The giant red anchor stands alone on the windswept southeastern coast of Aruba, its bright frame cutting into the blue of the Caribbean Sea and the shipping lanes beyond. Weighing 21,772 kilos and standing 15 and a half feet tall, this landmark has become one of the most photographed spots on the island — but most visitors don’t know the full story of how it got there.
This article traces the anchor’s journey from a lost piece of maritime equipment to a memorial and cultural icon, then covers what you need to know to visit it yourself.
The red anchor at Seroe Colorado is one of Aruba’s most photographed landmarks, but its real draw is the story behind it — two competing origin tales, a 1985 relocation tied to the closing of the Lago Oil Refinery, and a community effort to preserve it. It’s a 30-minute stop that pairs naturally with Baby Beach and San Nicolas, and it stays less crowded than many of the island’s bigger-name attractions.
History buffs
Photographers
Families seeking quieter spots
| Aspect | Key Detail | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Specs | 21,772 kg, 15.5 ft tall, manufactured in Germany by Hoesch Dortmund Horde | One of the heaviest and most photographed anchors on the island |
| Origin Stories | VLCC lost anchor in rough weather OR small tanker lost anchor after failing to untangle | Two competing accounts from a former Lago tug captain |
| Becoming a Landmark | Moved in 1985 by three local men with backing from Charlie Brouns Jr. | Dedicated “To All Seamen” on the day the Lago refinery closed |
| Rededication | Valero Aruba Refinery restored it in 2005 after Charlie Brouns Jr. passed away | Memorial now honors both seamen and Brouns’ legacy |
| Visiting Today | Seroe Colorado, at the T-junction to Baby Beach | Free, accessible, less crowded than most Aruba landmarks |
The Anchor’s Physical Story
Before it became a landmark, the anchor was simply a very large piece of industrial equipment. It weighs 21,772 kilograms — roughly the same as a fully loaded semi truck — and measures about 10 feet 6 inches wide by 15 feet 6 inches tall. Those aren’t random numbers: the figure stamped into the metal reads 21772K, which directly indicates the weight in kilos.
The anchor was manufactured by Hoesch Dortmund Horde, a foundry in Germany. Look closely and you’ll see two other numbers: 4112 refers to the horizontal parts (the fluke), and 4115 refers to the vertical parts (the shank). Together they functioned as serial numbers during production.
How a German-made anchor ended up off the coast of Aruba involves two separate stories, both recounted by a man who was there.
Two Origin Stories
Mr. Manuel M. Curiel, a former tug captain for the Lago Oil Refinery, has shared two accounts of how the anchor was lost in the first place. The first involves a Very Large Crude Carrier — a VLCC — that was seeking mooring at a 15-mile anchorage called Bara on the southern side of the island. Rough weather and strong current made the normal procedure risky: the crew would typically walk out three shackles (about 90 feet) until the anchor touched bottom, then add extra shackles for grip. In the heavy conditions, there was no time to walk out the extra tackles. The tension snapped the winch, and the anchor and chain were lost to the sea.
The second story involves a small tanker with a Korean crew. While lifting anchor near the inner harbor, the crew accidentally lifted another anchor along with their own. Curiel took a tugboat and barge out to help. The two anchors were tangled so badly that the only option was to cut the chain and let the whole assembly drop to the bottom.
Both stories place the anchor at the bottom of the sea near Aruba before it was ever hauled ashore.
From Harbor to Landmark
Between 1980 and 1985, three men — Mr. Wim Martinus (Harbormaster of Aruba), Mr. August Genser (former Division Superintendent of Lago’s Laboratory), and Mr. Willie Davis (owner of Filtec in San Nicolas) — were talking with Mr. Charlie Brouns Jr. at his bar and restaurant in San Nicolas. Brouns, the owner of Charlie’s Bar, had a vision for developing San Nicolas as a tourism destination. The anchor had been sitting in storage at Oranjestad harbor. Someone suggested it as a monument. Brouns liked the idea.
He contacted the President of Lago to ask for permission to acquire the anchor, and permission was granted. The anchor was moved to its current location at the entrance to Gate 6 of the former Lago Colony, on the outskirts of Seroe Colorado at the T-junction leading to Baby Beach. On March 31, 1985 — the same day the Lago Oil Refinery closed — the anchor was dedicated “To All Seamen” in a formal ceremony.
If you want the anchor all to yourself, aim for early morning — the site is one of the best places on the island to catch sunrise, and you’ll dodge the midday crowds that start arriving around 10 a.m.
Rededication and Legacy
Over the years, the anchor weathered from wind and salt, and its origin story began to fade from public memory. Charlie Brouns Jr. died on September 15, 2004. Shortly afterward, his friend Mr. Sam Speziale approached Valero Aruba Refinery management to ask for help maintaining the monument.
