Baby Beach Aruba: Complete Guide & Things To Do
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Whenever I’m in Aruba, I usually stay at my family’s place in San Nicolas, so Baby Beach is pretty much on my doorstep. I’ve learned a thing or two about this less-visited bay in all my countless hours spent there and now, I’m going to tell you everything I know about this hidden gem in Aruba!
The small island of Aruba is known to have some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Yet Baby Beach hardly gets a mention. That’s quite understandable when you have some of the most famous beaches in the world such as Eagle Beach and Flamingo Beach.
While Baby Beach is a wonderful option for a day trip, you are also surrounded by excellent restaurants, the cultural town of San Nicolas, and much more. There’s also the small matter of a new all-inclusive resort being built right on Baby Beach so now is the best time to visit while it remains one the of lesser-visited beaches.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you want to know about Baby Beach in Aruba. I’ll list the best things to do, and how to get there, and in the end, I’ll answer some FAQs too.
Baby Beach Aruba: Overview
If you’re into soft powdery white sand beaches with calm, warm turquoise water then Baby Beach in Aruba is the place for you!
Located near San Nicolas, on the southeast of Aruba, the stunning half-moon lagoon is perfect for families with young children due to its calm shallow waters. The man-altered barrier ensures that any strong waves from the rough sea are kept at a distance.
The water level never goes above the waist which also makes it ideal for individuals with mobility concerns, and less confident swimmers who enjoy wading out with the knowledge that the sea floor is just below them.
There is a designated area for snorkelling, marked off by ropes. You’ll see quite a diverse range of marine life like parrot fish, barracuda, angelfish, squid, and much more. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the resident sea turtles that occasionally wander into the lagoon.
💡Fun Fact: The official name of this beach is Klein Lagoen. Honestly, though, I’ve never heard anybody (except Wikipedia) call it this!
What To Expect 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
With crystal clear, warm water, Baby Beach is an excellent place to swim and snorkel. The still, shallow water means that young children can swim and try some snorkelling in safe conditions too. There are a few areas where
🅿️ Car Park
Those with rental cars will be pleased to know that parking is free at Baby Beach. In fact, I noticed on my last visit that there is more and more free parking on the island! There is a free car park as well as many spaces on the road around the beach.
💨 Windy Conditions
If you’ve visited Aruba, then you’ll know it’s famous for its constant south-westerly wind. While this is usually a welcoming breeze it can be irritating if you have strong winds at the beach and Baby Beach is no exception. Consider renting a cabana for protection if you visit on a particularly winding day.
🍔 Restaurant Options
There aren’t a lot of food options at Baby Beach but the two available restaurants there offer food and drink at reasonable prices. Big Mama Grill, with its Flintstones-style decor, offers BBQs and seafood platters while Rum Reef serves excellent cocktails and has a newly opened kitchen.
🚻 Restrooms & Changing Facilities
Like many beaches in Aruba, there are no public restrooms or changing facilities on Baby Beach. If you need to use the bathroom then you will have to pay $2 at Big Mamma Grill or The Rum Reef. I usually just purchase some food or drinks and use the facilities for free!
🛢️ Old Oil Refinery
The oil refinery is currently out of use but due to the small size of Aruba, it is quite visible from Baby Beach. Many visitors have even taken to Tripadvisor to voice their dissatisfaction. While the sight of the refinery is quite unusual, it shouldn’t and doesn’t affect the fact that Baby Beach is still an idyllic location.
🚧 Hotel Construction
There are currently no hotels at Baby Beach but construction on an all-inclusive Secrets resort is nearly complete. There could be a dramatic change in the landscape, atmosphere, and clientele when it does finally open. That’s why there’s no better time than now to experience Baby Beach while it retains its unique charm and ambience!
7 Best Things To Do At Baby Beach Aruba
Baby Beach is a great day out for adults and kids alike. The beach may be small but there are plenty of things to do in and around the area to make the trip worth your while.
