Dishoek is a charming, small-scale seaside resort best known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful south-facing beach, and its location amidst an impressive dune landscape.
- Unique view: Thanks to its position along the busy Western Scheldt, you can watch large sea vessels pass close to the shore – a spectacular and rare sight in the Netherlands.
- Peace & space: Dishoek is less crowded than the larger seaside resorts, making it a favourite spot for those seeking tranquillity and relaxation by the sea.
- Natural surroundings: A narrow but stunning area of dunes and woodland forms the green backdrop around the beach – perfect for walkers and those looking to unwind.
- Special overnight stay: On the beach of Dishoek, you can rent cosy beach cabins where you can literally sleep by the sea and wake up to the sound of the waves.
- Characteristic landscape: Just like elsewhere on Walcheren, you’ll find the iconic wooden groynes that give the beach its recognisable look.
- Plenty of sunshine: The province of Zeeland enjoys the most sunshine hours in the Netherlands – ideal for a sunny beach holiday close to home.
Award-Winning Beaches
The beaches of Dishoek have also been awarded multiple times for their quality, cleanliness, and environmentally friendly management. It’s an ideal destination for those who enjoy a clean, safe, and well-maintained beach.
- Blue Flag: In 2024, the beach of Dishoek received the 31th Blue Flag – the international label for clean and safe beaches.
- Quality Coast Award: Awarded again in 2017 for sustainable tourism and nature-friendly beach management.
- Cleanest Beach in the Netherlands: The municipality to which Dishoek belongs won this title in 2003 and 2004.
These recognitions clearly show the care and attention given to the beach of Dishoek – an excellent choice for anyone seeking a comfortable and carefree beach holiday.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Dishoek 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 Dishoek 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 Dishoek
At the main beaches of Dishoek, 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.
In Dishoek, two manned beach posts are active during the beach season:
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of Dishoek, 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:
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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.
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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.
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Yellow Flag
Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea
Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.
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Orange Windsock
Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices!
Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.
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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.
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Green Flag with White Cross
First Aid Post
First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.
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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.
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.
- Only leashed dogs are allowed on the beaches of Dishoek 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 Dishoek.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
An overview of local beach cabins rentals in Dishoek: /en/forum/
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.
Only leashed dogs are allowed on the