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
$713 nightly
The price is $713 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$713 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (6 reviews)
"Nothing negative. All too good must go to believe. Sure will be back. Great place to relax"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 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! (1,270 reviews)
"Excellent service"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 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! (1,184 reviews)
"From the moment we walked in we felt a warm welcoming vibe. Patrick was our waiter for 2 nights and he was over the top wonderful. Can’t wait to come back!"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 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 Jun 27, 2025

Coconut Inn
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! (391 reviews)
"We some complications on check in but the staff was very nice and helpful and patient"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Caribbean Palm Village Resort
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! (126 reviews)
"We made a literal last second reservation and found ourselves in a perfect situation for a flight the next am. Super, super place to stay, and given the size of the island doesn't really matter that there is a bit of a 5 minute loop around the airport to get there. Great local food walkable, cool ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 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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