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

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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! (1,264 reviews)
Best family vacation
"Our second time at Renaissance!! Love it!! We bring our adult children and we have the best time! We take the boat to the private island!! Oh my! Our most favorite spot on Aruba."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
4 out of 5
J E Irausquin Boulevard 230, Noord
The price is €526 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€526
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Noord. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,456 reviews)
"The Holiday Inn Resort and Casino in Aruba did not disappoint! We even stayed an extra night! The hotel had all the amenities we wanted and the staff/service was phenomenal! The location is perfect, right where all the shops and restaurants are! We can’t wait to come back!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
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! (427 reviews)
"The room was very clean, great AC, bigger than expected. However, there wasn't any towels for the pool. No ice was available on the premises, not even in the little bar that was rarely opened. One had to walk down and across the street to a restaurant and buy ice. The office hours were inconsistent...hit ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 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! (279 reviews)
"Family owned business that aims to please. Very responsive to all enquiries. King size bed is luxurious and comfortable. Rainhead shower and handheld with good pressure and hot water rival the best resorts! Number 2 rated beach in the Caribbean , Eagle Beach, is just a short ride away. Ample free ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2025

Privada Stays
Blue Residences
Blue Residences
4 out of 5
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 266, Noord
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Noord. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (696 reviews)
"We really liked the location in that we could walk a mile north or south to hit Palm or Eagle Beach, but we could come back to our unit and have plenty of room at the pool and the quiet."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Blue Residences
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.

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