1. Sunbathe On One Of The Most Beautiful Beaches In Aruba!
Isn’t this the number 1 reason why anyone goes to the beach? Baby Beach’s soft white sand is a wonderful place to enjoy the sun and work on your tan (safety).
Arrive just after breakfast to grab a good spot, either close to the water or under a free palapa, get out a good book and enjoy the views! You’ll soon find yourself lost in your book and, more likely, the beautiful surroundings.
If you want to chill on the beach but are not keen on the sun then you can always rent a cabana from Big Mama Grill. The guy who rents out lounge chairs ($10 each) and cabanas ($70 including two chairs) has been there since I remember and works for the grill. You can even make a reservation on their Whatsapp at +297 5674 950 (just remember to bring cash!)
The area around Big Mama Grill is also busier as the main car park is there. For a bit more privacy, head towards the Rum Reef Bar & Grill to find a more secluded spot. The water is more wavy here but only slightly and you’ll have to be careful of the odd rock.
2. Swim Or Snorkel In Crystal Clear Water
There is plenty of marine life at Baby Beach so grab your snorkel and fins and dive right in! The water level and calmness are why Baby Beach is so famous as young children can experience the joys of the underwater world too.
To the left of the beach, you’ll find a section that is roped off as the water gets deeper. This is a great place to snorkel as many fish are found in these deeper waters. Barracudas, parrot fish, and eels are common sites around here. Keep your eye out for the resident turtles too.
If you don’t have your own snorkel equipment then you can always rent some from our guy at Big Mama Grill!
3. Lunch At Big Mamma Grill
I must have mentioned Big Mama Grill several times already in this post so where else to grab a bite to eat? It’s one of only 2 restaurants on Baby Beach so there’s not a lot of choice. The good news is that the food is pretty decent, as long as you’re not looking for a fine dining experience.
The restaurant is like a typical beach shack and serves grilled meats and seafood, burgers as well as a range of hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages. Prices are very reasonable and it’s a great place to grab a drink or two so you can use their bathroom!
Kids will also love the Dinosaur/Flintstones car and Dino outside the restaurant. It’s almost an iconic image at Baby Beach nowadays and a fun little photo op!
4. Drinks & Infinity Pool At Rum Reef
Until recently, Big Mama Grill was the only restaurant option on Baby Beach. The Rum Reef Bar & Grill only served drinks until recently. when they finally opened up their new kitchen.
Located at the opposite end of the beach, Rum Reef serves excellent cocktails and Mexican-style food like tacos as well as fresh seafood. Prices are quite reasonable and you can use their infinity pool and get some incredible views of Baby Beach.
5. See The Iconic Seroe Colorado Anchor
As you drive towards Baby Beach from San Nicolas, you won’t be able to miss the giant red anchor placed directly in front of you as you turn towards the coast.
That is the Seroe Colorado Anchor – officially known as the Anchor in Memory to All Seamen. While its obvious purpose is to be a tribute to all seamen who have lost their lives at sea over the years, how it got there is quite interesting.
The anchor was originally made in Germany in the 1960s and was lost at sea for many years before finding its way to the small village of Seroe Colorado.
Painted red and put up in 1985, the anchor serves as a reminder of the lost lives each time it’s passed. There is plenty of space to stop on the side to take some photos. You can’t really leave home without a photo as you’ll see this anchor on many postcards and magnets!
6. Explore San Nicolas – Aruba’s Second City
This is where I get a little bias! My family lives in San Nicolas so I obviously highly recommend you take some time to explore this less visited city!
One of the first things you might notice as you walk around the city is the huge murals that are spread around the streets. This is a result of the Aruba Art Fair where artists from all over the world arrive to unleash their creative talents onto the walls of San Nicolas.
There are now over 50 murals and pieces of art dotted around the place. You can break up your open-air gallery exploration with a drink at Charlie’s Bar, a unique bar that’s almost as famous as the beaches in Aruba!
