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Boat tours in our port
No water, no port! So experience North Sea Port from a boat! Our free tours take you to special places, guided by an expert. A unique experience for young and old alike.
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Join in Vlissingen for a 2.5 to 3 hour trip. Through the locks, out onto the Western Scheldt and into the busy Sloehaven of Vlissingen and Borsele. A guide tells the story behind the docks and the rich past that shaped them.
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Cruise 32 km along the canal and even cross the border! An experienced guide brings the route to life. You’ll return by bus. Two perspectives, one amazing adventure.
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Cast off in Ghent and travel north to Terneuzen. Spot industry, locks and fresh developments along the way. The way back is by bus (included)! This fun twist gives you a whole new view of the journey.
Free boat tours: more info
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Every Saturday you can discover North Sea Port from the water…free of charge! Each trip has room to welcome 200 passengers.
By booking, you agree to these rules of the voyage:
- These cruises are popular – be on time! No-shows will be charged €5 per registered passenger.
- For safety, we need the full name of all passengers at registration.
- Pets must stay ashore; only assistance and guide dogs are allowed.
- Cruises may be cancelled in case of heavy fog or strong winds.
- Departure is always punctual.
- All cruises follow the latest health & safety measures.
Anchors away! Enjoy your trip!
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Step on board for a free boat trip and return by bus. Along the way you’ll cross the Dutch–Belgian border on the 32 km Ghent–Terneuzen Canal. It will be a journey to remember!
Terneuzen – Ghent
- 10:00: Board at the Beurtvaartkade in Terneuzen. Departure for Ghent by boat.
- 12:30: Arrival in Ghent. Hop on the bus back to Terneuzen.
- 13:00: Bus departure.
- 13:30: Arrival back at the Beurtvaartkade in Terneuzen.
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Join us in Vlissingen for a free roundtrip cruise in our port (booking required). Rederij Denick welcomes you aboard the Denick II.
The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Once through the locks, you head out onto the Western Scheldt and into the busy Sloehaven of Vlissingen and Borsele. A guide brings the story of the port to life: from modern industry to historic landmarks and fresh developments.
Schedule
- 10:00: Boarding and departure from the Binnenhaven, Stationsplein (just across from the NS railway station). Free parking available at the station.
- 12:30–13:00: Return to the Binnenhaven, end of cruise.
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Boat tour Ghent to Terneuzen
Every Saturday, North Sea Port offers free boat tours between Ghent and Terneuzen (and vice versa). The tours take place on the Denick II. Registration is required.
The programme includes a boat trip and return by bus (both free). A unique experience as you cross the Dutch–Belgian border along the 32 km Ghent–Terneuzen Canal.
Programme and registration Ghent – Terneuzen
- 13:30: Boarding at Rigakaai in Ghent (next to the North Sea Port Visitor Centre). Departure by boat to Terneuzen.
- 16:00: Arrival in Terneuzen (Beurtvaartkade or Goese Kade). Transfer to the return bus to Ghent.
- 16:30: Bus departure.
- 17:00: Arrival at Rigakaai in Ghent.
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Practical information
- Changes or adjustments to the programme are not possible.
- Catering is available on board. Please do not bring your own food or drinks. For more information about catering, contact info@denick.nl or check the 2025 Menu A4 – Rederij Denick.
- Bookings are limited to a maximum of 10 people at once.
- Assistance and guide dogs are welcome.
- An accessible toilet is available.
- Children may only join under adult supervision.
See how we roll, by bus!
Sit back, relax and discover the Ghent part of our port by bus. Starting at the Visitor Centre on Rigakaai, a guide shows you around with stories that bring the route to life. These tours run on request only.
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The Ghent Guides take you to places normally off-limits. You’ll see ships loaded with steel, grain or cars, busy quays and giant silos. With knowledge and enthusiasm, the guides bring the port to life – a unique experience!
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This 2-hour tour costs €115 and must be booked at least 3 weeks ahead. We supply the guide, you provide the bus (with microphone!).
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Gandante neemt je mee naar plekken waar je normaal niet mag komen. Tijdens een rondrit door de Haven van Gent ontdek je de diversiteit van onze havenactiviteiten. Ze rijden langs graansilo’s, chemische bedrijven, een papierfabriek, een fruitsapterminal, een elektriciteitscentrale…
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This 2-hour tour costs €115 and must be booked at least 3 weeks ahead. We supply the guide, you provide the bus (with microphone!).
Expo: North Sea Experience
The North Sea Port Experience lets you dive into our 60 km harbour world. From Vlissingen to Ghent, discover it all with a scale model, iPads and interactive screens. Watch ships, locks and cargo in action. Free to visit in Ghent (Havenhuis) and Terneuzen (Portaal van Vlaanderen).
