about Yachting
Spanish Water
Most yachts visiting the Southern Caribbean island of Curacao, anchor in the large, naturally sheltered Spanish Water Bay, because it is safe and free of charge, and the bay, home to several marinas, offers many facilities and conveniences. Docking at the various marinas and yacht clubs located at Spanish Water however, is not free of charge. Yachting is a popular in the Caribbean, and with this unique sheltered location, Curacao is a very attractive yachting destination.
Yachts are permitted to stay for a maximum of six months, unless registered in Curacao or any of the other four islands known as the Netherlands Antilles. Upon arrival, the captain must present valid papers at the harbor office and must then proceed to register all passengers at the Immigration Office. At the Customs Office, a duty of 11.5% of the cif-value of imported goods as well as an additional 2% sales tax must be paid. Restricted goods, such as drugs, firearms, ammunition, explosives, etc. must be declared. The Customs Officers will pick up the restricted goods at the yacht and take them into custody for the length of stay. Upon checking out, they will be delivered back to the boat.
Marinas and facilities
The most popular yachting facility providers in Spanish Waters are:
· Curacao Yacht Club
· Sarifundy’s Marina
· Seru Boca Marina
The facilities vary widely, ranging from the most basic, to more modern fully-equipped facilities. Sarifundy's Marina offers the most basic services, such as showers, drinking water, telephone and fax service, mail service, battery charging and a very charming restaurant known to most as a place to relax and enjoy. Membership is not required.
At Seru Boca Marina there are two piers at the end of the two main docks that can accommodate vessels of varying lengths. The main dock has its own finger pier for easy access onto a vessel docked in the slip. There are floating slips for 128 vessels up to 150 feet in length. The slips have power and water availability and the marina offers 24-hour security. Dockage fees are based upon the size of the vessel and include privileges at Sta. Barbara Resort's private beach, Barbara Beach, with free access to the beach pier and Fuik Bay.
For more information visit: www.santabarbararesort.com
The Curacao Yacht Club is open to members only, but offers bunkering of diesel fuel and gasoline to all yachts. The club offers piers that can accommodate yachts of varying sizes. Water and electricity are available. Dockage fees are based on the size of the vessel.
Willemstad
Docking in the St. Anna Bay, at the Handelskade or the Mathey Wharf, is possible upon special request. Requests must be directed to the Harbor Master.
Curacao Marine offers state-of-the art facilities for repairs and dry storage. Curacao offers all services needed by yacht-travelers, including a wide range of auxiliary facilities such as sea rescue services, hauling out, dry storage,rigging, sailmaking , electronic repairs, provisioning and shopping, medical facilities, and many more.
Customs & Immigration
Upon arrival, the captain of the yacht must visit The Immigration Office to register all members, The Harbor Master to clear in the ship and The Customs Office to declare goods. For these visits he/she needs to present:
· The ship's registration papers
· The passports of all crew members and other travelling members
· The clearing papers from the last port of call.