Baby Beach

Baby Beach sits at the far southeastern end of Aruba, near the town of San Nicolas, and is named for its shallow, gentle water. A natural rock barrier almost encloses the bay, creating a calm, crescent-shaped lagoon where the water stays warm and shallow well out from shore. That makes it the island's go-to beach for families with young children and for nervous swimmers.

The protected lagoon is also a friendly place to learn to snorkel: reef fish gather near the rocky edges of the bay, and the calm water means easy, low-stress entries. The strong trade winds and surf stay outside the reef barrier, so inside the cove conditions remain placid. Snack bars and palapa rentals operate behind the sand, and a casual beach restaurant nearby is a local favourite.

Visiting Baby Beach

• Entry is free with a parking area behind the beach.
• Bring or rent snorkel gear to explore the reef fish near the rocky edges.
• Stay inside the lagoon; the open water beyond the rock barrier has strong current and is not for swimming.
• Palapas and a snack bar provide shade and food, but bring water and sun protection.

Baby Beach is the highlight of the San Nicolas area, close to the snorkeling at Rodgers Beach and the colourful San Nicolas street art in town. Combine a morning swim here with a stroll through the murals of Aruba's Sunrise City.