Blankenberge
Blankenberge Marina · Blankenberge Jachthaven
51°18.4'N 03°07.9'E
Depth (CD)
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m on firm North Sea sand in 2–5m (CD). The large tidal range means anchor scope must be calculated for HW depth — add 4–5m to the CD depth for springs. At HW springs in 9m of water with 5:1 scope, 45m of chain minimum. The alarm accounts for tidal swing and scope changes. Leave immediately if N or NW above F4.
About This Anchorage
Blankenberge is a traditional Belgian seaside resort on the mid-coast — a Victorian-era beach town with a pier, promenade, casino, and the largest public aquarium in Belgium (Sea Life Blankenberge). The marina is a locked basin accessed via a tidal lock that operates around HW. The outer harbour (Haveningang) is accessible without a lock but offers limited shelter — the marina basin is the better overnight option. The approach channel (Blankenbergegeul) is dredged and buoyed — follow the buoys carefully as the Wenduinebank and other sandbanks flank the approach. The town has good provisioning and restaurants. Blankenberge is a popular day-trip destination from Bruges (12km inland by tram) — the coastal tram (Kusttram) connects all Belgian coastal towns from De Panne to Knokke-Heist.
Protected From
SW · S · SE · E
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (outer anchorage); marina fee approx €22–32/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Buoyed approach channel — follow buoys; Wenduinebank sandbank east of approach; marina lock operates around HW — call VHF 9 for schedule; speed limit in harbour; beach swimmers near harbour entrance in summer.
Hazards
- !Open to N and NW — North Sea swell; outer anchorage is unsafe in northerly above F3
- !Sandbanks flank approach channel: Wenduinebank to east, shallow water to west — follow buoyed Blankenbergegeul
- !Tidal range 4–5m — calculate scope for HW depth; anchor drying out at LW springs possible if too close inshore
- !Beach swimmers and water sports near harbour entrance in summer — reduced speed
- !Marina lock schedule — arrive before HW for lock window
Skipper's Tips
- →The Kusttram (coastal tram) stops in Blankenberge — take the tram to Bruges (12km, 30 minutes) for a day visit to the medieval city without moving the boat
- →Fresh North Sea shrimp and sole are the local specialities — the harbour fish stalls sell direct from the fishing boats; far cheaper than restaurants
- →Sea Life Blankenberge aquarium is excellent for children — North Sea species including rays, sharks, and seahorses
- →The approach channel Blankenbergegeul is well-buoyed but narrow — enter on the leading line at the harbour entrance; do not deviate from the buoyed channel
- →From Blankenberge, the passage to Zeebrugge (6nm east) is a short hop along the coast — arrive at Zeebrugge on the flood for the approach channel
Facilities
Resort town facilities: restaurants along the front, supermarket, chandlery. Fresh North Sea fish available at harbour. Aquarium (Sea Life) and pier attractions.
Nearest provisions: Blankenberge resort town (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. Blankenberge is a busy summer resort — marinas fill in July and August. The coastal tram gives excellent access to other Belgian coast towns.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
On the Belgian coast, 4–5m tidal range and 2–3 kt tidal streams make anchor drag a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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