San Nicolas
Go to San Nicolas for large street murals, a working port town, and calm beaches on Aruba's south coast.
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San Nicolas is the second-largest city in Aruba, a Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. It sits on the southeast side of the island, far from the hotel strip around Palm Beach and from the capital, Oranjestad. For much of the 20th century the city grew around the oil refinery and the port, and those industries still shape its streets and waterfront.
Today visitors come for the street murals that cover many of the city's walls, and for the south coast beaches a short drive away, including Baby Beach, known for its shallow, calm water. San Nicolas suits a relaxed trip of two or three days, or a base for exploring the south and east of the island. The dry months run from about December to April, the best time to visit. Hurricane season runs June through November.
San Nicolas in five
- Rent a car for the east endSan Nicolas is on the east end of the island, a long drive from the west-coast hotels. Drive on the right and carry your valid driving license.Getting around
- Carry US dollars and florinsThe currency is the Aruban florin. US dollars are accepted, and change may come back in florins. Keep small notes for taxis and kiosks.
- Set up an eSIM before you landRoaming charges add up fast, so load a data plan that covers Aruba before your flight lands.Phones and eSIM
- Check your insurance covers the rental carRead the rental contract for the excess, the amount you pay if the car is damaged, and check that your travel policy covers it.Travel insurance
- Pack sunscreen and waterThe island is dry and sunny, and the trade wind can mask how strong the sun is. Shade on the coast is scarce, so carry both.
Things to do in San Nicolas
See all attractions in San Nicolas
Need to know
- Currency
- Aruban florin (AWG)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; check the arrival card before you fly
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Check the bill for a service charge; otherwise about 10 to 15%
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, breezy
- FebruaryDry, breezy
- MarchDry, warm
- AprilDry, warm
- MayWarm, quieter
- JuneStorm season opens
- JulyHot, windy
- AugustHot, windy
- SeptemberStorm season
- OctoberStorm season
- NovemberStorm season
- DecemberDry, busy
Right now in San Nicolas
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 34°
- Humidity
- 78%
- Wind
- 29 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 25%
San Nicolas
06:39 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today31°28°25%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 31°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 25%.
- Tue31°28°18%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 18%.
- Wed31°28°35%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Thu30°26°47%Thursday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 47%.
- Fri29°25°63%Friday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 63%.
- Sat29°25°53%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 53%.
- Sun30°25°43%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 43%.
Updated 02:31 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.79 AWG
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Oranjestadby car from San NicolasThe capital, with the main hotels and the harbor.Read the guide
- Arikok National Parkby car from San NicolasA dry, rocky park in the north-east with walking trails and caves.
- Eagle Beachby car from San NicolasA wide white beach on the west coast, a good swim after a day in town.
Before you go to San Nicolas
Rules for San Nicolas, checked
- Check Aruba's current entry rules and the arrival card for your passport before you book, on the official government site.
- Dial 911 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere on Aruba.
- Drive on the right, carry your valid driving license and read the rental contract for the excess.
- Declare cash above the legal limit on the customs form at arrival or departure.
Plan around San Nicolas
The island, its towns and entry rules for a trip
Read the guideGetting around ArubaCar hire and taxis for the drive to San Nicolas
Read the guideMoney and costsFlorins, US dollars, cards and what things cost
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules and what to file before arrival
Read the guideWhere to stayPlaces to sleep in San Nicolas and nearby
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData plans that work on the island
Read the guideSan Nicolas FAQ
Is San Nicolas worth visiting?
Yes if you want the part of Aruba beyond the resort strip: the street murals, a working town and Baby Beach on the southeast coast. Skip it if you only want resort pools.
How do you get to San Nicolas from Oranjestad?
By car or taxi, heading east from Oranjestad. Renting a car is the easiest choice for a day trip.
How many days do you need in San Nicolas?
A day covers the town and Baby Beach. Two nights let you see the town after the day visitors leave and the east coast at a slower pace.
When is the best time to visit San Nicolas?
December to April, the driest months. Hurricane season runs June to November, so pick flexible bookings if you travel then.
Is the US dollar accepted in San Nicolas?
Yes, US dollars are accepted, but the local currency is the Aruban florin. Ask for change in florins for small payments such as taxis.