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Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Red Anchor: A Maritime Memorial in San Nicolas
A vibrant red tribute to fallen seamen, offering a glimpse into Aruba's maritime history and a picturesque photo opportunity.
The Red Anchor in San Nicolas, Aruba, is a striking monument dedicated to seamen who lost their lives at sea. This large, bright red anchor stands as a symbol of the island's nautical history and offers a picturesque photo opportunity against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Red Anchor
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
C4MF+M78, San Nicolas, San Nicolas North, AW
Discover more about Red Anchor
The Red Anchor, located in San Nicolas, Aruba, serves as a poignant memorial to seamen who perished at sea. This large anchor, painted a vibrant red, stands as a tribute to Aruba's maritime past. The anchor is located near the entrance of the former Lago Colony, at the T-junction leading to Baby Beach.The anchor weighs 21,772 kilos and measures approximately 10 feet 6 inches wide and 15 feet 6 inches tall. The numbers on the anchor, 4112, 4115, and 21772K, are believed to be serial numbers indicating its specific parts and weight in kilos. It was manufactured by Hoesch Dortmund Horde in Germany. The anchor's original purpose remains a mystery, with stories suggesting it came from a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) that lost it during rough weather or was accidentally lifted by a tanker.In the early 1980s, three men—Wim Martinus, August Genser, and Willie Davis—proposed using the anchor as a monument. Charlie Brouns Jr., owner of Charlie's Bar, embraced the idea, and in 1985, the anchor was placed in its current location. In 2005, the Valero Aruba Refinery restored the anchor in honor of Charlie Brouns Jr. Today, the Red Anchor is a popular landmark and photo spot.
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Getting There
Driving
From Oranjestad, drive south on Route 1 towards San Nicolas. Follow signs for Baby Beach. At the T-junction in Seroe Colorado, you'll find the Red Anchor directly ahead. The drive is approximately 30-40 minutes. Parking is available near the anchor. There are no tolls on this route.
Public Transport
From the high-rise area (Palm Beach or Eagle Beach), take the Arubus to Oranjestad. At the Oranjestad bus terminal, transfer to a bus heading to San Nicolas. From the San Nicolas bus terminal, you can take another bus to Baby Beach and get off near the Red Anchor or take a taxi. A single-trip bus fare is approximately $2.60 USD.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Aruba. From San Nicolas city center, a short taxi ride to the Red Anchor will cost approximately $23.6 USD for a 5km ride. Taxis do not have meters; rates are fixed and should be checked in advance. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
A brief summary to Red Anchor
Use Red Anchor as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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