Playa Kenepa Grandi
The Playa Kenepa beaches are two of the most popular beaches located on Curacao. Playa Kenepa Grandi (Big Knip) and Playa Kenepa Chiki (Small Knip) are regularly visited by both tourists and locals because the natural beauty and serenity that they exude.
Diving and Snorkeling at Playa Kenepa Grandi
Playa Kenepa Grandi or Big Knip is arguably the most popular beach with residents of Curaçao. They congregate here in large groups for a variety of reasons and like to enjoy the entire day including the magnificent sunsets.
Whether you choose to snorkel or dive at this wonderful location, you will not be disappointed because the sandy plateau extends out to the shoulder of the reef where it descends quite steeply from 13 meters to reach a sandy plain below 25 meters. You will be amazed by the coral formations and sponges, not to mention the macro life. But, do not forget to look up or into the endless blue because chance encounters of dolphins and rays are quite regular.
Dive Site Recommendations
- Dive Type: Boat
- Snorkel Site: Yes
- Experience Level: Open Water (Min)
- Depth: 0 -120ft (0 – 36m)
Special Notes
Due to recreational & commercial boat traffic, an inflated surface marker buoy is mandatory when shore diving. Consult a recommended Curaçao Dive Operator for additional details & recommendations.
Curaçao Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Guide
Discover more than 70 World Class Dive SitesHow to get to Playa Kenepa Grandi
Driving from the historic Kenepa Plantation Landhuis you will first encounter Playa Kenepa Chiki, one of the prettiest beaches on the island, which is a small cove with lots of shade and white sand. Playa Kenepa Grandi, Grote Knip (“big beach”), is a much larger beach further along the road, in an isolated and practically deserted region of the plantation. However, this does not mean that the place is not crowded, especially on weekends, when residents will enjoy this “one of a kind” public beach.
Driving down the barren road from Playa Kenepa Chiki you will first encounter the parking lot and then the water starts to come into sight where you will immediately be awestruck by the intensely vivid turquoise sea that lies beneath the surrounding cliffs. The sun’s rays reflecting off the white sandy sea floor causes the many shades of blues to come to life, enticing you to dive in and immerse yourself into the warmth of these Caribbean waters by enjoying a breath-taking snorkeling or scuba diving experience.
The Kenepa Plantation is the perfect place on Curaçao to get away from it all, to get lost in nature and spend a relaxing day on the beach with an aquatic wonderland just a few footsteps away, across the sand of these magnificent beaches.
Since both beaches are public, there is no entrance fee required. But there are beach beds and umbrellas available for rent, along with snorkeling gear, transparent kayaks and paddle boards. For more information, please contact Playa Kenepa or a recommended Curaçao Dive Operator.
