Paradise Found: Baby Beach in Aruba

• HelloBon Dia
  [Bon Dee-a]
• GoodbyeAyo
  [I-yo]
• YesSi
  [See]
• NoNo
  [No]
• Please/You're welcomePor fabor
  [Por fa-bor]
• Thank youDanki
  [Dan-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [Par-don]
• How are you?Con ta bai?
  [Kon ta ba-i?]
• Fine. And you?Bon. I bu?
  [Bon. Ee boo?]
• Do you speak English?Bo papia Ingles?
  [Bo pa-pya Ing-les?]
• I don't understandMi no ta compronde
  [Mee no ta kom-pron-de]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi kier mira e menu, por fabor
  [Mee kyer mee-ra e me-nu, por fa-bor]
• I don't eat meatMi no come carne
  [Mee no kom-eh kar-ne]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [Sa-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi kier paga, por fabor
  [Mee kyer pa-ga, por fa-bor]

• Help!Yuda!
  [Yoo-da!]
• Go away!Bai for di aki!
  [By for dee ah-kee!]
• Call the Police!Yama polis!
  [Ya-ma po-lees!]
• Call a doctor!Yama dokter!
  [Ya-ma dok-ter!]
• I'm lostMi a perde
  [Mee ah per-de]
• I'm illMi ta malu
  [Mee ta ma-loo]

• I'd like to buy...Mi kier cumpra...
  [Mee kyer kum-pra...]
• I'm just lookingMi ta mirando solamente
  [Mee ta mee-ran-do so-la-men-te]
• How much is it?Cuanto ta costa esaki?
  [Kwan-to ta kos-ta eh-sa-kee?]
• That's too expensiveEsaki ta muchu caro
  [Eh-sa-kee ta moo-choo ka-ro]
• Can you lower the price?Por fabor baha e prijs?
  [Por fa-bor ba-ha eh prays?]

• What time is it?Kiko ora ta?
  [Kee-ko o-ra ta?]
• It's one o'clockTa un ora
  [Ta oon o-ra]
• Half past (10)Mitad di diez
  [Mee-tad dee deez]
• MorningMadruga
  [Mad-roo-ga]
• AfternoonTardi
  [Tar-dee]
• EveningAnochi
  [A-no-chee]
• YesterdayAyer
  [I-yer]
• TodayAwe
  [A-weh]
• TomorrowMañan
  [Man-yan]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwa-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-ko]
• 6Seis
  [Sayss]
• 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [O-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Deez]

• Where's a/the...?Unda ta e...?
  [Oon-da ta eh...?]
• What's the address?Kiko ta e adres?
  [Kee-ko ta eh ad-res?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Por fabor mustra mi (riba e mapa)?
  [Por fa-bor moos-tra mee (ree-ba e ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiko ora ta e proximo (bus)?
  [Kee-ko o-ra ta eh pro-ksee-mo (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (pa ....)
  [Oon bo-le-to (pa ....)]

Baby Beach, located on the southeastern tip of Aruba, is a man-made lagoon that was developed in the early 20th century. Originally created by the Lago Oil & Transport Co. Ltd. for their employees and families, the beach offered a safe and shallow swimming area, which is how it got its name 'Baby Beach'. The calm waters made it perfect for children and inexperienced swimmers.

The establishment of the Lago Oil Refinery in the 1920s marked a significant chapter in Aruba's history. The refinery, which was one of the largest in the world at the time, attracted a multicultural workforce. Baby Beach served as a recreational area for these workers and their families, becoming a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The beach was a place where people from different backgrounds could relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Aruba.

During World War II, the Lago Oil Refinery became a crucial asset for the Allied forces, producing aviation fuel and other petroleum products. Baby Beach continued to serve as a recreational spot for refinery workers, even as the island fortified its defenses against potential threats. The beach's tranquil environment provided a stark contrast to the tense global situation, offering a respite for those involved in the war effort.

After World War II, the Lago Oil Refinery continued to operate, but Baby Beach began to attract more locals and tourists. As Aruba's tourism industry started to grow, Baby Beach became a popular destination due to its clear, shallow waters and scenic beauty. The beach's transformation from a company recreational area to a public tourist attraction marked a new era in its history.

Today, Baby Beach is one of Aruba's most beloved attractions. The area has seen various upgrades to accommodate the influx of tourists, including the addition of amenities such as snack bars, restrooms, and rental facilities for snorkeling and other water activities. Despite these modern developments, Baby Beach retains its charm and continues to be a place where visitors can experience the serene beauty of Aruba's coastline.

Baby Beach is situated on the southeastern tip of Aruba. The nearest airport is Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad, approximately 25 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service to reach Baby Beach. The drive typically takes around 30-40 minutes. For those staying in the main hotel areas like Palm Beach or Eagle Beach, renting a car or taking a taxi is recommended for convenience.

While Baby Beach itself is best explored on foot, getting to and from the area requires transportation. Renting a car provides the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore other parts of the island. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available but can be costly for multiple trips. Public buses run from Oranjestad to San Nicolas, but service frequency may be limited. Parking is generally available near the beach, but it can fill up quickly during peak times.

The official currency in Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local vendors. ATMs are available in San Nicolas, the nearest town, where you can withdraw both Aruban Florins and U.S. dollars.

Baby Beach is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach and be cautious when walking alone at night. While Aruba has a low crime rate, San Nicolas has areas where petty crime may occur, particularly targeting tourists. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facility is the Horacio Oduber Hospital in Oranjestad. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in San Nicolas where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable beach attire, but avoid walking around town in swimwear. Dress modestly when visiting local communities. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Aruba is predominantly Christian, and modest dress is appreciated when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful to bus drivers and other passengers. Taxis and buses are safe and reliable. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Bon dia' (Good morning in Papiamento). A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as Keshi Yena (stuffed cheese) and seafood. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Baby Beach like a local, arrive early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life in the shallow waters. Visit the nearby town of San Nicolas to experience local art at the murals and galleries. Try local food trucks for an authentic taste of Aruban cuisine. Engage with locals; they are friendly and often willing to share tips and stories about the island.