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
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 79, Noord
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Noord. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,795 reviews)
"This was our first trip to Aruba, and the Rio Palace was an absolutely beautiful place to stay. The resort is spacious and welcoming, with every staff member making you feel right at home. We stayed in the all-inclusive section, where meals and drinks were part of the package. While my wife and I ..."

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024

Hotel Riu Palace Aruba - All Inclusive
Radisson Blu Aruba
Radisson Blu Aruba
4 out of 5
J.E.IRAUSQUIN BLVD, 97-A, Noord
The price is ¥44,090 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
¥44,090
¥57,121 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Noord. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,821 reviews)
"Beautiful resort with great staff!"

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024

Radisson Blu Aruba
Divi Aruba All Inclusive
Divi Aruba All Inclusive
4 out of 5
J E Irausquin Boulevard 45, Oranjestad
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Oranjestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,463 reviews)
"We visited the Divi All-Inclusive in early October of 2024 and had such a good time that we came back 6 weeks later. It’s a great resort as it has many dinning options, excellent beach and great entertainment at night. It’s hard to find anything negative about the resort but my only gripes are with ..."

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024

Divi Aruba 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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (411 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable. Very peaceful"

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Coconut Inn
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (655 reviews)
"Quiet, great view"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2024

Blue Residences
Privada Stays
Privada Stays
3 out of 5
Pos Abao 10, 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! (78 reviews)
"Loved my stay here! It was such a quiet and peaceful area but also close to all the action downtown as well as the beaches. The hotel was so comfy and loved the private pool, one of my favorite features. Would highly recommend staying here if you are heading to Aruba."

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024

Privada Stays
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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