Discover IJmuiden Beach – Just Steps from Your Cruise Ship
Only a 10-minute walk from the Felison Cruise Terminal, IJmuiden Beach is one of the Netherlands’ widest and most inviting coastal stretches. Clean, safe, family-friendly, and less crowded than the famous beaches of Bloemendaal and Zandvoort, it’s the perfect place for cruise guests to relax and enjoy the sea.
Kleine Strand — A Quick, Quiet Stop
The Kleine Strand is the closest beach to the cruise terminal. After leaving the terminal, simply turn right and follow the road to reach this small, sandy area. It’s perfect for a short stroll, a few sun-drenched hours, or watching the sea, but it’s important to note that Kleine Strand has no facilities – no pavilions, no chair rentals, just sand, sea, and space to relax.
IJmuiderstrand & IJmuiden aan Zee
A little further away is the main beach, IJmuiderstrand, which offers all the amenities needed for a full beach day. From the cruise terminal, cross the bus parking lot, climb the staircase over the sea wall, and continue along the boulevard to reach the beach. Here you’ll find several nice beach pavilions, snack trailers, and beach chair rentals during the summer months. The beach is wide, with excellent water quality, and professional volunteer lifeguards from the Dutch Reddingsbrigade ensure safety for visitors of all ages.
Beach Pavilions & Local Flavour
At IJmuiderstrand, several beach pavilions serve food, drinks, and refreshments year-round — ideal for lunch, coffee, or sunset cocktails with a sea view.
Adding a fun local touch, traditional food trailers, often pulled by old tractors, sell freshly fried fish, seafood snacks, ice cream, or cold drinks. These charming trailers give the beach a nostalgic, authentic Dutch seaside atmosphere.
All the beach pavilions:
Naturist Beach
For visitors who enjoy naturist recreation, IJmuiden also has an official nudist beach section. Located a short distance from the main beach, this quiet area offers privacy and natural surroundings. Facilities are minimal, so visitors should come prepared (bring drinks, food, and a towel!), but the calm and space make it a unique experience for those seeking a tranquil beach visit.
Kennemermeer
Located just behind IJmuiden’s main beach, the Kennemermeer is an artificial lake within the Kennemerstrand area, at the northwest edge of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park . The lake was created during dune construction to protect the surrounding landscape, forming a calm natural spot for visitors.
A walking path circles the lake, offering scenic views of dunes, open skies, and the coastal environment. On a walk of about one to one and a half hours around the lake, visitors may spot wildlife such as foxes, deer, and a variety of birds. Afterward, the route leads naturally back to the beach, where one of the nearby pavilions makes a perfect stop for refreshments.
The South Pier
Adjacent to the main beach lies the South Pier, stretching 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) into the North Sea. It’s perfect for a scenic walk, birdwatching, or spotting seals and porpoises. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, incoming ships, and the open water — highlighting IJmuiden’s mix of port and seaside charm.
Why Cruise Guests Love IJmuiden
IJmuiden Beach combines convenience, charm, and variety:
- Kleine Strand is the closest, ideal for a quick beach visit.
- IJmuiderstrand offers full amenities: pavilions, snack trailers, and beach chair rentals.
- The South Pier and surrounding area provide space for walking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying fantastic sea views.
- Even on warm summer days, the beach is never overcrowded, offering a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Whether visiting for a few hours after disembarking or enjoying a full day by the sea, IJmuiden Beach offers a memorable and authentic Dutch coastal experience just minutes from your cruise ship.