The beach of Rockanje is one of the longest and most spacious sandy beaches in South Holland.
Space for everyone: With a length of about 8.5 kilometres and an average width of 70 metres, there's plenty of room for sunbathers, families, and those seeking peace and quiet.
Diverse coastal area: The beach stretches from the Haringvlietdam to the nature reserve Groene Punt, offering a mix of recreation and natural beauty.
Sunny orientation: Thanks to its south-facing coastline, Rockanje is one of the few Dutch beaches where you can enjoy the sun all day long.
Seaside location:Rockanje lies directly on the North Sea, between Hellevoetsluis and Oostvoorne, overlooking the island of Goeree-Overflakkee.
Popular beach entrances: 1e and 2e Slag
The most popular parts of the beach are the 1e Slag and 2e Slag of the Badstrand. These entrances are easy to reach and located close to large car parks and food & drink facilities. Even on busy summer days, the beach's width and length ensure there’s still plenty of space to enjoy the seaside in peace.
1e Slag: Close to cosy beach pavilions and with direct access to wide sandy areas. There are also lifeguards and play facilities for children here.
2e Slag: A bit quieter, with a more natural atmosphere and a good balance between amenities and open space – perfect for families or a relaxing day with sea views.
More tranquillity: Just a few dozen metres north or south and you’ll find peaceful and wide stretches of beach with fewer people.
Extra tip: dog-friendly and sporty
Dog beach: Outside the high season, dogs are allowed to run freely on large parts of the beach – ideal for a refreshing walk with your four-legged friend.
Water sports:Rockanje is popular with kite surfers and stand-up paddlers. There are rental spots and beginner lessons available at the beach.
Award-Winning Beaches
The beaches of Rockanje have received multiple awards for their quality, cleanliness, and commitment to sustainability and safety.
Blue Flag: In 2024, the beach of Rockanje received the 17thBlue Flag – an international eco-label awarded for clean bathing water, excellent beach facilities and safe management.
Quality Coast Award: Awarded again in 2017 for sustainable tourism that respects both people and nature.
These awards show that in Rockanje you can enjoy not only a beautiful beach, but also a safe and well-maintained beach experience – perfect for a sunny and responsible beach holiday.
Via the most popular beach crossings Eerste Slag and Tweede Slag you'll reach the Badstrand (approximately stretching from beach pole 13,600 to 11,400). These dune crossings are not very high, allowing for easy entry to the beach with, for example, a handcart. The beach slopes slowly towards the sea, making it ideal for families with small children as well. There are a number of sandbanks off the coast, so no need to to worry about high waves. This makes it relatively easy for children and less experienced swimmers.
At both the Eerste Slag and Tweede Slag there's a large parking lot for beach visitors. When these areas are full, visitors will be guided by the parking attendants to an area near the Rockanje city limits. From here, visitors are transported to the beach by train.
Stille Strand (Quiet beach)
The Stille Strand is located from the Haringvlietdam to the Badstrand (approximately stretching beach pole 16.000 to 13.600). You can reach this beach area via the beach crossings the Houten paardjes (Wooden horses) and de Pan. Even on hot summer days there's more than enough peace and quiet to be found here.
Nudist beach
From beach pole 11.800 to beach pole 10.600, you are on the nudist beach of Rockanje. To reach this part of the beach you can walk via the beach crossing Tweede slag across the beach in the northwest direction. You can also reach the nudist beach through the Waterbos nature reserve.
Groene Punt (Green Point)
When walking on the beach towards the northwest, you will automatically reach Groene Punt. The beach makes a sharp turn to the northeast. At Groene Punt you can find bunker remnants in the sea from the Second World War. You can easily spot them at low tide. From this point the Rockanje beach gradually turns into the beach of Oostvoorne at beach pole 7,000.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Rockanje 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 Rockanje 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 pavilions
There are several beach pavilions on the Badstrand of Rockanje. Two at Eerste Slag, two at Tweede Slag and one in between. Each beach pavilion has its own style and audience. The beach pavilions are open every day from May to October when the weather is sunny. During the winter months they are often only open on weekends. Near the beach pavilions there are several play equipment. Children can play there while parents enjoy the terrace.
Orientation Poles on the Beach
On the main beaches of Rockanje, eye-catching orientation poles are placed during the summer season. Each pole has a unique figure on top – like an animal or symbol – clearly visible from a distance. They are mainly intended as reference points for children.
For children: The recognisable figures help them remember where they are sitting or where their parents are.
For parents: Agree on a specific pole in advance as a meeting point to find each other again.
Beach Supervision in Rockanje
At the main beaches of Rockanje, 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 Rockanje, 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.
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.
Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Rockanje (between Tweede slag and Swinsedreef) during the period 1 April till 1 October between 08:00 till 18:00.
Outside of the above mentioned period and time are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Rockanje.
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.
1e Slag: Close to cosy beach pavilions and with direct access to wide sandy areas. There are also lifeguards and play facilities for children here.
2e Slag: A bit quieter, with a more natural atmosphere and a good balance between amenities and open space – perfect for families or a relaxing day with sea views.
parking areas make your beach visit even easier.
Dogs are prohibited on the 
Dogs are allowed all year: