Baby Beach Aruba: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to Baby Beach Aruba? Read this before you go.
Whenever I’m in Aruba, I stay at my family’s place in San Nicolas. Which means Baby Beach is basically the local place to chill. After countless days relaxing there, I’ve picked up a few things worth knowing about this low-key stretch of coast.
Aruba’s packed with big-name beaches like Eagle, Palm and Flamingo Beach. So Baby Beach doesn’t get the same hype. But that’s exactly why it’s worth your time.
It’s a solid day trip. San Nicolas is just around the corner and there are a few proper local food spots nearby. One thing to note: a new all-inclusive resort has popped up behind the beach. Now might be the time to go, while it still feels a bit overlooked.
This guide covers everything you need to know. How to get there. What to bring. When to go. Where to snorkel. And a few FAQs at the end.
What Makes Baby Beach Aruba Worth Visiting
If you’re into soft, powdery white sand and calm turquoise water (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?) then Baby Beach in Aruba is the place.
It’s just outside San Nicolas, on the island’s southeast coast. A wide half-moon bay that’s shallow, warm and ideal for families. The manmade barrier at the edge keeps the rough sea out, so the water stays calm.
It rarely goes above waist height. Great for less confident swimmers, anyone with mobility issues or those who just prefer to wade. That’s actually where the name comes from. The shallow water made it popular with families and young kids.
There’s a roped-off snorkelling zone where you’ll spot all sorts: parrotfish, barracuda, angelfish, squid. If you’re lucky, maybe even a sea turtle.
💡Fun Fact: The official name of this beach is Klein Lagoen. Honestly, though, I’ve never heard anybody (except Wikipedia) call it this!
What You’ll Find at Baby Beach Aruba
Aruba’s beaches are world-famous. Eagle Beach has won multiple ‘Best Beach awards’, and we’ve all seen the images of flamingos on the beach on social media. While these beaches have excellent facilities and food options, Baby Beach is a little out of the way, and you may need to prepare a little more for your trip.
That’s where I’ve got you covered! I’ll go through some of the things to expect when visiting Baby Beach so that the only thing you have to worry about is enjoying the sun and the sea!
🤿 Swimming and Snorkelling
Baby Beach is great for swimming, especially if you like your sea warm, calm and waist-deep. The still, shallow water is ideal for kids, first-time snorkellers or anyone who just wants a relaxing float.
There’s a marked snorkelling area near the edge of the lagoon. You’ll usually spot parrotfish, angelfish and the occasional barracuda. Visibility is good. The current is mild, so it’s an easy spot for beginners.
🅿️ Parking Info
If you’re driving, parking at Baby Beach is free. There’s a small paved car park on the Big Mama’s side and a larger one over by Rum Reef.
You’ll also find plenty of free spaces along the road. On our last visit, we noticed more of these popping up across the island, which makes exploring by car a lot easier.
💨 Dealing with the Wind
Aruba is famously breezy. Most days the wind is a welcome relief from the heat, but sometimes it can be a bit much. This is especially true on open beaches like Baby Beach.
If the wind picks up, consider renting a cabana or bringing something to weigh your stuff down. Hats tend to fly.
🍔 Food and Drink
There aren’t loads of food options at Baby Beach, but the two spots there are decent. Big Mama Grill has a Flintstones-style vibe with BBQ plates, seafood, and strong rum punches. Rum Reef serves cocktails and has a newly opened kitchen with casual beach food.
Prices are fair and both places are good for a midday break if you don’t want to bring your own snacks.
🚻 Toilets and Changing
Like most beaches in Aruba, Baby Beach doesn’t have public toilets or changing rooms.
If you need the loo, you’ll have to pay a couple of dollars at Big Mama Grill or Rum Reef. That said, we usually just order something and use the facilities without any issue.
🛢️ That View of the Oil Refinery
There’s no avoiding it. The old oil refinery is visible from Baby Beach. It’s not exactly scenic, and some visitors complain about it online.
But it’s off to one side and doesn’t ruin the beach. Face the other way, enjoy the water, and you’ll barely notice it after a few minutes.
🚧 About That New Resort
Until recently, there were no hotels near Baby Beach. That was part of the appeal.
But in 2025, an all-inclusive resort opened just behind the beach. It’s called Secrets Baby Beach Aruba. It’s not massive, but it does shift the feel of the place. More people, more infrastructure, more foot traffic.
It’s still worth going. But if you want to experience Baby Beach before it changes completely, this might be the moment.
Best Things To Do At Baby Beach Aruba
Baby Beach is a good day out for all ages. It’s not a huge beach, but there’s more to do than you’d think. On the sand, in the water, and just around the corner.
🐠 Swim or Snorkel in Calm, Clear Water
Baby Beach is known for its still, shallow water. Great for wading, floating and especially for first-time snorkellers. It’s ideal for kids or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with waves or deep water.
To the left of the beach, there’s a deeper, roped-off section where you’ll spot more marine life. There are Parrotfish, barracuda, eels and sometimes even sea turtles.
If you don’t have gear, you can rent snorkels from the guy at Big Mama Grill. He’s been around for years and still takes cash.
🧴 Sunbathe or Hide in the Shade
Most people come to Baby Beach to do very little, and that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? The soft white sand and quiet setting make it an easy place to spend a few hours doing nothing in particular.
Show up mid-morning to grab a good spot near the water or under one of the free palapas. If you prefer shade, you can rent a cabana from Big Mama Grill. The guy handling rentals has been there for years and takes bookings by WhatsApp at +297 5674 950. Bring cash.
The Big Mama side of the beach is livelier and close to the main car park. If you want more space and fewer people, head towards Rum Reef. The water is a bit choppier that way, and you might need to watch your step, but the trade-off is worth it.
🍔 Grab Lunch at Big Mama Grill
If you’re spending the day at Baby Beach, Big Mama Grill is the main food option. It’s not fancy, but the food’s solid and prices are reasonable. Think grilled meats, burgers, seafood and strong drinks.
The place has a Flintstones theme with oversized chairs and a dino out front. It’s a bit of a photo stop now, especially with kids.
There’s plenty of shaded seating and it’s a good excuse to take a break from the sun. Order something, get fed, and use the bathroom while you’re there.
🍹 Try a Cocktail (or the Pool) at Rum Reef
At the quieter end of the beach, Rum Reef serves cocktails, tacos and fresh seafood. It’s a small place with a proper view and slightly more grown-up energy than Big Mama Grill.
If you order something, you can use the infinity pool. It’s deep and usually quiet, and you get a great view over Baby Beach while you float.
The food’s decent, the drinks are strong, and it’s a good place to pause before heading off.
⚓ Take a Photo with the Red Anchor
On the drive to Baby Beach from San Nicolas, you’ll see a giant red anchor just before the coast. That’s the Seroe Colorado Anchor, and it’s an official memorial to seamen lost at sea.
It was made in Germany in the 60s, lost for years, and finally installed here in 1985. It’s become one of those landmarks that shows up on postcards and fridge magnets.
You can pull over easily for a quick photo. It’s a bit random, but worth a stop.
🖼️ Walk Around San Nicolas
My family used to live in and around San Nicolas, so I always recommend it. It’s Aruba’s second city and home to some of the best street art on the island.
Thanks to the Aruba Art Fair, there are now over 50 murals painted across buildings in the centre. You can wander around, stop for photos and grab a drink at Charlie’s Bar.
Charlie’s has been around for decades. It’s packed with memorabilia and feels more like a museum than a bar. A good spot to cool off and take in something that’s not beach or buffet.
🍽️ Book Dinner at Flying Fishbone
Eating at the Flying Fishbone is unlike any other dinner experience you will have encountered. Not only is the food fresh and delicious, but you
The restaurant can’t guarantee that you’ll get a table by the water but I haven’t heard of anybody who has made a reservation being refused. There were plenty of empty tables in the water when we arrived.
Aruba has some incredible sunsets so try to book a table at this time. This way you can enjoy a drink or two in the day and watch the gorgeous sunset before eating your dinner in the romantic ambience of the restaurant lighting.
How To Get To Baby Beach Aruba
Baby Beach is in the southeast corner of Aruba, just past the town of San Nicolas. If you’re staying in Palm or Eagle Beach on the west side, you’ll need to cross the island — about 25 to 30 km, depending on your starting point.
Here are the best options to help plan your journey to Baby Beach.
🚙 Driving to Baby Beach
If you pick up your car at the airport, you’ll skip the transfer faff and have your own ride ready from day one.
Renting a car is the easiest way to reach Baby Beach. You’ll have full flexibility, and you can explore other parts of the island without relying on tours or timetables.
The drive from Palm Beach takes around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you’re in San Nicolas, the signs for Baby Beach are easy to follow.
Aruba’s roads are in good condition, and driving here is safe and relaxed. Outside of rush hour in Oranjestad, traffic is minimal. The main highway runs straight through the island and gets you from one end to the other in under an hour.
➡️ Check Rates & Book Your Aruba Car Hire Here!
🚌 Taking the Bus to Baby Beach
Taking the bus to Baby Beach couldn’t be simpler. Arubus is the government-owned public bus on the island and connects most of the major tourist locations.
There are scheduled buses from Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, San Nicolas, and more recently, Baby Beach. Even though the journey from Palm Beach can take some time, the buses are air-conditioned and comfortable with some buses having WiFi and USB charger sockets.
Bus passes can be bought as a single trip pass, a return pass, or a day pass. You can check the Arubus website to see the latest bus routes and times.
❗️Update: The Baby Beach route is currently not in service. You will need to catch a bus to San Nicolas and then get a taxi. If that sounds like too much trouble, why not check out this roundtrip option instead?
🚕 Taking a Taxi to Baby Beach
Taxis are easy to arrange in Aruba, but they’re not cheap. There are no meters, just fixed rates agreed in advance.
A one-way trip from Palm Beach to Baby Beach will set you back around $60. You can book through your hotel or find a taxi at any of the main stands.
For the return, either arrange a pickup time or ask your driver to wait. If they wait, you may be charged extra.
Personally, with such high costs of getting a taxi, I would advise that you hire a car instead. This would work out to be much cheaper and allow you to explore other parts of the island.
Where To Stay In Baby Beach Aruba
There are some fantastic places to stay in Aruba, but Baby Beach isn’t really one of them. And that’s part of the charm. No resorts on the sand, no high-rises in your eyeline.
If you want to base yourself nearby, the quiet fishing village of Savaneta is your best bet. You’ll be close to the beach and well-placed to explore under the radar spots like Mangel Halto and Zeerovers.
Here are a couple of options if you decide to stay close to Baby Beach.
📍Budget Option $ – Magical Garden ⭐️ 8.5/10
Simple homestay located in Savaneta just 200 metres from Cura Cabai Beach. Each unit includes A/C, a kettle, free WiFi and a private bathroom. The drive to Baby Beach is around 15 – 20 mins.
📍Mid-Range Option $$ – Coral Reef Beach ⭐️ 9.1/10
This tropical-style property is also in Savaneta, in a beautiful little area right on the beach. The apartments come fully equipped and you’re just next door to the Flying Fishbone and Zeerovers!
📍Luxury Option $$$ – Secrets Baby Beach Aruba ⭐️ 8.2/10
This new all inclusive resort opened in 2025, right by Baby Beach. It’s modern, sleek and very not local. Great if you want to stay beachfront with everything taken care of.
FAQs: Baby Beach Aruba
Now that I’ve given you all the information about Baby Beach in Aruba, and listed the best things to do, let’s dive into some FAQs.
Is Baby Beach Aruba worth visiting?
Yes. It’s calm, scenic, and less crowded than Eagle or Palm Beach. Great for snorkelling, swimming or just switching off. The shallow water makes it ideal for kids too.
Why Is It Called Baby Beach in Aruba?
The name comes from how safe and shallowness of the water which is perfect for babies and small kids. The lagoon is protected by a manmade barrier that keeps rough waves out.
Does Baby Beach Aruba Have Shade?
Not much. There are a few free palapas if you get there early, or you can rent a cabana. Otherwise, bring your own umbrella becasue the sun hits hard.
How far is Baby Beach from Palm Beach Aruba?
They’re about 30 km apart. The drive takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, especially around Oranjestad. You’ll need a car or taxi to get there.
Is Baby Beach Aruba free?
Yes. No entrance fee and parking is free. Just bring cash if you want to rent a chair or use the toilets at Big Mama or Rum Reef.
Is Baby Beach safe?
Very. It’s one of the safest beaches in Aruba thanks to the shallow, calm water. Just keep an eye on your stuff and stay within the snorkel zone if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Wrapping Up: Baby Beach Aruba
That wraps up this guide to Baby Beach in Aruba. Whether you’re after a family day out, a snorkel session, or just a quiet stretch of sand to relax on, this place ticks all the right boxes.
From the calm, shallow waters to the chance of spotting sea turtles, Baby Beach is a peaceful slice of Aruba that suits just about everyone.
Since my family lives in San Nicolas, this has always been my go‑to beach when I visit. It’s quieter, less polished, and all the better for it. Honestly, I prefer it to the more famous beaches on the island. I think you might too.
Now that you’re fully clued up, all that’s left is to pack your towel, grab some sunscreen, and see it for yourself.
