A highly detailed scene showing shipping off the coast. The buildings of a fortified harbour are shown on the right and a number of anchored ships are shown in the bay. In the central foreground a boat from a Spanish ship indicates the return of a Spanish expedition. A man walks into the water holding a plank for the men on board to disembark. Spanish soldiers wearing armour can be seen on board. They are guarding prisoners who can be identified by their hands tied behind their backs. There is a large amount of activity taking place which has been carefully delineated by the artist, as other boats prepare to land. A ship rests on its side in the distance on the right, probably undergoing essential maintenance.