This exhibition gives you a rare look behind the scenes of the port. From global trade to mighty infrastructure, you see and experience the port from a whole new angle.
More info
You can visit the North Sea Port Experience in Terneuzen and Ghent. In Vlissingen, you can also explore the muZEEum, where the rich past and vibrant present of seafaring come together.
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At the muZEEum, maritime heritage meets today’s modern port. From shipwrecks to interactive installations and the North Sea Port Experience: here you can explore the seaport’s past and future.
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Climb aboard at the Portaal van Vlaanderen. Explore the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal Zone, follow the building of the New Lock and find out how locks affect our ships. Let the maritime world, so close to home, surprise you.
Havenhuis
Our Port House is located in the old centre of Ghent. It is one of the most prestigious buildings in Ghent's rich heritage. The Port House can only be visited with a guide, from the cellar to the roof.
These visits are only possible on Saturdays, both individually and in groups (max. 20 people). The Havenhuis is wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair ramp and lift available.
Addresses
Visit this fun maritime museum! Opening hours Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
For more information about group reservations and extended opening hours, please visit the website.
Cycling routes in the port
Pedal along peaceful polder lanes and canal banks, where port and nature meet. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon with family or friends. 23.8 km of fresh air.
This grand loop takes you through all the buffer zones. Woods, farmland and water swap places as you cycle, with art and striking port landmarks along the way. 78.3 km long tour.
From Ghent’s buzz to open landscapes. 75 km of city, industry and nature in one ride. You’ll even cross briefly into the Netherlands. A solid trip for keen cyclists.
Bike to work with ease. The Langerbrugge Island path brings you into the port quickly, safely and smoothly. Healthy miles, twice a day!
The Great Cycle Ring gets you to the port quickly and sustainably. A convenient route that connects you effortlessly with both city and work.
Fishing, Hot Air Balloons and Drones
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Fishing zones in North Sea Port are limited. In the port area, fishing is only allowed in specific locations.
In Ghent, you may fish along the canal, but not in the docks or harbours. The Agency for Nature and Forest manages all regulations. Check the detailed map here.
Please note: eating self-caught fish is not recommended. For more information, visit the Agency for Nature and Forest website.
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Fishing zones in North Sea Port are limited. In the port area, fishing is only permitted in designated locations. In the port areas of Terneuzen and Vlissingen, fishing is not allowed, except at the Westhavendam in Vlissingen-Oost. Please note: in the Netherlands too, eating self-caught fish is not recommended.
For more information, see the GGD website.
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No. Eating self-caught fish is not recommended. For more information, visit the website of the Agency for Nature and Forest (Flanders) or the GGD website (Netherlands).
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No. In the port area of North Sea Port it is not permitted to take off or land with hot air balloons. This prevents unsafe situations for passengers and companies.
The port area contains several BRZO/Seveso companies. These are companies with a risk of major accidents due to hazardous substances such as fertilisers and fuels. If a balloon takes off near these companies, it can create unsafe situations for passengers, companies and the surrounding area. For safety reasons, the safety authority advises against flying over Seveso sites and port areas with direct shipping traffic.
For the use of North Sea Port property by balloon operators, prior permission is required. North Sea Port does not grant permission to companies that organise balloon flights to use its land within the port area. Neither as a launch site nor for any other activity connected with ballooning.
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Yes, but only with permission. Every drone flight must be applied for and approved in advance. This keeps the port safe for shipping, businesses and the surrounding area. On our Rules and Regulations page you’ll find all answers, rules and conditions.
Important: two countries, two procedures.
- In our Dutch port areas (Vlissingen/Terneuzen), apply via this online form.
- In our Belgian port areas (Ghent), use this form (only available in Dutch).
Remember: without official confirmation, you do not have permission to fly a drone over North Sea Port.
Getting here is easy
Every day, thousands head to the 550 companies in our port between Ghent and Vlissingen. With bike paths, buses, carpools and ferries, we keep your journey green and smooth. You travel safely from A to B and together we steer towards a cleaner, greener port.
Jump ship to
We’re many things. And above all else, we’re one port. Ambitious and anchored in personal connection. We keep growing, and we’re getting greener every day. Dive deeper
Since merging in 2018, we’ve stayed on a clear path that delivers. With partners and #wavemakers we create a port that’s both economically strong and socially valuable
From a rich past to an exciting, energy-driven future; our port brings together people, places, and opportunities. Dive in and discover what makes North Sea Port tick.