Playa Kenepa Grandi at the Kenepa Plantation
Playa Kenepa Grandi is arguably the most popular beach with residents of Curaçao. People congregate here in large groups for a variety of reasons and like to enjoy the entire day including the magnificent sunsets.
Diving and Snorkeling at Kenepa
The Playa Kenepa beaches are two of the most popular beaches located inside the Kenepa Plantation in Curaçao. Playa Kenepa Grandi (Big Knip/Grote Knip) and Playa Kenepa Chikitu (Small Knip/Kleine Knip) are regularly visited by both tourists and locals because the natural beauty and serenity that they exude.
Whether you choose to snorkel or dive at Playa Kenepa Grandi, 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.
Vacation Tip: You should rent a car in Curacao if you want to see some of the significant landmarks or even if you want to see one or two of the beaches in Curacao. You can spend time with the family at a place to visit, and some of the resorts offer tons of activities. It’s easy to plan your next trip using a car or truck rental in Curacao.
Dive Site Recommendations
- Dive Type: Boat / Shore
- Snorkel Site: Yes
- Experience Level: Drift / Advanced (Min)
- Depth: 40 -120ft (12-36m)
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.
Location of Playa Kenepa Grandi
Directions to Playa Kenepa Grandi
Driving from the historic Kenepa Plantation Landhuis you will first encounter Playa Kenepa Chikitu, 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 Chikitu 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 a recommended Curaçao Dive Operator.
