Red Anchor: A Maritime Memorial in San Nicolas

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A vibrant red tribute to maritime history in San Nicolas, Aruba, offering a picturesque photo opportunity and a glimpse into the island's seafaring past.

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Red Anchor

The Red Anchor in San Nicolas, Aruba, is a large, bright red anchor serving as a memorial to seamen who lost their lives at sea. Located at a key intersection near Baby Beach, it's a striking landmark and a popular photo spot, symbolizing Aruba's maritime history.

A brief summary to Red Anchor

C4MF+M78, San Nicolas, San Nicolas North, AW

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Explore nearby local shops and cafes to experience the authentic culture of San Nicolas.
Combine your visit with a trip to Baby Beach or Boca Grandi, both located nearby.

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Getting There

Walking

From the San Nicolas Police Station, head south on Main Street (Caya B.G. Croes) towards the roundabout. Continue straight through the roundabout onto Caya G. D. D. D. L. M. A. (which turns into Caya E. B. M. D.) for approximately 1.2 kilometers. Turn left at the intersection; the Red Anchor will be on your right. The walk offers a glimpse of local life and colorful murals.
Public Transport

From the San Nicolas Bus Terminal, take a local bus heading towards the San Nicolas North area. Inform the driver you're going to the Red Anchor or C4MF+M78. The bus ride is approximately 10-15 minutes. Disembark at the stop closest to C4MF+M78 and walk a short distance to the right. A single trip fare is about $2.60 USD.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in San Nicolas. A taxi from the San Nicolas bus terminal to the Red Anchor is a short ride, costing approximately $8 - $12 USD. Ensure the driver knows you want to go to the Red Anchor at the intersection near Baby Beach.

Discover more about Red Anchor

The Red Anchor, proudly displayed in San Nicolas, stands as a tribute to Aruba's rich maritime heritage and the brave seamen who perished at sea. This impressive anchor, painted a vibrant red, is hard to miss and serves as a poignant reminder of the island's connection to the ocean.Located at the intersection leading to Baby Beach and other southeastern attractions, the Red Anchor has become a beloved landmark and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The anchor weighs 21,772 kilos and measures approximately 10 feet 6 inches wide and 15 feet 6 inches tall. Numbers on the anchor, 4112 and 4115, are believed to be serial numbers, while 21772K refers to its weight in kilograms. It was manufactured by Hoesch Dortmund Horde, a German foundry.The anchor's origins are shrouded in mystery, with two main theories prevailing. One suggests it was lost by a very large crude carrier (VLCC) during rough seas, while the other involves a Korean tanker, a tugboat, and an unfortunate knot-tying incident. Regardless of its exact past, the anchor was relocated to its current location in 1985 as a memorial to seamen, coinciding with the closing of the Lago Oil Refinery. Charlie Brouns Jr., owner of Charlie's Bar, played a key role in this relocation.Over the years, the Red Anchor has faced weathering from the elements. Following Charlie Brouns Jr.'s death in 2004, the Valero Aruba Refinery stepped in to restore it, rededicating the monument in 2005. Today, it continues to stand as a symbol of San Nicolas and its vibrant history.