Thinking about snorkeling Little Knip Curacao with kids? Little Knip Beach—known locally as Playa Kenepa Chiki, marked as Klein Knip on maps, and sometimes called Little Knip in English—is one of Curaçao’s hidden gems for families. Tucked away on the island’s quieter western side, this rural, undeveloped beach combines soft white sand with calm waters and colorful marine life.
For families who want an authentic, natural experience away from the crowds, Little Knip is a must. It’s safe, shallow in many areas, and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities right from the shore—plus free shade and plenty of space for kids to explore.
Why Families Love Little Knip
- Calm waters – Protected by the bay’s orientation, the water is usually calm and manageable for kids.
- Marine life everywhere – From squid in the shallows to baby turtles around the reef, kids don’t need to swim far to spot exciting creatures.
- Shady spots – Free-to-use palapas (some with picnic tables) and natural trees offer shade, which is great for families with little ones.
- Easy parking – You can park right next to the beach—no long walks carrying gear and kids.
Getting There: Directions for Families
Little Knip is located near Westpunt on Curaçao’s western tip. Here’s the step-by-step route:
- Drive west along the main road Weg Naar Westpunt.
- After passing Grote Berg, take the left turn where the blue signs point toward Soto, Lagun, and Knip.
- Stay on this road for a while, passing San Juan, Soto, Santa Cruz, and Lagun.
- After Lagun, turn left at the T-intersection. Playa Jeremi will be just ahead on your left.
- Keep driving over the hills until you see signs for Playa Kenepa Chiki (Little Knip) and Playa Abou (Big Knip). Turn left just before Landhuis Knip.
- Stay left at the intersection (going right leads to Landhuis Knip). Drive past the empty security shack.
- At the T, turn left for Playa Kenepa Chiki. The parking lot is right next to the beach.
Facilities & Amenities
- Palapas (free shade) – Some even have picnic tables, perfect for families who bring snacks or lunch.
- Beach chair & umbrella rentals – Managed by the business at Playa Abou (the next beach north). You may need to pick them up there.
- Snorkel gear rentals – Also connected to Playa Abou, but availability varies. Bring your own if possible.
- Snack bar – Appears to be closed, so pack drinks and food.
- No restrooms/showers – Plan ahead with bathroom breaks before arriving.
Water Entrance: Safe for Kids
The beach has soft sand but also patches of coral rubble and rock shelves in the shallows. The sandy entry is gentle enough for kids, though water shoes are recommended for tender feet or younger children.
Tip for parents:
- Let kids walk in barefoot only if they’re comfortable.
- Have everyone put fins on once they can float in waist-deep water to avoid tripping on rocks.
Best Snorkeling Zones at Little Knip
1. Left Side of the Bay – Best for Color and Corals
- Swim along the rocky edge to the left.
- Spot big boulders, Elkhorn Corals, colorful sponges, and schools of fish.
- Around the point, the corals increase in variety, with both hard and soft corals thriving.
- Depth: from the surface to about 25 feet (7.6 meters).
2. Right Side of the Bay – Great for Schools of Fish
- Swim along the right-hand rocks.
- Look for large schools of sweepers, more soft corals, and the occasional baby Green Sea Turtle.
- Depth: around 15 feet (4.6 meters).
3. Shallows Right in Front of the Beach – Perfect for Kids
- In just 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 meters) of water, you can see fish, an octopus hiding in rocks, and even a baby French Angelfish “cleaning station.”
- We even spotted a huge group of squid right near shore!
Safety Tips for Families
- Arrive early – Not only to secure a palapa but also because marine life is more active before 8 a.m. (we saw far more fish than later in the morning).
- Stay near the rocks – Most sea life is along the edges of the bay; the middle is mostly sandy.
- Visibility – Near shore, visibility can be a bit cloudy, but just a short swim out, it clears up beautifully.
- Avoid the reef drop-off – It starts at 40 feet (12 meters) deep, too far down for snorkeling families.
- Watch for fishermen – Sometimes, hand-line fishermen cast from the rocks above the left side. Stay clear of their lines.
- Life jackets – Consider flotation for younger kids, as snorkeling can be tiring.
Wildlife Highlights Kids Will Love
- Squid in groups
- Octopus hiding in shallow rocks
- Baby French Angelfish cleaning other fish
- Large schools of sweepers on the right side
- Elkhorn Corals – iconic, branching corals great for photos
- Sponges in rainbow colors
- Baby Green Sea Turtles occasionally spotted past the rocky points
The Kiddometer Verdict – Snorkeling Little Knip Curacao with Kids
Little Knip is an incredible choice for families who want an authentic snorkeling experience in Curaçao. It’s undeveloped but safe, calm, and full of natural beauty. While you’ll need to bring your own snacks and be prepared for no restrooms, the free shade, easy parking, and abundant marine life make this one of the best spots for snorkeling with kids on the island.
Best For: Families with kids who love nature and don’t need heavy facilities
Not Ideal If: You need bathrooms, food service, or lifeguards
