Anchorage· Curaçao· Other Caribbean
Santa Cruz Bay Anchorage
12° 18.3′ N · 69° 8.9′ W · approximate
A small west-coast beach bay with sand holding, weekend local boats and snorkelling along the cliffs - the easiest pre-dawn departure point for Aruba.
Practical
Approved under the anchoring permit (Virgintino 2015). Anchor in the centre of the bay in 10-12 ft over sand; exposed if the wind goes west - watch it. Snorkel along the cliffs. The beach (Playa Santa Cruz) has a small bar-restaurant, restrooms and shade, but the water near the mangroves is cloudy (Curaçao Tourist Board). Clear out in Willemstad before using it as your departure point. Coordinate approx: between the guide's entrance waypoint (12°18.36'N 69°09.02'W) and the OSM beach.
Best for
Staging for the Aruba passage
Season
Settled trades; untenable in westerlies