Valero responded by sandblasting and repainting the anchor, and pouring a concrete pad around its base. On April 17, 2005, the anchor was formally rededicated “To All Seamen” in a ceremony that also honored Charlie Brouns Jr. for his role in creating the landmark in the first place.
Visiting the Anchor Today
The red anchor sits at the entrance to Gate 6 of the former Lago Colony, on the outskirts of Seroe Colorado. You’ll find it at the T-junction where the road splits toward Baby Beach. From anywhere on the island, follow signs to Baby Beach — you can’t miss the anchor once you reach the junction.
It’s one of the most photographed historical landmarks in Aruba, and the bright red paint against the blue Caribbean makes for a striking photo. Unlike many of the island’s better-known sights, the anchor stays relatively quiet — fewer tour buses, fewer crowds.
Because the site is compact, most visitors spend 15-30 minutes here before continuing to one of the nearby attractions. The anchor pairs naturally with Baby Beach, which is a short drive or walk away and offers calm shallow water, soft white sand, and snorkel gear rentals for anyone who wants to get in the water. Rodgers Beach, right next to Baby Beach, is quieter and more popular with locals. The Seroe Colorado Lighthouse sits on a nearby cliff with panoramic views of the southeastern coastline — minimalistic design, good for another photo stop.
San Nicolas is about a 10-minute drive away. Once the heart of Aruba’s oil industry, it’s now known as the island’s cultural capital, with street art and murals filling the old town. You can grab a meal at Charlie’s Bar, which still displays memorabilia from Brouns’ original restaurant. If you’re interested in the art scene, check out our guide to San Nicolas street art and galleries for the full picture.
Getting to the Anchor
The most convenient way to reach the anchor is by rental car. From Oranjestad or Palm Beach, head south toward San Nicolas via Route 1, then follow signs to Baby Beach. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes and offers scenic views of the island’s southern coast. Ample parking is available right at the anchor.
If you’re not renting, public buses run between Oranjestad and San Nicolas — the cheapest option. From the Oranjestad main bus station, take a bus to San Nicolas, then either take a taxi for the remaining five-minute ride or walk the 45-minute stretch from town. Walking is doable but requires sunscreen and water — the sun and heat on this part of the coast are intense.
Taxis are widely available. A one-way ride from Oranjestad to Seroe Colorado takes 30-40 minutes and runs $30-50 USD. Because the anchor is a quick stop, it makes sense to combine it with Baby Beach and the San Nicolas murals to make the fare worthwhile. If you’d prefer a guided experience that covers the area, consider booking a private sightseeing tour of Aruba’s southern coast that includes the anchor and nearby sites.
The anchor sits in full sun with zero shade. If you’re visiting between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the heat can be intense, especially for younger children. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat — there’s nowhere to buy supplies nearby.
Before You Go — Seroe Colorado and the Red Anchor
Is the anchor free to visit?
Yes. The site is open to the public at all times with no entry fee. Parking is also free.
How much time should I budget for the anchor itself?
Plan for 15-30 minutes — enough time to read the dedication plaque, take photos, and appreciate the view. Most visitors combine it with Baby Beach and San Nicolas for a half-day outing.
What’s the best time of day to visit?
Sunrise is spectacular here, and the light is excellent for photos. Midday sun can be harsh and the heat uncomfortable, especially since there’s no shade.
Is the anchor safe for young children?
Yes, but the area is open and exposed. The concrete pad around the anchor is stable, and there’s no traffic nearby. Just watch the sun exposure — there’s no shelter from it.
What else is nearby worth seeing?
Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach are within walking distance. The Seroe Colorado Lighthouse is a short drive. San Nicolas, 10 minutes away, has street art, galleries, and Charlie’s Bar for a meal or drink.
The Anchor’s Place in Aruba
What started as a lost piece of maritime equipment — pulled from the sea by a refinery tug, stored in a harbor, then hauled to a windswept junction — has become one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks. The red anchor at Seroe Colorado is a memorial first and a photo spot second, and the fact that it stays less crowded than most of Aruba’s attractions makes it an easy addition to any itinerary. If you’re heading south toward Baby Beach anyway, the T-junction stop takes five minutes and leaves you with a story worth telling. For more off-the-beaten-path spots on the island’s quieter side, check out our guide to the quiet beaches of Aruba’s southern coast.
References
Aruba Unleashed. “The Seroe Colorado Anchor in Aruba.” Aruba Unleashed, 2024. ↗
Aruba Today. “Don’t Forget to Visit Aruba’s Famous Red Anchor.” Aruba Today, 2024. ↗
If the anchor’s story got you curious about the rest of Aruba’s southeastern corner, you’ll find plenty more to explore in our article on Aruba’s natural wonders from aloe fields to the rocky coastline. For a deeper look at the island’s creative side, the San Nicolas art scene guide we linked above is a good next read. And if you’re planning a full trip around the southern coast, our piece on Hooiberg Mountain offers another perspective on Aruba’s landscape from above.
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