Rent a SUP or kayak in Ghent city center
📍 About the location
The Beestenmarkt is the perfect starting point to discover Ghent from the water. Depart from our slide on a SUP or kayak, and paddle right through the historic city center – past the Graslei, the Gravensteen, and hidden waterways you'd never discover on foot. Open daily from April to October!
Also for groups and team-building events , the Beestenmarkt is a suitable location. Prefer to float outside the city center's hustle and bustle? Also discover our location at the Blaarmeersen or at Gazon Zomerbar.
Goed om weten!
⚠️ Important!
🗺️ Paddle routes
🅿️ Practical info
Paddle to the Castle of Counts in Ghent
Experience Ghent the right way: from the water!
Ghent is one of Belgium's most beautiful cities – but you only truly see it from the water. The Dobber location at Beestenmarkt is the place for kayak and SUP rental in Ghent's historic city center. You depart right from the Oude Beestenmarkt, within walking distance of Vlasmarkt and the historic center. No fixed departure times, no minimum session duration of several hours. You choose when you go, how long you paddle, and which route you take.
Two routes through Ghent's inner waterways
The short route takes you along the Visserijvaart, 3.5 km through Ghent's green inner waterways. You glide past Portus Ganda, pass the Sint-Baafs Abbey and Koningin Astrid Park, all the way to Keizerpark. Calm water, little traffic, and surprisingly much greenery for a city route. A 1.5-hour session is ideal for this route.
The long route – Straight Through Ghent – is for those who want to see the city in all its facets. You paddle along the iconic Graslei and Korenlei, pass under the Sint-Michielsbrug (St. Michael's Bridge), and admire the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle from the water. Want to explore even further? You can paddle through the Prinsenhof towards the Rabot Towers to complete the trip. Be sure to reserve 3 hours if you want to get the most out of this route.
Kayaking or SUP in Ghent city center - what makes Dobber different?
At Dobber, you choose your own session duration; we offer sessions from 1 to 4 hours and everything in between. Furthermore, Dobber is the only provider in Ghent where you can also rent a SUP board from the historic city center. No staff, no waiting line. Book online, open the locker with your confirmation email, and depart immediately. Or scan the QR code on-site for a spontaneous session.
Kayaking in Ghent during the Ghent Festival
The Beestenmarkt is just a stone's throw from the busiest festival squares. The water literally offers a different perspective on the festive hustle and bustle. Kayaking during the Ghent Festival is permitted and one of the most original ways to experience the festival. Book in advance – it's extra busy on the water during that period.
Practical Information
The Dobber locker is located at Oude Beestenmarkt – right next to the old Belgacom tower and a 5-minute walk from Parking Reep. By bus, you get off at the Reep stop; by train, at Gent Dampoort Station. After your session, Bar Bidon is nearby for a coffee or a drink on the terrace. We are open every day from April to October.
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FAQ
👉 Where can I kayak or paddleboard in the center of Ghent?
Dobber has four locations in Ghent: the Beestenmarkt, the Keizerpoort, Gazon Zomerbar on the Scheldt and the Blaarmeersen just outside the city center. From the Beestenmarkt, you can paddle directly into the historic city center – past the Graslei, the Korenlei, and the Gravensteen. Just outside the city, you can also paddleboard on the Leie in Sint-Martens-Latem.
👉 How much does kayaking or paddleboarding cost at the Beestenmarkt in Ghent?
At Dobber, you pay per vessel, not per person. A SUP or solo kayak costs €14.99 for 1 hour, €19.99 for 1.5 hours, and €24.99 for 2 hours. A tandem kayak starts from €18.99 per hour. All pricing is transparent when booking.
👉 What are the most beautiful routes for kayaking or paddleboarding in Ghent?
There are two routes from the Beestenmarkt. The short route takes you along the Visserijvaart – past Portus Ganda, the Queen Astrid Park, and the Keizerpark, 3.5 km and ideal for 1.5 hours. The long route goes right through Ghent: past the Graslei, Korenlei, the Gravensteen, the Duivelsteen, and the Krook. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for this.
👉 Am I allowed to kayak or paddleboard in the center of Ghent?
Yes. There are two official kayaking routes on Ghent's inner waterways: one along the Visserij and Keizerpark, and one along the Coupure towards the Blaarmeersen. From our location at Beestenmarkt, you can explore both routes. Always follow the signage along the water and give way to larger boats. Avoid locks and the Ghent port area.
👉 Is kayaking or paddleboarding in Ghent suitable for beginners?
Yes. Ghent's inner waterways are calm and have no current – perfect for a first-time kayaking or paddleboarding experience. Paddle, life vest, and waterproof bag are always included. No experience needed, just a lot of enthusiasm!
👉 Can I go kayaking with children at Beestenmarkt in Ghent?
Yes. Children under 16 must always be accompanied by an adult on the water. Smaller children can ride along in a tandem kayak. The calm waters in Ghent's city center make this a safe and fun outing for the whole family.
👉 How does unstaffed kayak and paddleboard rental work in Ghent?
At Dobber, everything is digital. Book your kayak or SUP online via dobber.life – or scan the QR code on the locker on-site. You'll receive a confirmation email that allows you to open the locker with your phone. Pick up your equipment, get on the water, and return everything afterwards. No waiting in line, no briefing, no account needed.
👉 Can I bring my dog on the kayak or SUP in Ghent?
Yes, your dog is welcome on the kayak or SUP board. Bring a towel for their comfort and to prevent damage to the equipment. Keep a close eye on your four-legged friend while you're out.
👉 Can I kayak or paddleboard during the Ghent Festivities?
Yes, kayaking and paddleboarding are allowed during the Ghent Festivities. There's even a festival stage on the water with Polé Polé – so you can enjoy a performance from the water. It will be busier than usual during that period, so it's best to book in advance.
👉 Can I go kayaking or paddleboarding with a group from Beestenmarkt in Ghent?
Yes. Kayaking in Ghent is an ideal activity for a friends' outing, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a team-building event. For a large group, it's best to reserve the entire locker, or contact us via our group page for a customized package.
👉 When is Dobber open at Beestenmarkt in Ghent?
You can paddleboard and kayak to your heart's content from April 1st to October 31st, every day from sunrise to sunset. There are no fixed opening hours – you choose your own start time. This makes an early morning session just as possible as a sunset trip.
👉 Where do I park if I rent a kayak or SUP at Beestenmarkt?
Parking Reep is a 5-minute walk from the Dobber locker. Please note: Beestenmarkt is located in Ghent's low-emission zone – check if your vehicle is permitted to drive there. By bus, get off at the Reep stop; by train, at Gent Dampoort Station.
