Oranjestad - Facts

Description:

Aruba Port Control do not allow yachts to clear in Oranjestad at the current time, all vessels must clear into the country at Barcadera.

Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, lies at the northern end of the southwestern coast. The harbor is found behind three long barrier islands. Barcadera container port lies 3NM to the SE. There are also marinas and a variety of places to anchor.

Oranjestad is the island’s largest city and is often called "Playa," it has a population estimated at 30,000. The town was built around the 1796 Fort Zoutman and has a variety of historic buildings and museums.

Cruiser highlights:

Outside of the hurricane belt; English speaking; good provisioning; convenient marinas; boatyard and storage; airport; beautiful beaches; duty-free imports; good bus system; restaurants and diverse tourism options.

Entry notes or cautions:

Before entering the harbor from sea, call Aruba Port Control on VHF CH16/11 for permission to enter you will be directed to one of two docks.

For Oranjestad/cruise ship docks the Port Control suggests using the NW entrance for approach and head towards H pier.

NW entrance: 12° 31′ N, 70° 04' W

H pier: 12° 31'285" N, 70° 02'709" W

Yachts anchoring close to the airport runway should take great care as a number of boats have been hit by taxi boats or other locally operated boats not paying attention.

Position: 

12° 30'3" N, 70° 02'15" W (SE entry buoy to Oranjestad harbor)