Spanish Water - Docking

Docking in Spanish Water

The Port Authority warn that foreign yachts are strictly prohibited to conduct any kind of commercial activities and that it will result in a fine.

Anchorages

Most visiting boats anchor in Spanish Waters Bay, which is well sheltered. Despite the size, it can be crowded as boats are required to anchor within one of the five designated zones - and must be careful to avoid anchoring in the passageways between zones. The port authority are in the process of installing marker buoys for the anchoring zones, starting with section A [August/September 2025] and the other sections following afterwards.

See this map for zones and passageways that must be kept clear of anchored yachts.

The holding throughout the bay is good in mud, but there are patches of weed. The bay is also subject to very strong gusts of wind. In normal conditions the most sheltered anchorage is C, but this is also the longest ride to the dinghy dock.

Note: When storms are approaching the Harbormaster opens all of Spanish Waters up as a hurricane hole.

Fuik Bay, east of Spanish Water, is an alternative anchorage if you like a lively atmosphere. Permits are possible for a few days, anchor in the NE corner in 3 to 4m over mud. This bay is popular with local boats for water sports and weekend and holiday parties and doesn't have any local amenities.

For a list of designated anchoring areas on Curacao see Restrictions.

Dinghy Docks

There is a well-used dinghy dock in the Fishing Harbour in Spanish Water. It can be crowded here and you will need a long painter and chain for locking the dinghy to the dock. This dinghy dock is free to use and has 24hr security - that said, thefts from this dock are quite common.

Garbage can be disposed of near the dinghy dock and there are used oil collection bins are available near the garbage dumpsters.

The free shuttle bus to Vreugdenhil Supermarket picks up here, while the regular buses to Willemstad stop nearby.

The dinghy dock at the southern end of anchorage "C" has always been unreliable. There is shore (vehicle) access and it is remote.

Security

Dinghy and outboard theft continue to be reported here from both boats and dinghy docks. Even well-secured/chain locked dinghies are being targeted.

See User Comments (the speech bubble icon) and Related Security Reports sections for the latest information.

Be cautious when in the water, many high-speed boats zoom through the anchorages.

Marinas

There are two choices of marinas in the bay, Kima Kalki Marina is at the west end and Seru Boca is on the east side. There is also the Curaçao Yacht Club, but it mainly caters to sports fishers.

Last updated:  August 2025