Beaches in the Mykolaiv region may remain closed again this summer, says Kim

A beach in Odessa, May 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Beaches along the coast of the Mykolaiv region are likely to remain closed this summer due to security risks.

This was stated by Vitalii Kim, head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, to «Novyny.Live», commenting on preparations for the tourist season.

According to him, even though neighbouring regions are already discussing the opening of beaches, the situation in the Mykolaiv region is significantly more complex due to its proximity to the front line.

«We are much closer than Odesa. It is 130 kilometres to the sea there, whereas here it is between 4 and 30 kilometres to the beaches. And this means the accessibility of even simple weapons, such as FPV and artillery. That is why the military are categorically against it,» noted Vitalii Kim.

Despite this, the region is considering technical solutions for the possible future opening of beaches — in particular, the use of buoys and barriers to reduce risks, should a decision be made to clear the areas of mines.

«We are working on technologies to ensure safety from mines using buoys and barriers, should beach clearance be permitted. We have a plan for specific beaches that we could open if the necessary permission is granted. We are preparing just in case, but I don’t think the beaches or access to the open sea will be opened this year. Inland water bodies, swimming pools and lakes will be open where demining has already taken place,» he noted.

Vitalii Kim also added that the state of the tourism industry in the region is currently dire, so the region will be asking the state for special support to help it recover.

«Unfortunately, I see this for myself when I travel around the region and observe how the tourism industry is faring. It is already a catastrophic situation. We will ask the state for help with recovery — that is certain,» he said.

The tourist season in the Mykolaiv region

Due to the military situation, the coastline, including the resorts of Kobleve, Luhove and Rybakivka, and Ochakiv, will officially remain closed in 2025. Instead, residents of Mykolaiv are being offered an alternative — holidays by rivers and estuaries in safe locations that are currently being inspected. This is discussed in the article by NikVesti entitled «Mykolaiv Region Prepares Safe Vacation Zones as Beach Access Remains Closed».

In total, since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Kobleve community has lost 123.2 million hryvnias in revenue due to the ban on access to sea beaches.

However, Mykolaiv Oblast is home to the Tylihul Estuary — one of the few places where holidaying has not been banned since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This tourist destination is becoming increasingly popular every year. To find out how this tourist magnet has changed over time and whether the influx of tourists poses a threat to the unique natural environment around the estuary, read the article by NikVesti: «The Tylihul Estuary in times of war: how nature and tourism coexist amid growing popularity».

In addition, more and more Ukrainians are turning their attention to the beaches in the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions. It is here that you can organise a seaside holiday. To find out which beaches in these cities are officially open and how safe they are, read the article by NikVesti: «A Minute to Hide: The Risky Reality of Southern Ukraine’s 2025 Beach Season». What will the 2025 beach season be like in the south?

Overall, during the years of full-scale war, revenue from the tourist tax in the Mykolaiv region has fallen by more than 70%.