Knokke-Heist
Knokke · Heist aan Zee · Knokke-Heist marina · Zwin area
51°21.6'N 03°18.5'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). This is the easternmost Belgian coast anchorage — the Wielingen traffic separation scheme passes offshore. Monitor AIS continuously. Tidal range 4–5m — calculate scope for HW depth. Leave in any N or NW conditions. The 90m alarm accounts for scope changes across tidal cycle.
About This Anchorage
Knokke-Heist is the most exclusive and expensive resort town on the Belgian coast — sometimes called the 'Belgian Saint-Tropez'. The dune coast here is remarkable: the Zwin nature reserve at the Belgian–Dutch border is one of the last natural tidal inlets in the area, now a major bird reserve and one of Europe's best birdwatching sites. The anchorage off the Knokke-Heist dunes is the most easterly Belgian anchorage, just before the Belgian coast becomes the Dutch province of Zeeland and the Westerschelde estuary begins. The Wielingen shipping lane (the deep-water route to Antwerp via the Western Scheldt) passes 2–3nm offshore — AIS monitoring is essential. The town of Knokke itself is 1km from the dune coast and has excellent restaurants, galleries, and the Knokke Casino. The Zwin bird reserve has one of Belgium's most accessible white stork colonies.
Protected From
SW · S · SE · E
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Wielingen TSS passes offshore — maintain AIS watch; Zwin nature reserve — do not anchor in or near the tidal inlet; open North Sea coast — leave in N or NW above F3; Belgian–Dutch border area — Dutch port authority (Rijkswaterstaat) jurisdiction begins at Zwin.
Hazards
- !Wielingen TSS (Antwerp approach route) passes 2–3nm offshore — major commercial shipping; AIS essential
- !Open North Sea coast — leave immediately in N or NW above F3
- !Tidal range 4–5m — approach on rising tide; do not anchor in less than 2m CD
- !Zwin tidal inlet: the inlet dries and has strong currents — do not approach without chart and local knowledge
- !Beach swimming and water sport activity near shore in summer
Skipper's Tips
- →Knokke-Heist is primarily a transit stop or lunch anchorage — not a destination overnight in anything but very settled conditions
- →The Zwin bird reserve is exceptional: white stork colony (May–August), migrating waders in spring and autumn, spoonbills; dinghy ashore and walk to the reserve entrance (2km from landing beach)
- →The passage from Knokke-Heist NE into Dutch waters is the start of the Western Scheldt — excellent Zeeland cruising follows; Breskens, Flushing (Vlissingen), and Middelburg are all within 20nm
- →Belgian–Dutch border: the Zwin marks the border; immediately east of the Zwin, Dutch VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) Scheldt takes over on VHF 67
- →Knokke town art galleries are among Belgium's best — the Knokke Casino building has major modern art exhibitions
Facilities
No facilities at anchorage. Knokke-Heist town (1km from beach) has excellent restaurants and shops. Nearest marine facilities: Zeebrugge (6nm SW).
Nearest provisions: Knokke-Heist town (1nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August only — open North Sea coast; very weather-dependent. Primarily a transit stop or brief anchorage for the Zwin birdwatching or Western Scheldt entry.
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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