Kenepa Beach
Lagun
Escape the bustle of Willemstad and head to one of Curacao’s prettiest stretches of coastline—with clear water, sandy shores, and a vibrant reef, it's the perfect place to while away the day. Kenepa Beach is composed of two beaches separated by a mile of rocky headland, which offers a great lookout spot. You can hop between the beaches or simply pick your favorite and settle down in the sun.
The basics
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.
Things to know before you go
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.
How to get there
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.
When to get there
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.
Make a splash
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!
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