The red anchor at Seroe Colorado weighs 21,772 kilos — roughly the same as a loaded cement truck. Standing about 10 feet 6 inches wide and 15 feet 6 inches tall, it’s painted a deep rust-red that pops against the Caribbean blue. You’ll find it on the southeastern tip of Aruba, at the entrance to Gate 6 of the former Lago Colony, right at the T-junction that leads to Baby Beach. This article covers the anchor’s tangled history, how to visit, and why it’s worth a quick stop even if you’re based in Palm Beach.
The anchor was dedicated “To All Seamen” on March 31, 1985 — the same day the Lago Oil Refinery closed, marking the end of an era in San Nicolas.
The Red Anchor is a free, roadside memorial that takes 15–30 minutes to see, but it’s also the gateway to San Nicolas’s mural-filled streets and the calm waters of Baby Beach. If you’re short on time, skip it unless you’re already heading south — but if you want a photo that says “I saw a real piece of Aruba,” it delivers.
Photography
History buffs
Road-trippers
The Anchor and Its Origins
The anchor was manufactured by Hoesch Dortmund Horde in Germany. Engraved numbers — 4112 on the horizontal parts, 4115 on the vertical, and 21772K for its weight in kilos — still mark its surface. How it ended up in Aruba is where the story splits.
Story one, recounted by former Lago Tug Captain Manuel M. Curiel, involves a fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) trying to moor at the 15-mile anchorage off the south coast. Rough weather and strong current put tension on the winch; it broke, and the anchor and chain were lost. Story two, also from Captain Curiel, says a small tanker with a Korean crew was lifting its own anchor near the inner harbor when it accidentally lifted someone else’s anchor too. A tugboat and barge tried to untangle the mess but couldn’t, so the crew cut the chain and let the anchor sink to the bottom. Either way, the anchor ended up in Oranjestad harbor, stored and mostly forgotten.
Weight of the anchor — stamped right on it as “21772K”.
A Memorial Born from a Conversation
Between 1980 and 1985, three men — Harbor Master Wim Martinus, former Lago superintendent August Genser, and Willie Davis of Filtec — were talking with Charlie Brouns Jr., owner of Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant in San Nicolas. Brouns wanted something that would draw visitors to the then-struggling town. Someone mentioned the old anchor sitting in Oranjestad. Brouns liked the idea, got permission from the President of Lago, and the anchor was relocated to its current spot at the entrance to the former Lago Colony.
The anchor was dedicated “To All Seamen” on March 31, 1985 — the same day the Lago Oil Refinery closed, a symbolic end of an industrial chapter. After Brouns died in September 2004, friend Sam Speziale asked Valero Aruba Refinery to help maintain the monument. The refinery sandblasted and repainted the anchor, poured a concrete pad around it, and on April 17, 2005, the anchor was rededicated in a formal ceremony in memory of Charlie Brouns Jr. Today it stands as both a memorial and a piece of Aruba’s working-class history.
Visiting the Red Anchor Today
The anchor sits in an open plaza with no ticket booth, no queue, and no set hours. You can walk right up to it and touch the thick red paint. Most days you’ll share the spot with a handful of other visitors and maybe a few wild donkeys that roam the area — they’re friendly and used to people. Across the street, a small coconut stand sells fresh coconut water.
Getting there is straightforward. From Oranjestad, head south on Route 1 toward San Nicolas, then follow the signs to Baby Beach. The anchor is at the T-junction just before the beach. The drive takes about 30–40 minutes and passes through Aruba’s drier, cactus-dotted interior. Parking is free and ample. If you don’t have a car, take a public bus from Oranjestad to San Nicolas (the cheapest option), then either walk 45 minutes or grab a taxi for the last 5-minute ride. A taxi from Oranjestad directly to the anchor runs about $30–50 USD one way. Many island tours include a stop here, so check with your operator.
The best time to visit is sunrise, when the light is soft and the crowds are thin. Late afternoon also works for golden-hour photos. Midday sun is harsh and there’s no shade at the anchor itself, so bring sunscreen and water.
