Grote Knip Beach Curaçao: Stunning Views, But Is It Practical?

By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Grote Knip Beach Curacao

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Grote Knip Beach—also known as Knippa Beach, Playa Kenepa, or Kenepa Grandi—is one of Curaçao’s most photographed beaches. From the pictures alone, it looks like a no-brainer: turquoise water, rugged cliffs, and a wide crescent of white sand.

When Holland America offered a Knippa Beach Transfer as a simple way to get there from the cruise port, it seemed like an easy, low-stress beach day.

We booked this excursion during our Holland America ABC Islands cruise, partly because we had $100 per person in shore excursion credit from the Have It All package and partly because we wanted a relaxed day without bouncing between multiple stops. On paper, this transfer sounded perfect.

However, here’s what the experience is really like—and whether it’s worth booking.

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Table of Contents

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Firsthand Experience at Grote Knip Beach Curaçao (Holland America Transfer)

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Before our trip, I was honestly confused about where we were going. Holland America calls this the Knippa Beach Transfer, but when you search online, Knippa Beach pulls up several names. To clear it up: Knippa Beach is Grote Knip Beach on Google Maps. Same place, multiple names—very Curaçao-style.

Like all Holland America excursions, the day starts onboard. We met at the World Stage, waited for our group number to be called, checked in, and received a color-coded sticker used by the guides to track everyone. From there, we walked off the ship, lined up outside, and were led to the bus.

The bus itself was clean, air-conditioned, and in good shape. Seats were on the smaller side, but fine for the ride. Our driver was friendly and surprisingly accommodating—so much so that he even made an unscheduled stop at a flamingo lagoon on the way back, just so passengers could see the flamingos. That stop isn’t part of the excursion, but it was a nice bonus.

The drive to Grote Knip Beach took about 50–60 minutes each way, meaning roughly two hours of your port day is spent on the bus. The route passes briefly through Willemstad before turning into countryside—rolling hills, cacti everywhere, and one stretch of road that honestly felt like a small roller coaster.

Once you arrive, the bus drops everyone off at the parking lot above the beach and stays there while you’re down at the water.

What Grote Knip Beach Is Actually Like

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The first view is impressive. From the overlook near the parking lot, Grote Knip looks every bit like the photos—bright blue water, curved shoreline, and cliffs framing the bay. It’s a great photo spot, and it’s also where you’ll see people cliff jumping.

Getting down to the beach, however, is where reality kicks in.

You have to walk down a set of uneven stone steps with no handrails. This alone makes the beach a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. On our visit, an older woman on our excursion needed help getting down—and later, help moving around the beach and getting out of the loungers due to the uneven terrain.

The beach itself is white sand mixed with coral and rocks. It’s not the soft, walk-anywhere sand you might expect. The water is clear, warm, and inviting, but entry requires care—there’s a rocky shelf and a noticeable drop-off once you step in.

The beach was busy with both cruise passengers and locals, and by the time our group arrived, the parking lot was completely full.

Amenities are limited and mostly located up near the parking lot, not directly on the beach. There are small food and snack vendors, a bar for drinks, and bathrooms—but nearly everything costs extra.

• Sun loungers: $5 without an umbrella
• Two loungers + umbrella: $20
• Bathroom use: $1 per visit
• Foot rinse spigot: also paid
• Wi-Fi: paid (not recommended)

We rented two loungers with an umbrella. I’ve been to Curaçao before and knew better than to sit in the sun all day without shade. The loungers were well-used and not very comfortable, but they gave us a place to stash our gear and get out of the sun.

Pro Tip: Many beaches in Curaçao aren’t fully free. While some allow free access, others charge entry, and amenities like chairs, umbrellas, and bathrooms usually cost extra. Bring cash or a credit card to avoid surprises.

Snorkeling and Swimming Conditions

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I spent most of my time snorkeling. The reality here is simple: most of Grote Knip Beach is not great for snorkeling.

The best snorkeling is along the rocky cliff walls on the sides of the beach, where there’s actual structure underwater. The central sandy area is pretty barren—nice for swimming, but not much to see below the surface. Compared to other Curaçao beaches, marine life here is limited due to the lack of reefs or rocks across most of the bay.

Swimming itself is pleasant once you’re in the water. The water was clear and warm, but again, entry and exit require caution because of rocks and uneven footing.

