CuraçaoEscape
Kleine Knip, photo 1
Kleine Knip, photo 2
Kleine Knip, photo 3
Kleine Knip, photo 4
Kleine Knip, photo 5
1 / 5
Photo: Carol Barán · Google Maps
banda-abou

Kleine Knip

A two-minute drive from its big sister Grote Knip, on Curaçao's west coast, Kleine Knip has a more intimate feel. Playa Kenepa Chiki, as it's also known in Papiamentu, is a white sand cove framed by cliffs, with a few trees offering natural shade right on the sand, and free access year-round. Snorkeling here is excellent, especially along the rocky walls that frame the bay.

banda-abouFree

Between the villages of Westpunt and Lagún, on the island's west coast, Kleine Knip sits tucked into a bay framed by rocky cliffs. Everything here is on a human scale: the beach is short, the parking lot sits right next to the sand, and a few trees grow directly on the beach, offering welcome shade without having to rent an umbrella.

On weekends, this is where Curaçaoan families come to spend the day, swimming and picnicking in the shade of the palapas. On weekdays, the atmosphere changes completely: the cove empties out and settles into quiet, making it a real alternative for anyone looking for a peaceful beach in Curaçao, far from the bustle of Grote Knip, barely a minute's drive away.

For snorkeling, the calm, clear waters of the bay let you observe a living coral reef, and with a bit of luck you might spot a sea turtle or a manta ray along the rocky walls. There isn't much infrastructure on site: no reliable food options, so it's best to bring your own cooler.

What really stands out at Kleine Knip is the contrast between the simplicity of the place above water and the richness of what's happening below it, just a few meters from where you've laid down your towel.

You'll need a car

Most of the best beaches are at least 45 minutes from Willemstad. Renting a car is not optional.

Book a Curaçao rental car

Loading map…

Kleine Knip

banda-abou
Open in Google Maps

More beaches worth the drive

Cas Abao

banda-abou

On Curaçao's west coast, in the Banda Abou region, Cas Abao unrolls its ribbon of white sand facing the turquoise water that has earned it a reputation as one of Curaçao's most beautiful beaches. Sun loungers, umbrellas, showers and a beach bar-restaurant set the rhythm of the day, while the nearby reef invites you to snorkel. Access is by car, with an entrance fee per vehicle, for a break that's well worth lingering over.

Read more

Daaibooi Beach

banda-abou

On Curaçao's west coast, just minutes from the village of Sint Willibrordus, Daaibooi Beach is one of the island's most beloved free beaches. Its calm, sheltered bay, framed by cliffs, invites easy swimming, while the rocks on either side of the cove make for a solid snorkeling spot. Palm-leaf palapas promise welcome shade for an afternoon by the water.

Read more

Grote Knip

banda-abou

On the northwest coast of Curaçao, between Westpunt and Lagun, Grote Knip is the island's postcard beach, also known as Playa Kenepa Grandi. A turquoise bay framed by cliffs, immaculate white sand, and free access for everyone. On weekends, local families set up coolers and music, while on weekdays, early in the morning, the bay returns to complete calm. A viewpoint at the top of the steps offers the most beautiful view of the bay even before you set foot on the sand.

Read more