About us

Hassana Donker-Pardo and her husband Ricky Donker took over Marina Pirata from Ricky's father in 1991, ten years after he established the seafood restaurant on the site of a former weekend retreat of the Dutch Marines at the mouth of the Spanish Lagoon in Pos Chiquito. The entrance is spectacular: guests walk under a canopy of mangroves into the open-air restaurant, where the deck offers an amazing sunset view over open water. Twinkling lights across the Spanish Lagoon illuminate the fishies which swim around, hoping to be fed.

“The menu has not changed and our prices have remained the same,” Hassana states. The restaurant doesn't even post service charge anymore.  “This is to encourage people to come here,” Hassana explains. “I know we're a little out of the way, but we hope this gesture makes up for it.”  Asked what is the best-seller on the menu, Hassana doesn't hesitate. She lists the Chef's Special—grilled fish fillet with shrimp, blended cheese and criollo sauce—with the Spaans Lagoen Special—broiled lobster, grilled fish, and shrimps in garlic sauce—a close second.

The fish is brought in fresh by local fisherman Benny Ras, who has been dropping his lure since 1981 when the restaurant first opened. In season he catches red snapper, grouper, and barracuda; the shrimp and lobster come from Venezuela . Always eager to accommodate guests, the restaurant's mostly-seafood menu also features meat and chicken choices.

The unique view from the deck and the wonderful dishes by Chef Juan Stamper attract many people to Marina Pirata, a closely guarded secret for 23 years and counting!