Baby Beach Aruba is the island’s famous half-moon lagoon — shallow, calm, and safe enough that it was literally named for babies. Because it sits at the far southern tip, many visitors skip it. That is a mistake, and this guide explains why.
Top-rated catamaran and snorkel sails
Why Baby Beach Aruba is special
The lagoon stays waist-deep for a very long way out, and the reef edge blocks the waves. As a result, toddlers splash safely while snorkelers explore the rocky edges. Moreover, the sand is soft and the crowds stay thinner than the hotel strips.
Getting there and what to bring
- The drive takes about 40 minutes from the high-rise hotels — an easy day trip.
- Bring water shoes for the rocky lagoon edges.
- There is a snack bar and lounger rental, but pack your own shade for quieter corners.
- Combine it with San Nicolas street art on the way back.
Swimming and snorkeling tips
Stay inside the lagoon, because currents pick up beyond the reef opening. Inside, however, the water is bath-calm and clear. For more spots around the island, see our snorkeling guide.
Planning your visit
Mornings are calmest and coolest, so aim to arrive before 11 a.m. Afterwards, lunch in San Nicolas rounds out the day perfectly. For the full southern-day plan, check our Aruba itineraries and our list of the best beaches in Aruba. Official island info lives at aruba.com.
Coming from the hotel strip, many visitors pair Baby Beach with a guided south-coast day that handles the driving.
Baby Beach essentials
- Swimming
- Excellent — waist-deep lagoon, no waves inside
- Snorkelling
- Good near the rocks at the lagoon mouth; stay inside the reef
- Families
- The best beach on the island for small children
- Parking
- Free, large lot
- Facilities
- Snack bar, restrooms, palapas, chair and gear rental
- Crowds
- Busy on weekends and cruise days
- Wind
- Windy; the lagoon stays flat anyway
- Water
- Calm, warm, very clear inside
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
Baby Beach is a half-moon lagoon at the island’s south-eastern tip, walled off from the sea by a reef so that the water inside stays flat and shallow. It is the beach every parent of a toddler ends up at, and a good half-day for anyone combined with San Nicolas.
Swimming and water conditions
Inside the lagoon you can wade almost to the reef with the water at waist height. Outside the reef the current is strong and there have been rescues: do not swim through the gap.
Snorkelling
Along the rocks on the right-hand side of the lagoon there are fish and the odd ray in shallow, clear water: perfect for first-time snorkellers and children. Keep inside the reef line.
Facilities, shade and parking
There is a snack bar with restrooms, palapas that fill early, and chairs and snorkel gear for rent. Parking is free and plentiful. Bring shade for the afternoon; the wind keeps you cool but the sun is fierce.
Where to eat nearby
Grab lunch at the beach snack bar, or drive five minutes into San Nicolas for local food and the murals; where to eat in San Nicolas has the picks. Zeerovers in Savaneta is 15 minutes back toward the hotels.
Map
Open Baby Beach in Google Maps →
Hotels near Baby Beach
Live rates on Expedia. See the full <a href='/where-to-stay-in-aruba/'>where to stay guide</a> for every area.
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