At SEA LIFE Blankenberge you embark on a thrilling journey of discovery through the mysterious underwater world. More than 50 aquariums reveal the amazing underwater life from the Amazon River to the North Sea and many more rivers, seas and oceans. From spectacular sharks in the shark tunnel, notorious piranhas, the national breeding programme for seahorses to a beautiful disabled sea turtle - you'll find it all at SEA LIFE!
Perhaps the most famous part of SEA LIFE Blankenberge is the seal sanctuary where stranded seal pups are brought and cared for. Over the past fifteen years the Rescue Team has collected over 375 seal pups and cared for them before releasing them back into the sea, thanks to the support of SEA LIFE's sympathisers and visitors.
In the large 2,750 m2 outdoor area you can also observe the crazy Humboldt penguins, playful otters and impressive sea lions.
Towering cranes, colourful containers and slow cargo ships, the Port of Zeebrugge is impressive, even for kids. The huge buildings of the former fish market close to the port have been redesigned as a maritime theme park. At Seafront you learn about life on, by and even under the sea. The rugged life of a fisherman and fishing history can also be discovered at Seafront. You will find out about Zeebrugge's history and its illustrious port. But Seafront offers much more: you can climb the mast of a pirate ship, dive into the ball house or stand at the helm of a genuine lightship, which is like an offshore lighthouse.
If you think the lightship is impressive, wait till you see the hundred metre long “Foxtrot” submarine. This submarine type was used by the Russian Navy during the Cold War and was packed with torpedoes and jamming stations. On board you can see how the crew lived in this steel colossus.
Discover the real ‘Westhoek by boat. Seastar is the leading operator of passenger river cruises and boattrips on the Yser, all along the frontline of the First World War!
Discover in the visitors centre the fascinating and tumultuous history of 2000 years Zwin region: the reclamation of the polders, the unique scale model of the port town of Sluis arround 1400, wars in the region, the emergence of the villages of Duinbergen and Het Zoute, the development of tourism.
Children love Fonske and his wonderful stories. Fonske is the son of a fisherman and lives in the museum. He’s really good at telling visitors about life on board a fishing vessel or how to catch shrimp. A visit to Fonske’s attic is highly recommended. Make a fort with puzzle pieces or dive into his dress up trunk and step out as a bold pirate.
In the old school building (1899) you can immerse yourself in the hard life of the fishermen and their families. Taste the particular people's culture. Take a seat on the school desks.
Open every day 10 am - 12 am and 2 pm - 5.30 pm
Closed 25th and 26th of December, 1st and 2nd January
1914.
The world is in war.
The plain around the river Yser is inundated.
A meaningless trench warfare has started.
Westfront Nieuwpoort tells the full story of
the flooding of the polder landscape, making
the German invasion stop at the outskirts of
the city. It is a story about the power of the
sea and the smart directing of the locks.
The perfect place to tell this story of the
flooding is the monument to King Albert Ist
on the edge of the lock complex “The
Ganzepoot”.
Underneath the monument we build a
modern and interactive visitor center. A highlight
of the visit is definitely the projection of
the animated Yser-Panorama, a painting of
115 m long by 15 m high.
And do not forget to visit the top of the monument
itself, to enjoy the panoramic view
over the coast and the hinterland.
Welcome to the new Zwin, the international bird airport
Looking to catch a refreshing sea breeze? Out to enjoy one of the last coastal stretches of unspoilt natural beauty? Or just gearing up for the walk of a lifetime? Then prepare to descend on the Zwin. Its luxuriant vegetation provides a permanent natural habitat or temporary breeding grounds for rare bird species which can be observed only here.
The Zwin is a magnificent nature park on the border between Belgium
and the Netherlands. At high tide the mudflats and salt marshes are
entirely or partially flooded by the sea, which is what makes this
intertidal area so unique. In this manner a very special biotope for
numerous birds and plants is created. Thousands of birds come to the
Zwin every year to breed, hibernate or look for food.
The Zwin is also a dream for plant lovers. Numerous unique plants feel
right at home in this nature park. Thanks to the permanent influence
of the salty water, the Zwin boasts certain species that can barely be
found elsewhere along the Belgian coast.
Come fly with us
The Zwin Nature Parc, the international migratory bird airport, is a unique and varied top attraction where you experience nature to the full. Experience a fascinating journey together with your migratory bird of the Zwin. In our permanent interactive exhibition, you can discover why bird migration is such an incredible adventure…Check in at the entrance to the exhibition,keep your boarding pass handy and…fly with your migratory bird! In our cabinet of curiosities or ‘wonder room’ you can browse to your heart’s content.
Experience trail for all ages
The outdoor track guides you along numerous observation points or huts.
The viewing centre as an ‘all-weather’ location
Come rain or shine, the Observation Centre enables you to observe the birds from a sheltered location and offers an impressive view of the Zwin Plain with its lagoons, mudflats, salt marshes and bird island.
Discover the Zwin Plain
If you want to walk in the Zwin plain, there are various possibilities. Bring your boots or waterproof shoes and follow the signposted routes. Or challenge yourself with the barefoot path and feel the different types of soil in this tidal area – a tingling experience.
Plan your visit today! Put on your rubber boots and don’t forget your
binoculars!