Baby Beach
Aruba

Baby Beach sits on the southeast tip of Aruba, close to San Nicolás and Seroe Colorado. It’s a wide, shallow lagoon where the water stays calm and waist-deep for a long stretch, which is why it’s often called the most family friendly beach in Aruba. I’ve been here several times, and it always a nice change from the resort strip — quieter on weekdays, busier on weekends, and a favorite for both locals and visitors with kids.

The truth about Baby Beach

Baby Beach used to feel like a hidden gem with just a couple of snack shacks and plenty of space. These days it’s busier, and the new Secrets Baby Beach Aruba resort has added to the development. The lagoon is still beautiful and safe for swimming, but it doesn’t have quite the same laid-back vibe it once did.

I also need to point out that from parts of Baby Beach you can see the old refinery towers in the distance. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it’s good to know upfront so you’re not surprised. I actually like its look but for some, it might ruin the tropical vibe feeling.

Best time to visit Baby Beach

• Time of day: Mornings are calmest with clearer water and fewer people.
• Season: Year-round, but winter months (December–April) are drier and less windy.
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are quieter; weekends attract more locals.
• Weather-wise: Avoid very windy days — they stir up sand and reduce visibility for snorkeling.

Tips for visiting Baby Beach

• Go early if you want a shady hut or quiet swim.
• Stay inside the lagoon if you’re not a confident swimmer — currents outside the ropes can be strong.
• Expect more crowds when cruise ships are docked in Oranjestad.
• The new Secrets resort has made the area feel more developed than it used to.
• Combine your trip with a stop in San Nicolás for murals and local eats.
• If you find Baby Beach too crowded, you can walk over to Roger's Beach, which is usually empty.
• Plan at least half a day here — the drive is long for just an hour swim.
• Bring your own snorkel gear; rentals at the beach are limited.

What to bring to Baby Beach

• Snorkel gear: rentals exist, but quality is hit-or-miss.
• Umbrella or extra shade: free huts are limited.
• Snacks and water: food stalls are there, but options are limited and close early.
• Reef-safe sunscreen & rash guard: the sun is strong and shade is scarce.
• Cash: some food stalls and rentals don’t take cards.

The list of activities at Baby Beach Aruba is not a long one, but it can be more than just swimming. You can make a full day trip to Baby Beach if you combine it with nearby San Nicolás.

Relax in the lagoon

The shallow lagoon is the main reason to visit. The water stays waist-deep for a long way out, which makes it one of the best family-friendly activities at Baby Beach Aruba. I often just float here for an hour without worrying about waves — it’s that calm.

Snorkeling close to shore

Even without heading to the inlet, you can slip on a mask and spot fish along the rocks near the edge of the lagoon. For many visitors, snorkeling here is one of the best things to do at Baby Beach besides just swimming. I’ll cover the reef and currents in detail later, but for kids and beginners, this easy snorkeling is perfect.

Walk the beach & take photos

Baby Beach curves into a neat horseshoe shape, and walking end to end doesn’t take long. The mix of white sand and turquoise water makes it photogenic, refinery in the distance or not.

Explore San Nicolás nearby

If you’ve driven all the way down, make time for San Nicolás before heading back. The town has striking street art murals, small bars, and local cafés. It adds cultural flavor to a half-day trip to Baby Beach Aruba, and I’ve always found it a nice balance after a lazy beach morning.

Snorkeling at Baby Beach Aruba is great for beginners and kids inside the lagoon, with more variety near the inlet — just respect the buoys and currents. Always stay within the marked snorkel area. Outside the ropes, currents can be stronger than they look.

Where to snorkel (and where not to) at Baby Beach

• Safe snorkeling spots at Baby Beach Aruba: Start inside the lagoon and along the rocky edges. It’s shallow, clear on calm mornings, and ideal snorkeling for beginners at Baby Beach or anyone snorkeling with kids. You’ll see fish without leaving protected water.
• Reef snorkeling at Baby Beach (advanced only): Closer to the inlet, fish life picks up — but so does the flow. Snorkeling beyond the rope at Baby Beach is not recommended. That’s where currents and boat traffic become a risk.

