Ships bearing the flags of several different nations are shown in a bay. A fortress stands on a rugged headland on the far left with a rocky coastline and islet beyond. Figures can be seen on a jetty in the left foreground including two exquisitely dressed men in the far left. They are attended by servants carrying a parasol to shield them from the sun. Further along traders in turbans, also sheltered by parasols, are negotiating with seamen who have unloaded bales of merchandise. The large ship on the left flies the flags of Holland and Zeeland and has fired her guns in salute. The three-master in the centre flies English colours and the Royal Standard. The vessel to her right is Spanish and is preparing to fire a salute. There are small boats by the stone jetty. One with a red and white striped flag is preparing to land and a small Dutch sailing boat is approaching from the far right. The ship in the distance on far right is also Dutch and is flying the Double Prince ensign of the Admiralty of Amsterdam and a Dutch pennant.