Yachts have had to obtain a permit to anchor for many years in Curacao, however, now the Port Authority are working hard to make the procedure simpler for visiting yachts.

Published 2 years ago

The first part of an improved procedure to ease paperwork for visiting yachts is now in place in Curacao.

Any visiting vessel intending on anchoring while in Curacao (and not mooring in a marina), must obtain a permit to anchor in one of the designated anchorages.

A new anchoring permit form for Spanish Water is now available.

This must be completed by all yachts planning on anchoring in Curacao and handed into the Harbor Master within 8 hours of arrival, and an anchor permit issued.

Curacao Ports are planning a dedicated e-mail address where the form can be sent in advance, and ultimately the form will be digital, available on their website. However, for now, it must be completed manually.

All visiting yachts should proceed to Spanish Water and contact Fort Nassau Port Control on VHF Channel 12 when in range, indicating the purpose of their visit and if an anchoring permit is desired. If planning to berth in a private marina, no anchoring permit is required but this must be indicated to Port Control.

Permits must be obtained within 8 hours of arrival from the Harbour Master’s office in Willemstad, a short drive from Spanish Water.

Future plans are for Customs and Immigration to have a (joint) office inside the Spanish Water area to facilitate foreign yachts, however, for now skippers and crew must travel to Willemstad to clear in.

See Curacao Clearance for more details.

Our thanks to Mr. A.Dave Cristina, Port Safety Inspector (HVI) for Curacao Ports, for providing Noonsite with this new information.