Red Anchor, Sero Blanco Travel Guide

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A vibrant tribute to lost seafarers, the Red Anchor offers a glimpse into Aruba's maritime past and a stunning photo op by the Caribbean Sea.

The Red Anchor in San Nicolas, Aruba, is a prominent historical landmark dedicated to seafarers who lost their lives at sea. This large, vibrant red anchor stands as a symbol of the island's maritime past and offers a picturesque photo opportunity against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.

A brief summary to Red Anchor

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Red Anchor.

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
Explore nearby Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach, known for their calm waters and snorkeling opportunities.
Take a guided tour of San Nicolas to learn more about the town's history, street art, and local culture.
Visit Charlie's Bar, a legendary watering hole in San Nicolas filled with maritime memorabilia.

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Explore Red Anchor on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Red Anchor, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Oranjestad, take the Arubus bus to San Nicolas. The bus ride takes approximately 45 minutes. Once in San Nicolas, you can take a taxi for a short 5-minute ride to the Red Anchor, or walk for about 45 minutes. A one-way bus fare is approximately $2.50 USD.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Aruba. From San Nicolas, a taxi to the Red Anchor is a short ride. Taxi fares in Aruba are fixed and not metered; confirm the rate with the driver before starting your journey. A taxi from San Nicolas to the Red Anchor typically costs around $7 USD.
Car

From Oranjestad, drive south on Route 1 towards San Nicolas. Follow signs for Baby Beach. The Red Anchor is located at the 'T' junction where you turn to go to Baby Beach. Parking is available near the anchor. Be aware of parking regulations in San Nicolas.

Discover more about Red Anchor

Located at the entrance to Gate 6 of the former Lago Colony, near the 'T' junction to Baby Beach, the Red Anchor is a striking monument with a mysterious past. Weighing 21,772 kilos and standing 15 feet 6 inches tall, the anchor's bright red color makes it impossible to miss against the turquoise waters and clear skies.The anchor's origins are debated, with stories suggesting it was lost by a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) during rough weather or dropped by a Korean tanker attempting to lift another anchor. Regardless of its true origin, the anchor was repurposed in the early 1980s as a memorial to seamen who perished at sea. Charlie Brouns Jr., owner of Charlie's Bar in San Nicolas, played a key role in relocating the anchor to its current location, where it was dedicated on March 31, 1985, coinciding with the closing of the Lago Oil Refinery.Over the years, the Red Anchor has become one of Aruba's most photographed landmarks. It underwent restoration in 2005, with Valero Aruba Refinery sandblasting, repainting, and adding a concrete pad in memory of Charlie Brouns Jr. Today, the Red Anchor serves as a reminder of San Nicolas's vibrant history and maritime importance, inviting visitors to reflect on Aruba's seafaring traditions.