Aruba Beaches With Toddlers: What Actually Helps

A toddler beach day in Aruba comes down to three things: shallow water, real shade, and a short trip home when someone melts down. Pick the beach with those in mind and everything else gets easier.

Beaches that suit small children

Baby Beach is a calm, shallow, lagoon-style bay on the southeast tip. Frommer's says rock breakwaters protect it, and that it is popular with families. The catch is the drive. MyArubaGuide puts it about 45 minutes from the cruise terminal in Oranjestad.

Boca Catalina stays shallow a long way out, but you walk down steps to reach it, and there are no toilets, showers, or food. Think about what you would be carrying.

Arashi Beach has calm, shallow water that the tourism office says suits all ages, and a parking area close to the sand. There are rocky sections near the shoreline, so look for a sandy entry and put water shoes on small feet. It is also much closer to Palm Beach and Oranjestad than Baby Beach. Our Arashi with kids guide has more detail.

Sun protection comes first

Aruba sits close to the equator and the sun is strong. Monthly peak UV values for Oranjestad run from 10 in December to 14 in March and April, using Copernicus data. Wind can make it feel cooler than it is.

• Babies under 6 months: The American Academy of Pediatrics says to keep them out of direct sun with shade, light clothing, and a brimmed hat. Use sunscreen on small areas only if shade and clothing are not available.
• Older toddlers: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and reapply about every 2 hours and after swimming or toweling off.
• Everyone: Hats, sunglasses, and swim shirts help. Shade alone is not enough, because sand and water bounce UV back at you.

Set the day around nap time

Go early. The sun is less intense, the beach is easier to settle into, and you can be done by the time your child hits a wall. If your toddler naps in a stroller or on a towel, you need dependable shade from the first minute. A big umbrella is much better than a small one that needs to be moved constantly.

Water safety

Calm water still needs eyes on it. Keep toddlers within arm's reach. Do not assume a lifeguard is on duty at any beach. Skip anywhere with a no-swimming sign. A puddle-jumper or life vest is worth packing if your child has one that fits.

Toddler packing list

• Swim diapers and a few spares
• Water shoes
• Reef-friendly sunscreen, swim shirt, and hat
• Bucket and shovel
• Snacks that will not attract every bird on the beach
• Lots of water. Aruba tap water is safe to drink, so refill a bottle before you leave
• A towel and a dry change of clothes for the ride home
• A reusable bag for dirty clothes and trash

Make arrival easy

The hardest part of a toddler beach day is the first 20 minutes. You are unloading the car, holding a small person, and trying to set something up in the wind. A reserved set removes that step. Ours is one big umbrella and two beach chairs, already set up and anchored before you arrive. It is held under your name from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so you can go back for a nap and return to the same spot. The price is $120.00 per set per day, all in. Staying a few days? Day 2 is 10% off and day 3 onward is 20% off the set price, as a limited offer.

If grandparents are coming, add up to 4 extra chairs per set at $25 per chair per day. Book your set at least 24 hours ahead and you will get confirmation right away with a map.

Source: Frommer's: Aruba Beaches, MyArubaGuide: Cruise to Aruba, Aruba.com: Arashi Beach, MyArubaGuide: Boca Catalina, NomadSeason: UV Index in Oranjestad, HealthyChildren.org: Sun Safety, CDC: Sun Safety, VisitAruba: Tanning Advice, Aruba.com: Is Aruba Safe. Conditions change, so check on the day.