Less than an hour from downtown Willemstad, Kenepa Grandi (also called Grote Knip) and Kenepa Chiki (Klein Knip) are popular destinations for snorkeling, swimming, and cliff jumping. Grote Knip has a small bar and Klein Knip has a snack bar, but both are fairly undeveloped compared to other beaches in Curacao. Visitors typically spend the day snorkeling on the reef from Grote Knip, or enjoying the peace of Klein Knip.
Bring spare change–there’s a charge to use the toilets at both beaches.
Bring lots of water and snacks, as the snack bar has irregular hours.
While there are umbrellas and loungers available to rent, bring plenty of sunscreen.
From Willemstad, drive north along Weg Naar Westpunt to reach the beaches; parking can be found at either beach. Otherwise, many tours operate out of Willemstad, offering the convenience of round-trip transportation and snorkel gear rental.
The dry season in Curacao runs from February to May, providing picture-perfect weather for a Kenepa Beach trip. Opt for an early-morning start so you can stake out the best lounge spot on the beach. Additionally, Curacao Carnival runs from February to March for another unmissable experience.
Grote Knip is a protected cove surrounded by rocky cliffs, and a favorite spot for cliff jumping. Most jumps are around 18 feet (5.5 meters) into shallow, sandy water. When cliff jumping, follow the example of the locals and always check the water depth before jumping. Remember to go feet first!
