ARUBA - formalités et suggestions

MERCI à David et Nathalie pour ces précieux renseignements

The first thing that might scare people when heading to Aruba is all the differences about the regulations. True, there are some differences best not ignored but once you know and respect them, all goes well.

Also, be carefull as there are a lot of big vessels navigating between/near Curacao and Aruba, a close watch is required. But if, travelling at night, you wonder about a series of red lights blinking, you are probably seeing Aruba's wind generator field even hours away from the coast

So, for regulations:.

1- You have to declare your vessel to the Aruba Ports Authority as soon as you enter the island's waters. This is done on channel 16 and the best thing is to mention right away that you are heading to Barcadera for custom and immigration and your planned arrival time. Failing to declare yourself could result in a coastgard boarding and escort.

2- Indeed, regulations are now done in Barcadera instead of Oranjestad. See the provided map to tie up to the right portion of the pier for smaller vessels. You might have to tie up to a Venezuelian lancha if all the space is taken. In that case, the fishermen are very kind and helpfull.

3- Some references mention a docking fee of $10/hour or double that on week-ends but we were never asked for it.

4- In Aruba, regulations start with Immigration. Their office is at the other end of the fenced yard, on the sea side (see map). They will ask that the immigration cards be signed by the crew but you can go back to your boat to have them signed while they process the paperwork. Most of the papers can be filled in advance if you have access to a printer: http://renaissancemarina.com/forms/

5- Customs are just in front of the immigration office and will ask for the immigration papers. They are pretty straightforward except for a new rule since Oct 2012 where any vessel staying in Aruba for more than 5 days must proceed to a temporary importation of the boat. You have to contact an agent to have this paperwork filled and the whole thing will cost between U$65 and U$100. We used Marina Renaissance and for the U$65 they took care of everything from contacting the agent to calling us when we had to sign. See the 2 reference links below for other available agents.

6- Another note regarding authorities: about 10 minutes away from the entry buoy of Oranjestad harbor contact Aruba Port Control on channel 16 to ask for permission to enter the harbor. (call Aruba Port Control anytime you move your vessel within Oranjestad harbor, they don't want yachts in the way when maneuvering with large ships.)

A special note on Marina renaissance. This Marina is tied to 2 Renaissance hotels (on each side of the marina) and you get the same privileges as hotel guests: access to 3 pools, 2 beaches with bars and restaurants, a gym, showers and the shuttle to their private island. Water is charged at 9U$/1000L. Their docking fee was 1U$/foot/night for our catamaran. Free internet was easy to grab from the docks.

There is also an anchorage west of the marina although closer to the airport runway (see map).

sources:
http://www.aruba-cruisingguide.com/
http://www.renaissancemarina.com/clearance-procedures/
http://www.noonsite.com/Countries/Aruba?rc=Formalities#Clearance


Enjoy !
David