The beach at Berck is one of the longest and widest on the Opal Coast — a broad expanse of pale sand that stretches north and south almost without interruption, backed by low dunes and open to the wind from the English Channel. The sand is firm enough for sand sailing (char à voile) and horse riding, which are the activities most closely identified with Berck, and the beach is wide enough at low tide that entire courses of both activities can be run without disturbing sunbathers.
The beach faces northwest, which means the light in the afternoon is different from the Mediterranean south — dramatic rather than blazing — and the wind is almost always present. Swimming is possible and the lifeguards are active in summer, but the sea is cold by southern European standards and the currents can be strong near the Authie Bay estuary to the south. Families tend to congregate at the northern end near the Esplanade Parmentier, where the facilities are best.