7. 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 located in the southeast corner of Aruba, near the town of San Nicolas. Since most visitors to Aruba stay in Palm Beach and Eagle Beach on the west side of the island, around 25-30km away, getting to Baby Beach will require a set of wheels.
Here are the best options to help plan your journey to Baby Beach.
Driving to Baby Beach in Aruba
Driving to Baby Beach is one of the best options as, not only is it the easiest way to get to the beach, but you will also have absolute freedom to explore the island during your stay in Aruba.
If you’re driving from Palm Beach, it takes around 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. Once you’ve made your way to San Nicolas, Baby Beach is well-signposted making it very easy to find.
Aruba is also very safe for drivers and the traffic is not too busy except at peak times around Oranjestad. The roads are in good condition and the main highway takes you from one end of the island to another in under an hour.
Picking your car up at the airport means you won’t have to pay for airport transfers and you can take yourself, your partner, and your family anywhere in Aruba.
➡️ 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
Taking a taxi to Baby Beach is another easy if more expensive option. Taxis in Aruba do not have meters and have fixed prices throughout the island that will need to be agreed on.
At the time of writing, the average cost of a one-way taxi from the Palm Beach area to Baby Beach is $60 for a one-way journey. This can be easily arranged with your hotel or there are several taxi stands in the major tourist areas.
To get a taxi back, you will need to tell the driver what time you intend to leave and they can come back to pick you up. Otherwise, they might just wait for you, which could be chargeable of course!
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, and many of the top hotel resort brands have a hotel somewhere on the island. However, there isn’t anywhere to stay at Baby Beach, unfortunately (or fortunately, since this adds to the charm!)
There are a few excellent options nearby if you wish to stay close to Baby Beach. The advantage of staying on this part of the island is that you can explore some of the lesser-visited areas such as Savaneta and Mangel Halto Beach.
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!
❗️Update: There are currently no high-end hotel options at Baby Beach. I found this pricey option close to the beach but until the new Secrets all-inclusive resort is built, simple (but lovely) guesthouses are your only option.
Baby Beach Aruba: FAQs
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?
100% yes! It is absolutely worth visiting Baby Beach Aruba. The beach is the perfect place for a more chilled, relaxed day out as it’s much less visited than Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. It’s a fantastic place for swimming and snorkelling while being child-safe due to the shallow, calm water.
Why Is It Called Baby Beach in Aruba?
Baby Beach got its name from the fact that it’s ideal for babies or small children! The beach is known for its shallow, calm waters making it a safe environment for parents to bring their young children to swim and snorkel. This is thanks to the man-altered barrier that shelters the lagoon from rough waters.
Does Baby Beach Aruba Have Shade?
There is not a lot of shade on Baby Beach, however, there are plenty of options to cover up. Get there early and you can use the free palapas, and hire a cabana for the day. Or bring your own beach umbrella and chairs if you have them.
How far is Palm Beach in Aruba to Baby Beach in Aruba?
Baby Beach in Aruba is around 30km from Palm Beach. The trip takes approximately 30-40 minutes to drive depending on what type of transport you take. They’re on opposite ends of the island so be aware that you could encounter some traffic in Oranjestad.
Wrapping Up: Baby Beach Aruba
That wraps up this guide to Baby Beach in Aruba! Whether you’re on a trip for some family adventures, underwater fun, or just to work on your tan, this is the place for you.
From the calm, shallow waters perfect for the little ones (and adults alike) to the vibrant marine life waiting to be explored, Baby Beach offers a little slice of tropical paradise that’s for everyone, no matter their age.
Since my family lives in San Nicolas, I’ve had the pleasure of calling this place my ‘local’ beach whenever I visit. I’ve grown to enjoy Baby Beach much more than some of the other beaches in Aruba. I love the more chilled and relaxed local atmosphere and I’m 100% sure you will too.
So now that you’re fully clued up on everything Baby Beach has to offer, all that’s left to do is pack your bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen and discover this hidden gem for yourself.
