The Nieuwpoort tidal harbour (Port Code:BENIE) at the Yser estuary is the only natural harbour and smallest port on the Belgian coast. Nieuwpoort is known for its high quality fresh fish and shrimps. The marina was expanded due to the increasing popularity of water sports, which has made it the largest marina on the northern European coast.
Nieuwpoort is a small port, 2.4km up the River Yser, 15nm ENE of Dunkerque. The harbour entrance is formed by two parallel piers running northwest/southeast, giving access to the inner harbour through a straight channel. There is a general cargo quay, a fishing harbour for up to 35 fishing boats and a yachting harbour for up to 2,000 yachts.