The trip takes you in the open sea to the Buitenstroombank buoy, makes an arc to the coast and via the coastline - close to the beach - we sail back to the port of Ostend. You look at the Belgian coastline, the city and the port from a completely different point of view.
Boat trips
- 14/07, 15/07, 17/07 & 19/07 : 14:30 - 16:00
- 20/07 - 02/08: everyday 14:00 - 15:15 - 16:30
- 03/08 – 18/08: everyday 11:45 – 12:45 – 14:00 – 15:15 – 16:15
- 19/08 – 25/08: everyday 14:00 – 15:15 – 16:15
- 26/08 – 31/08: everyday 14:30 – 16:00
- EXCEPTIONALLY: no tours on 28/08 & 29/08
- except if the weather does not allow us to depart
- April/May/June/Sept/Oct: at demand for groups
- Duration: 45 minutes
Embarking and departure
Embarking jetty : Visserskaai opposite No 30 in Ostend - Pontoon between Vistrap and the North Sea aquarium (See route description)
You can park underground at "Visserskaai" or you can come by train or coastal tram (5 minutes walk).
All passengers must be in good health and able to board independently. The boarding infrastructure and the typology of the vessel do not allow wheelchair patients or people who need assistance to embark.
Prices
Book your tickets online at a more favourable price.
Price of an e-ticket:
- From 12 years: € 14.50
- 3-11 years: € 11,95
- 0-2 years: free
Price of booking at the desk (depending on availability)
- From 12 years: € 16
- 3-11 years: € 13.5
- 0-2 years: free
ONLY with online tickets you are sure of your places on the chosen departure, only if there are LAST MINUTE tickets left, they will be offered for sale on board the day before departure.
So if you do NOT have online tickets, you are not 100% sure that there are free seats available
Attention: e-tickets are 100% pre-paid and non-refundable.
In case of bad weather conditions (and cancellation of a boat trip) your tickets remain valid for a similar trip of your choice, depending on availability. Reimbursement is not possible.
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FAQ
How far does the boat go at sea?
The trip takes you into the open sea and makes an arc to the coast to sail back to the port of Ostend via the coastline - close to the beach. You will sail along sailing yachts, coastal fishermen in action with seagulls flying around, but also the beach and the dunes. In case of bad weather conditions, the captain can also sail in the harbour for a while. You look at the coast from a different point of view, ideal for taking beautiful photos or video recordings.
Is the boat trip suitable for (school) groups or associations?
Yes. During the trip you will come into contact with various maritime elements, which is interesting for your group. On request, a guide can explain various elements: port and coastal navigation, nature exploration, fishing. The duration of the trip can also be adjusted and combinations with other attractions in Ostend for groups of 50 people or more are possible. Do not hesitate to ask for a custom made proposal.
Does everyone have a fixed seat?
No. The Franlis III has a spacious front and aft deck with dozens of seats and an interior space with comfortable sofas and a bar with staff. You can take a seat wherever you want. During the trip you can walk around or change places without any problems. On the front deck you will come into contact with the healthy sea air and have an open panoramic view, on the aft deck you will be more sheltered from the wind and you can perfectly sunbathe. The interior space allows you to sit comfortably and sheltered from sun, wind and rain.
Can we get snacks and drinks on board?
Yes. Our bar with staff offers a selection of hot and cold drinks and small snacks. You can enjoy your drink on the front or aft deck (in the open air) or in the ship's bar (covered).
Can I rent the entire boat?
Apart from the sea excursions, the boat can be rented for other purposes. Ask about our special charter prices. The departure times and the duration of the boat trip will be adapted to your wishes. Our fixed reception formulas are often chosen by companies and groups. On demand we can work out catering proposals for you (receptions, dinners, …).
What if the weather is bad?
In the event of bad weather conditions, the captain may decide to change the route of the boat trip at sea. If the circumstances do not allow the boat to sail at sea, replacing boat trips can be made within the harbour. When there is storm at sea, all boat trips will be cancelled.