San Nicolas Zuid

Travel Guide

Baby Beach
San Nicolas Zuid
Baby Beach featuring a beach
San Nicolas which includes food
Baby Beach
This small coastal town was once at the center of the island’s oil industry. Free from resorts and crowds, the town retains a refreshingly authentic atmosphere.

Located on the south coast of Aruba, laid-back San Nicolas offers a down-to-earth slice of everyday Aruban life. Stretch out on its beautiful beaches, see the sprawling metal refinery that acts as a reminder of the island’s big oil industry and experience the vibrant weekly festival.

Following the decline of the gold and aloe industries on the island, the first oil refinery was set up here in San Nicolas in the 1920s. Soon oil became Aruba’s chief economic driver. But as the oil industry began to decline in the mid-20th century, the refinery operations were scaled down and local governments turned their attention to tourism to help the economy prosper.

Spend a day lolling around on the sands of one of San Nicolas’ pristine beaches. Baby BeachOpens in a new window is probably the most popular and arguably the most beautiful, while smaller Rodger’s Beach is more peaceful. Both are overlooked by the looming metal stacks of the refinery, which contrast with the idyllic natural views. To watch kitesurfers performing tricks on the waves, head to Boca Grandi.

Be sure to call into Charlie’s Bar, a family-run institution that has been in operation since 1941. Order a cold beer and peruse the assortment of memorabilia on display inside, which ranges from business cards and old photographs to license plates and signs. Don’t miss the town’s Anchor in Memory of All Seamen, a red sculpture honoring sailors who lost their lives at sea.

If you’re in town on Thursday evenings, be sure to attend the Carubbian Festival, a colorful party that spills across the main street, evoking the fun spirit of Aruba’s Carnival. Watch glitzy parades and tottering stilt walkers, listen to the beat of live steel drums and taste traditional Caribbean dishes, like curried goat or coconut shrimp.

San Nicolas is small and can be easily explored on foot. To get there from Oranjestad, ride Arubus public buses or take a taxi.

Where to stay in San Nicolas Zuid

Default Image

Lago Heights

While Lago Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Aruba Golf Club and Baby Beach.

Lago Heights
Secrets Baby Beach Aruba Adults Only
Secrets Baby Beach Aruba Adults Only
4.5 out of 5
Seroe Colorado 289, San Nicolas Zuid
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in San Nicolas Zuid. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach ...
Secrets Baby Beach Aruba Adults Only
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
4.5 out of 5
L G Smith Boulevard 82, Oranjestad
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,244 reviews)
"Very friendly staff."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
4.5 out of 5
L G Smith Boulevard 101, Noord
The price is €797 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€797
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Book a stay at this beach resort in Noord. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (991 reviews)
"Great stay at Marriott Stellaris - staff was all friendly and the property is beautiful. The Casino on site is a joke. I’ve never been in an establishment that was so blatantly rigged. They require you to get a players card that gave me 0 points or money towards anything at check out after gambling ..."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coconut Inn
Coconut Inn
2.5 out of 5
Noord 31, Palm Beach, Noord
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Noord. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (423 reviews)
"Location a bit far from the beach and there is a portion of the walk with no lights and cars going both ways. I found this unsafe. Liked the pool and the breakfast. The price was also good. The place was nice and quiet. I would definitely come back."

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2025

Coconut Inn
Privada Stays
Privada Stays
3 out of 5
Pos Abao 5, Oranjestad
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (228 reviews)
"I will be back 😊"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Privada Stays
Vistalmar Ocean Suites
Vistalmar Ocean Suites
2.5 out of 5
28 Bucutiweg, Oranjestad
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and a marina. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Renaissance Island are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
"We loved it!"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Vistalmar Ocean Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do