San Nicolas Zuid

Travel Guide

Baby Beach
Lourdes Grotto which includes caves
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
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! (1,284 reviews)
"It was nice. Didn’t care for the room as it was next to an alley with dumpsters. Especially after paying $550 a night. Didn’t realize there was also a resort fee of $70 a night on top of that. Nice hotel though…"

Reviewed on Apr 25, 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 ¥45,788 per night from May 7 to May 8
¥45,788
¥59,715 total
includes taxes & fees
May 7 - May 8
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! (1,479 reviews)
"The staff was excellent and extremely helpful"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 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! (431 reviews)
"I enjoy my stay at the Coconut Inn they work very hard in keeping everything clean and appealing, my room was a very nice size it was clean and everything works, I had no problem with anything, everyone was so nice and helpful ."

Reviewed on Apr 3, 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! (326 reviews)
"Everything was great and good price"

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025

Privada Stays
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 The Casino at Hilton Aruba ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (373 reviews)
"Place was really good, people were very friendly."

Reviewed on Apr 26, 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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