This theme allows you to visit the stories surrounding the maritime and underwater cultural heritage in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which comprises Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Saba, St Eustatius and Bonaire. Much of this heritage dates back to the colonial period, which began in the 17th century when the islands were predominantly under the control of the Dutch West India Company.

But the Caribbean history is dynamic and multi-layered. Traces of the pre-colonial period can be found along the coasts, whilst underwater lie shipwrecks, cannons, numerous ships' parts, everyday objects, but also traces of slavery and piracy. Followed by numerous modern wrecks, including from the Second World War.

The International Programme for Maritime Heritage of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, together with its Caribbean partners, aims to protect and interpret this heritage, taking different perspectives into account. Regional cooperation and international recognition are essential. That is why we are committed to the ratification the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. We support these objectives through, among other things, training courses in maritime heritage management, last held in Aruba in 2025 in collaboration with the Museo Arqueológico Nacional Aruba (MANA), supporting local projects, and via the video shown below which was co-created with our Caribbean partners.

Useful links:

UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage | Cultural Heritage Agency

Landscape biographies Saba and St. Eustatius | Cultural Heritage Agency

RAM 282: Flotsam, jetsam and lost anchors at Statia’s Roads. An archaeological assessment of site SE-504, Oranje Bay, St. Eustatius | Cultural Heritage Agency

The UNESCO Training Manuals and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands | Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed