually. Therefore is there are, also in the low season, enough shops and restaurants opened for you to enjoy.

The Blue Flag is an international environmental award, granted annually to beaches and marinas that participate in the campaign and have proven to be clean and safe.

The goal of the Blue Flag programme is to continuously involve governments, entrepreneurs, and recreational users in the care for clean and safe water, beautiful nature, and a healthy environment. Holding a Blue Flag is a recognition of the efforts made by the beach municipality or marina operator in this area. For tourists, the Blue Flag is internationally the recognition and quality symbol for good beaches and marinas.

What are the criteria for the beaches?

• The bathing water is of excellent quality.
• The beach is kept clean.
• There are enough toilets and waste bins on the beach.
• Rescue materials and a first aid post are available on the beach.
• Information activities are organized to protect the natural environment of the sea, beach, and dunes.

More information: https://www.blauwevlag.nl/

No, as in all Belgian coastal municipalities, lighting a fire on the beach in Zeebrugge is forbidden unless the municipality gives permission in advance.

• Barbecue: barbecues on the beach are not allowed without permission either.
• Permission: apply in good time to the municipality of Bruges.

Yes, several beaches in Zeebrugge have free outdoor showers in season.

• Including: Westelijke Havendam.
• Season: the beach showers are in place from early May to late September.

• Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Zeebrugge during the period 15 maart till 15 October.
• Outside of the above mentioned period are only leased dogs allowed on the beaches of Zeebrugge.

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 Zeebrugge

Leashed dogs are allowed all year from beach Surfclub in the direction Blankenberge.

Current information on bathing water quality on the coast near Zeebrugge is available from the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) (in Dutch).

• Bathing season: in summer the VMM and the Departement Zorg regularly test the water in the bathing zones along the coast.
• Swimming: preferably swim in a supervised zone and follow the flags and instructions of the lifeguards.

Yes, the beach in Zeebrugge is free to access.

• Costs: for example parking and renting a sunbed, windbreak or beach cabin.

Yes, Zeebrugge has an accessible Zon, Zee… Zorgeloos beach in summer.

• What is offered: free beach wheelchairs, an adapted toilet and care room, a paved path onto the beach and assistants who help with transfers, changing and toilet visits.
• When: July and August, daily from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm.
• Contact: tel. +32 472 90 08 45; booking is possible but not required.
• Please note: the assistants are not nurses and do not provide intimate care.
• More information: overview of accessible beach facilities on the coast (Inter, in Dutch).

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Yes, in Zeebrugge you can borrow a beach wheelchair for free in summer.

• Zon, Zee… Zorgeloos: free beach wheelchairs and help from assistants, July and August, daily from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm; tel. +32 472 90 08 45.
• Use: you need someone to push, except with electric chairs.
• More information: overview of accessible beach facilities on the coast (Inter, in Dutch).

Fishing from the beach is forbidden!