Baby Beach

Baby Beach sits at Aruba's far southern end, a horseshoe lagoon almost closed off by a reef arm so that the water inside stays flat, warm and shallow enough to walk out a long way. It is the island's family beach for exactly that reason, and it doubles as an easy snorkelling spot where the lagoon deepens near the reef edge, with parrotfish and rays in clear water. The surrounding area around San Nicolas has been transformed by a street-art programme that covered the old refinery town's walls in large murals, making a half day of beach and town a good combination.

History

In the 1950s the Aruba Esso Club was built on the west side of the lagoon as part of Lago Colony, the refinery settlement now called Seroe Colorado, with a restaurant, a dance floor and a baseball stadium, and a dock and small shacks in the lagoon; one shack still stands, and of the club only one large abandoned building remains (Wikipedia, Baby Beach, Aruba).

The landscape

• The shallow lagoon - waist-deep water far out from shore.
• Snorkelling at the reef edge - deeper water and fish at the lagoon's mouth.
• San Nicolas street art - large murals across the town's buildings.
• The southern coast - Rodgers Beach and the old refinery landscape.

When to go

Year round, given Aruba's steady dry warmth. Weekends bring local families; weekdays are calmer. The trade wind is lighter here than on the north coast, which makes it hotter as well as calmer.

Things to know

The lagoon's far edge drops off and currents run out through the reef gap - staying inside the lagoon matters, especially with children. Shade is limited and rented; the sun is fierce. The drive from the main resort areas is the longest on the island. The nearby refinery infrastructure is visible and unattractive from some angles.

Nearby

San Nicolas murals, Rodgers Beach and the Arikok park's south-eastern edge.

Key facts