What you’ll see underwater

Inside the lagoon, I usually spot parrotfish, grunts, damselfish, and the odd school of silversides. Near the inlet rocks, the variety of marine life you can see at Baby Beach improves and you can sometimes see barracuda or a turtle when conditions are calm. Expect lower visibility on windy days when sand gets stirred up.

Best time to snorkel at Baby Beach Aruba

Early morning wins. Winds are lighter, the lagoon is calmer, visibility is better, and the shade huts aren’t taken yet. My friend with two kids found “snorkeling better than expected” early morning, but said it got crowded and choppy by midday — so plan accordingly.

Snorkel gear rental at Baby Beach

Baby Beach snorkel gear rental is available from the local dive shop, JADS Dive Center, located on the other side of the beach near Rum Reef. Rentals are available on-site for masks, snorkels, and fins. You can also rent full-face masks, which are a popular option. 

Safety & gear tips

• Stay inside the buoys. The ropes are there for a reason; currents near the opening can pull you seaward.
• Use fins if you’re new. Even in a lagoon, light current + chop can tire you fast.
• Bring your own mask. There is snorkel gear rental at Baby Beach, but quality and fit vary.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard. Better for the coral and your skin.
• Baby Beach snorkeling conditions change with wind; skip the inlet on rough days.

Real-world expectations - my honest opinion

You’ll hear mixed takes. Some call it “fantastic,” others prefer Arashi or Malmok Beach for fish density. I think, for first-timers and families, the lagoon is hard to beat. For experienced snorkelers chasing reefs, it’s good on the right day — but Aruba’s northern sites may deliver more.

You only have a few restaurant options when trying to choose where to eat near Baby Beach Aruba. You’ll find more dining places in San Nicolás, but don't expect anything fancy.

Big Mama Grill

One of the best restaurants in Baby Beach. It has everything a beach bar should; grilled ribs, seafood plates, burgers, and cold drinks.

Rum Reef Bar & Grill

Perched above the beach with a pool and deck, Rum Reef is one of the few Baby Beach Aruba restaurants with a view.  It’s a bit pricier than the shacks below, but the view makes it worth it, especially at sunset.

Lago Colony Beach Club

The Lago Colony Beach Club is popular beach bar at Baby Beach with locals and longtime visitors. It feels more low-key than the main beach shacks and has simple comfort food and cold drinks. A good alternative if Big Mama or Rum Reef are crowded.

Local restaurants near San Nicolás

If you’re up for a short drive, San Nicolás has more variety: small local bars, Caribbean cafés, and even some family-friendly restaurants near Baby Beach. It’s a good option if you want a sit-down meal instead of beach food.

There aren’t many hotels near Baby Beach Aruba, but you do have options depending on budget and style. Here’s what I recommend when people ask me where to stay near Baby Beach.

Secrets Baby Beach Aruba – luxury all-inclusive

The new Secrets Baby Beach Aruba Adults Only resort sits right behind the lagoon. It’s the only true resort, with all-inclusive dining, pools, and modern rooms. It's great if you want luxury and convenience, though it does change the old quiet vibe of the area.

Baby Beach Oasis

A modern villa with a pool, shaded patio, and self-catering setup with great view. It’s within walking distance of Baby Beach, making it an excellent choice for couples or families looking for comfort and style.

Aruba Beachfront Lux Cabin

A charming cabin-style villa set directly on the waterfront not too far from Baby Beach. It’s perfect for travelers who want a rustic, private beach escape with the sea right outside their door.

Villas and guesthouses near San Nicolás

If you’d rather skip a big resort, you’ll find vacation rentals and small boutique guesthouses near Baby Beach in San Nicolás. These make solid mid-range choices if you want privacy and a local feel.

Budget stays further north

The most affordable hotels near Baby Beach are back toward Savaneta or Oranjestad. It’s a 20–40 minute drive, but you’ll find small inns and guesthouses that cost much less than the big resorts. If you’ve rented a car, staying farther away isn’t a big issue.