Wild donkeys often graze near the anchor in the early morning. They’re used to people but don’t feed them — a quick photo is fine.
No shade at the anchor site. The sun is intense year-round, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and at least a liter of water per person.
Photography Tips
Shoot from a low angle pointing slightly upward to get the sky behind the red iron. Overcast days wash out the contrast, so aim for a clear blue sky. A wide-angle lens helps capture the full scale of the anchor against the landscape. If you have a drone, the area generally permits drone use — check local regulations before flying. For a complete photo set, combine the anchor with the murals of San Nicolas, a 10-minute drive or a 45-minute walk away.
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If you’re looking to capture aerial shots of the anchor and the rugged Seroe Colorado coastline, a compact drone like the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is lightweight and easy to pack. For ground-level photos, the DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle offers stabilised wide-angle video and stills that handle bright Caribbean light well.
Nearby Attractions
The anchor is a quick stop, but the area rewards a longer visit. Baby Beach, a short drive or walk away, is a shallow, sheltered lagoon with calm water, soft white sand, and snorkel gear rentals — ideal for families. Rodgers Beach, just next to it, is quieter and popular with locals. Seroe Colorado Lighthouse (more of a beacon than a traditional lighthouse) sits on a cliff with panoramic views of the southeastern coastline. And San Nicolas itself, about 10 minutes north, is Aruba’s cultural capital, packed with street art, murals, local eateries, and the memorabilia-stuffed Charlie’s Bar. If you pair the anchor with a morning walk through San Nicolas’s mural trail and an afternoon at Baby Beach, you’ll have a full day that feels a world away from the resort strip.
Before You Go — Red Anchor & San Nicolas
Is there an entrance fee?
No. The Red Anchor is a free, open-air public landmark with no ticket required and no set visiting hours. You can show up any time during daylight.
How long should I plan for a visit?
The anchor itself takes 15–30 minutes. If you add the San Nicolas mural walk and a meal in town, budget two to three hours minimum. The anchor is within easy walking distance of the main mural streets.
Can I see wild donkeys there?
Yes. Wild donkeys frequently roam the area near the anchor, especially in the early morning. They’re generally friendly, but don’t feed or chase them.
What’s the best time for photos?
Sunrise offers soft golden light and the fewest people. Late afternoon also works well. Midday sun is harsh and flattens the red color, so avoid it if you can.
Is San Nicolas safe for daytime visits?
Yes. The town has a rough reputation among some tourists that doesn’t match the reality of a daytime visit. Streets are lively, and the mural area is popular with visitors. Stick to daylight hours and you’ll be fine.
A Monument That Bridges Two Eras
What makes the Red Anchor more than a photo op is the way it connects Aruba’s industrial past with its present-day revival. The anchor, originally a piece of a ship, became a memorial born from a bar conversation — then weathered, faded, and was rescued again by a refinery. It sits at the edge of a town that lost its main employer and reinvented itself through art. You can snap your picture in five minutes, but if you stop and read the numbers stamped into the metal, you’ll feel the weight of that story. For a deeper look at Aruba’s less-visited side, check out Beyond Palm Beach: Discover Aruba’s Underrated Coastal Gems.
References
ArubaUnleashed. “Seroe Colorado Anchor in Aruba.” ArubaUnleashed, 2024. ↗
ArubaToday. “Don’t Forget to Visit Aruba’s Famous Red Anchor!” ArubaToday, 2025. ↗
Airial Travel. “Anchor in Memory of All Seamen.” Airial Travel, 2025. ↗
Bazar Travels. “Red Anchor San Nicolas Most Photographed Landmark.” Bazar Travels, 2025. ↗
If you’re planning a longer trip, our guide to The Ultimate Aruba Road Trip strings together the anchor, Baby Beach, and San Nicolas into one seamless day. For more on the island’s wildlife encounters, see Aruba’s Wildlife Encounters: Spotting Flamingos and More.
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