Aruba's oldest village and first capital
Savaneta is a quiet fishing village on Aruba's south coast, between Oranjestad and San Nicolas. It is the oldest settlement on the island and was Aruba's first capital.
Today Savaneta is known for its relaxed, local atmosphere, fresh fish straight from the boats and some of the best snorkelling on the south coast.
History
Savaneta was already an important settlement in the Spanish period. After the Dutch took over the island, the commander lived near Commandeursbaai (Commander's Bay), a natural harbour next to Savaneta. The village remained the capital until 1797, when the government moved to Paardenbaai, the later Oranjestad.
Savaneta is also home to what is said to be the oldest house on Aruba: a traditional cas di torto, a house built with walls of clay.
Marine Corps Base Savaneta
Savaneta is home to the Marinierskazerne Savaneta, the base of the Dutch Marine Corps (Korps Mariniers) on Aruba since 1951. Dutch marines and members of the Aruban Militia (Arumil) are stationed here. The base holds an open day for the public, which attracts thousands of visitors.
Things to do
- Zeerovers – a local favourite on the water, where you choose fresh fish and shrimp by weight; cash only and closed on Mondays
- Flying Fishbone – restaurant known for dinner with your feet in the water, open since 1997
- Mangel Halto – mangroves and a reef for snorkelling, near Pos Chiquito
- Sea Glass Island – kayak tours to a small island where you can collect sea glass
- Balashi gold mill ruins – a short drive away
Getting there
Savaneta is about 12 minutes by car from Oranjestad and less than 10 minutes from the airport. Arubus buses between Oranjestad and San Nicolas stop in Savaneta.
Read more
- San Nicolas – Aruba's Sunrise City, further east
- Restaurants in Aruba
- Apartments and small inns – Savaneta has mainly small apartments and villas
- Getting around Aruba
Good to know
- Location: south coast, between Oranjestad and San Nicolas
- Capital until: 1797
- Known for: fishing village atmosphere, Zeerovers, Mangel Halto
Opening hours and prices of restaurants and tours change regularly, so check before you go.
See also: more about Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.