Where to stay near Baby Beach by travel type:

If you’re wondering what type of accommodation to choose, here’s how I’d break it down:

• If you want a luxury all-inclusive resort near Baby Beach, go with Secrets Baby Beach Aruba Adults Only. It’s right on the lagoon and has everything on site.
• If you prefer family-friendly accommodations, check out villas or vacation rentals in San Nicolás. They give you more space, a kitchen, and a local feel.
• If you’re after the best hotels near Baby Beach on a budget, look toward Savaneta or Oranjestad. Small guesthouses and inns cost less, and the drive is easy if you’ve got a car.

Personally, I wouldn’t stay down here for a full week. A couple of nights is nice, but I would split my trip — some time at Baby Beach, then back up to Eagle or Palm Beach for more dining and nightlife.

Wondering how to get to Baby Beach Aruba? The lagoon sits on the far southeast tip of the island, near San Nicolás and Seroe Colorado. It’s well outside the resort strip, but still easy to reach by taxi, rental car, or even public bus.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise passengers can reach Baby Beach by taxi in about 40–45 minutes or by bus. Some tours also include it with San Nicolás murals or other stops. Since it’s far from town, it’s smart to arrange a pickup with your taxi driver to return.

How far is Baby Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~35 km (22 miles)
• Driving time: 40–45 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $40–45 USD one way (more if driver waits)

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport, AUA)

From the airport, head south on Route 1 through Oranjestad and follow signs toward San Nicolás. Continue to Seroe Colorado, where the road ends at Baby Beach.

How far is Baby Beach from the airport?

• Distance: ~30 km (19 miles)
• Driving time: 35–40 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–40 USD one way

From Palm and Eagle Beach

If you’re staying in Aruba’s main resort area, drive south past the airport, then follow Route 1 through San Nicolás. From there, signs direct you to Baby Beach and Seroe Colorado.

How far is Baby Beach from Palm & Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~33 km (20–21 miles)
• Driving time: 45–50 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $45–50 USD one way

From Oranjestad

From the capital, take Route 1 south past the airport and continue straight to San Nicolás. Baby Beach is signposted from there.

How far is Baby Beach from Oranjestad?

• Distance: ~35 km (22 miles)
• Driving time: 40–45 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $40–45 USD one way

From San Nicolás

From San Nicolás, follow the road through Seroe Colorado directly to Baby Beach. It’s the shortest and easiest route if you’re staying in Aruba’s southern town. You can also take bus L900.

How far is Baby Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
• Driving time: 10–15 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $15–20 USD one way

Taxi to Baby Beach

If you’re not renting a car, a taxi is the simplest means of transportation to Baby Beach. Drivers know the location well. Arrange a pickup for the return, as cabs don’t always wait at the beach.

Approximate Baby Beach taxi fares:

• From Oranjestad (cruise port) to Baby Beach: $40–45
• From Palm Beach to Baby Beach: $45–50
• From Eagle Beach to Baby Beach: $40–45
• From Noord to Baby Beach: $45–50
• From AUA Airport to Baby Beach: $35–40

Public transport to Baby Beach

Arubus runs only to San Nicolás (routes L1, L2, L3A), then you’ll need to change buses to L900. It’s cheap, but not convenient if you’re hauling snorkel gear or beach chairs. Always check the most up-to-date Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Baby Beach by rental car

The easiest way to reach Baby Beach is by car. You don’t need a 4x4, roads are paved all the way. From the resort area, follow Route 1 south through San Nicolás toward Seroe Colorado and look for the signs.

Parking

There’s a free Baby Beach parking right behind the sand. It usually has space on weekdays, but fills up fast on weekends. Don’t leave valuables inside.

Baby Beach Aruba is worth visiting, but it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want soft sand, shallow water, and a family friendly beach in Aruba, this lagoon is hard to beat. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with kids or just want a calm swim far from the waves. If you’re chasing world-class snorkeling, you might prefer Arashi or Boca Catalina.