San Nicolas Zuid

Travel Guide

Baby Beach
San Nicolas Zuid
Baby Beach which includes a sandy beach
San Nicolas showing 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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lago Heights and surrounding area, you can visit 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
The price is P38,389 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P38,389
P38,389 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (28 reviews)
"The food options are limited. The bed was comfortable. For being a brand new hotel two months in operation they have a lot of improvements to be made in guest services. For a handicapped person you have to walk down a steep hill to get to the beach.Golf cart pick up is hit or miss. Beverages at the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

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! (1,280 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
J E Irausquin Boulevard 77, Noord
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Noord. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,231 reviews)
"We had a great stay at RIU Antillas"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive
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
Stay at this aparthotel in Noord. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (452 reviews)
Coconut Inn
"Enjoyed the free breakfast and the clean accomodations."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Coconut Inn
Aruba Blue Village

Aruba Blue Village

2.5 out of 5
Cunucu Abao 37, Noord
Stay at this aparthotel in Noord. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (258 reviews)
"Perfect for a quiet getaway."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

Aruba Blue Village
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! (136 reviews)
"The place was super clean and trendy. The only issue I didn’t like was the pool jets and lights are not monitored by the individual studios. You have to submit a request and then wait for them to respond by the time the jet for the pool return back on it was two hours before checkout. Also, the bathroom ..."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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.

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