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 centre 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
The price is €606 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
€606
28 Jul - 29 Jul
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (11 reviews)
"The hotel is good but they have to improve in some areas like the room service and the customer service. The casino is not ready yet."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 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! (1,267 reviews)
"Biggest perk was access to Renaissance Island where you will always have a chair as it does not get so crowded. Having separate adult and family side of the resort is also great. Be prepared for a $78 a day resort fee. Also, keep track of what you are charging to the room. Premium liquor drink cost ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 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! (1,193 reviews)
"I’m from Brooklyn NY and we’re normally not the friendly welcoming type . But Aruba? AMAZING staff beautiful view everyone was so welcoming on and off the resort i definitely will be coming back."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 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! (449 reviews)
"The Coconut INN was a great place and inexpensive.. It is 1.1 miles from the beach. The Coconut Inn picture shown by Expedia is not accurate"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (253 reviews)
"Perfect for a quiet getaway."

Reviewed on 5 May 2025

Aruba Blue Village
Caribbean Palm Village Resort
Caribbean Palm Village Resort
3.5 out of 5
43-E, Palm Beach Road, Noord
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Noord. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Hyatt Regency Casino are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (393 reviews)
"It was just like being at home"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Caribbean Palm Village Resort
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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