Oostkapelle is a true Zeeland family seaside resort, beautifully situated near the forest, dunes and beach. The nearby nature reserves De Manteling and Oranjezon offer a varied setting full of peace, space and greenery. An ideal destination for those who love nature, relaxation and the sea.
Child-friendly & spacious: The wide sandy beach is clean, well-organised and gently slopes into the sea – perfect for families with young children.
Nature lovers take note: Walking trails begin right behind the beach, leading through forests, dune valleys and protected landscapes – ideal for a day of both beach and nature.
Typically Walcheren: Think wooden breakwaters, charming beach huts and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
Sunny destination: The province of Zeeland enjoys the most sunshine hours in the Netherlands – perfect for a summer holiday by the sea.
Peace without compromise:Oostkapelle is quieter than the larger seaside resorts but still offers all the amenities for a carefree beach day.
Award-Winning Beaches
The beaches of Oostkapelle have been recognised many times for their outstanding quality, cleanliness, and environmentally friendly management.
Blue Flag: In 2024, the beach of Oostkapelle received the 36thBlue Flag – an international eco-label awarded for clean bathing water, excellent facilities, and safe beach management.
Quality Coast Award: Awarded in 2017 for sustainable and nature-friendly tourism.
Cleanest Beach in the Netherlands: Oostkapelle won this title in 2003, 2004, 2016, and 2017.
These awards show that Oostkapelle is not only loved for its natural setting and child-friendliness but also ranks among the cleanest and best-maintained beaches in the Netherlands – perfect for a carefree beach holiday.
Beaches of Oostkapelle
Below you'll find a description of four beautiful beaches around Oostkapelle – each with its own unique character and charm.
Beach Duinweg
The most popular and family-friendly beach in Oostkapelle – and perhaps in all of Zeeland. This wide sandy beach lies directly at the edge of the forest and is ideal for families with children, sunseekers, and wind enthusiasts. Especially at low tide, its size is impressive: the beach stretches for kilometres and is over 100 metres wide in some places.
Address: via the paved beach access point at the Duinweg. This route is also suitable for prams and people with reduced mobility.
Parking: Spacious De Vier Hoogten car park with approx. 340 spaces, located just 350 to 400 metres from the beach.
Child-friendly: Very shallow water at both high and low tide – children can play safely without the sea becoming deep too quickly.
Facilities: lifeguard, showers, toilets, play equipment on the beach, a beach pavilion, and a beach bar.
Peace and space: Despite its popularity, there is plenty of room thanks to the vastness of the beach.
Beach Berkenbosch
An intimate and atmospheric beach access point nestled in nature, at the forest edge of De Manteling. This beach lies slightly southwest of Oostkapelle and is loved by those seeking tranquillity, nature lovers, and dog owners. It is the most dog-friendly beach in northern Walcheren: dogs are welcome year-round, provided they are on a lead.
Parking: At Randduin car park, around 1 km walk from the beach access point.
Atmospheric & peaceful: Less crowded than the main beaches – perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Nature experience: Easily combined with a forest walk or bike ride through De Manteling.
Dogs welcome: Dogs allowed year-round (on a lead); at beach pavilion ‘Bij Karel’ you can even get ‘dog beer’.
Beach Westhove
Situated in a unique location next to the historic Westhove Castle and in the heart of the protected De Manteling nature reserve. This beach access point is popular with hikers, families, and nature lovers looking to combine a beach day with culture or a visit to the nearby Terra Maris museum.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, and waste bins available.
Beach Oranjezon
Perhaps the most unspoilt beach in the region. It lies at the edge of the nature reserve of the same name, which spans no less than 400 hectares and features dunes, forests, dune valleys, and an impressive biodiversity. This beach is a favourite with hikers, peace seekers, and nature enthusiasts looking for a true wilderness experience by the sea.
Parking: Large car park on Koningin Emmaweg in Vrouwenpolder. From there, it's about a 15 to 20-minute walk to the beach.
Nature experience: On the way, you’ll pass through dune landscapes with fallow deer, Konik horses, foxes, and rare butterflies. Over 200 bird species live here.
Nudist beach: A public nudist beach can be found at the edge of the recreational area, accessible via a staircase at beach access point 68.
No facilities: There are no beach pavilions or catering – just silence, walking paths, and the sea. So be sure to bring your own picnic.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Oostkapelle are clean, well-maintained and equipped with all the conveniences for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned so you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – ideal after swimming or playing.
Supervision & First Aid: During the summer season, lifeguards and beach patrols look after your safety. First aid stations are available at the busier entrances.
Comfort for Everyone
Whether you come to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy watersports – the wide beaches of Oostkapelle offer peace, space and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Nearby parking areas make your beach visit even easier.
Food & drink nearby: Along the beach you'll find cosy pavilions and terraces for an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
Beach Supervision in Oostkapelle
At the main beaches of Oostkapelle, lifeguards ensure a safe day by the sea. This way, you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand without worry.
When: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 in July and August, and also on weekends between 15 May and 15 September if the weather is good.
Qualified lifeguards: Trained in first aid and equipped with communication tools and rescue gear.
Lifeguard stations: Spread along the beach, clearly marked with flags and lookout points. These manned stations provide constant supervision.
Danger warnings: In case of strong currents or bad weather, you will be warned in time via flags.
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of Oostkapelle, 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:
Red-Yellow Flag
Supervised beach zone. Lifeguards present Lifeguard station is open, and qualified lifeguards are monitoring the area within the lifeguard brigade's working area.
Red Flag
No swimming! 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 strongly discouraged.
Yellow Flag
Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.
Orange Windsock
Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices! Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.
White Flag with Blue Question Mark
Child found! A child has been found who is missing their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to report to the lifeguard station.
Green Flag with White Cross
First Aid Post First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.
Black and White Chequered Flag
Water sports allowed In the zone between the two black and white chequered flags, water sports are allowed.
Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.
Would you like to learn more about the nature of the Zeeland coast? Then the Terra Maris museum is the place to be. This museum, located in the heart of De Manteling, regularly organises fun and educational beach activities for young and old.
Beach excursions: Explore the beach with a guide and learn all about what you find between the sand, wooden poles and the sea.
Interactive & educational: Many excursions also include a behind-the-scenes look at the museum itself.
For families & nature lovers: The perfect combination of nature, learning and seaside fun.
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 Oostkapelle during the period 1 May till 15 September between 10:00 till 19:00.
Outside of the above mentioned period and time are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Oostkapelle.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
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.
Parking: Spacious 
Dogs are prohibited on the 
Leashed dogs are allowed all year from