Oranjestad – Statia - Docking

Oranjestad Docking

Anchoring

There are no mooring balls available for visiting yachts. Mooring balls near the harbour are either private (which will not hold the weight of a yacht) or dive-only moorings. All yachts coming in must anchor in the zone designated on the map.

The anchorage at Oranje Baai is reasonably safe except in really disturbed weather or when there is a strong northerly swell. Anchoring behind the breakwater will give protection from a southerly swell with good holding in a sandy bottom.

Do not anchor within 30 m (100 ft) of any mooring or regulatory buoy.

If in doubt where to anchor, call the Marine Park on VHF 17/16.

Some mooring balls are used by local boats and one has a floating fish cage attached to it. Note: The mooring balls for the small tugs have 20m+ of floating line so use caution, especially at night!

The bay is part of the Marine Park. See Statia Restrictions for park rules.

Getting ashore

There is a new concrete dinghy dock, however, swell can be a problem here (and impossible in a northerly) and a stern anchor should always be used. Dinghies can tuck inside the main pier, however, it's not permitted to lock your dinghy here as the Harbour Master needs to be able to move it when required for ferries and workboats to have access.

Ashore:

There are toilets and showers at the Marine Park office, just up the road from the pier. The office is officially open Monday-Thursday: 0800 – 1700, and Friday: 0800 – 1600, although cruisers have reported that hours tend to be more like 09:30 to 15:30.

Golden Rock Dive Center is located a few steps away from the dinghy dock. They can provide water (discounted if you dive with them). There is a restaurant also next to the dock.

Last updated:  June 2025