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Who This Beach Transfer Is For (and Who It’s Not)

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This excursion is a good fit if you:

• Want a simple, cruise-organized beach day
• Prefer scenic swimming over snorkeling
• Are comfortable with stairs, uneven ground, and rocky entry
• Like the idea of visiting one of Curaçao’s most famous beaches without renting a car

This excursion is not a good fit if you:

• Have mobility limitations or balance concerns
• Expect included amenities (chairs, umbrellas, bathrooms)
• Want easy snorkeling right off the beach
• Prefer beaches with on-site food, bars, and better facilities

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Where is Grote Knip Beach Curaçao Located?

Grote Knip Beach is located on the northwest coast of Curaçao, near the village of Knip and far from the main resort areas. From the cruise port in Willemstad, it’s about a 50–60 minute drive, with parking at the top of the cliffs and stone steps leading down to the beach.

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Tips for Visiting Grote Knip Beach Curaçao

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A few things we wish were clearer before booking:

• The walk down to the beach is steep, uneven, and has no railings
• The beach and water are rocky in many areas
• Almost everything costs extra, including bathrooms and rinsing off
• Amenities are minimal and worn compared to other Curaçao beaches

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What to Pack for Grote Knip Beach Curaçao

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This beach is unforgiving if you show up unprepared.

• Water shoes or sturdy sandals – absolutely essential for walking on coral and entering the water
• Cash (small bills) or credit card – for chairs, umbrellas, bathrooms, and snacks
• Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable
• Snorkel gear – if you want to explore along the rocks; rentals aren’t readily available
• Light day bag – easy to carry up and down the steps
• Quick-dry towel – Nothing fancy—just something easy to carry up the steps
• Reusable water bottle – Keeps your water cold on a hot beach day

Skip the idea of traveling light here—this beach rewards preparation.

Pro Tip: American Express is not widely accepted in Curaçao.

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Cruise Fit: How This Works as a Shore Excursion

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From a cruise logistics standpoint, this excursion is easy. Holland America handles transportation, timing, and return to the ship. The bus ride back was smooth, and we even stopped at the flamingo area on the return trip.

That said, you’re trading convenience for quality. With nearly two hours on the bus and limited beach amenities, this excursion doesn’t maximize your time ashore the way some other Curaçao options do.

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Verdict: Is Grote Knip Beach Curaçao Worth It?

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For us? No, we wouldn’t book this excursion again.

That has nothing to do with the driver or the transportation—they were fine. The issue is the overall beach experience. Between the difficult access, worn-out amenities, extra costs, and mediocre snorkeling, Grote Knip didn’t live up to the effort required to get there.

Curaçao has better beach options—closer to the port, easier to access, and with far better facilities. On a previous visit, we went to Cas Abao Beach, which offered a much better overall experience and is closer to Willemstad.

Grote Knip is undeniably beautiful, but beauty alone doesn’t make it the best choice for a cruise day.

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Quick Summary: Is Grote Knip Beach Curaçao Worth It?

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Grote Knip Beach delivers stunning scenery and clear, inviting water, but it comes with trade-offs that matter for cruise travelers. The long bus ride from the cruise port cuts into your time ashore, and access to the beach requires navigating uneven stone steps that can be challenging. Snorkeling is limited across most of the bay, with the best conditions only found near the rocky cliffs. Many basic amenities, including chairs, umbrellas, and restrooms, come at an extra cost, and the overall layout is not mobility-friendly.

Bottom line: Grote Knip is beautiful to see, but it’s not the most comfortable or practical beach excursion from Curaçao’s cruise port.

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FAQs About Grote Knip Beach in Curaçao

Is Grote Knip Beach the same as Knippa Beach?

Yes. Knippa Beach, Grote Knip, Playa Kenepa, and Kenepa Grandi all refer to the same beach.

How far is Grote Knip Beach from the Curaçao cruise port?

About 50–60 minutes each way by bus from Willemstad.

Is Grote Knip Beach good for snorkeling?

Only along the rocky edges. The main sandy area has limited marine life.

Are chairs and umbrellas included with the transfer?

No. Chairs and umbrellas are rented separately at the beach.

Is Grote Knip Beach good for people with mobility issues?

No. The steps, uneven terrain, and rocky beach make it very challenging.

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Should You Book the Grote Knip Beach Curaçao Transfer?

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If your priority is visiting one of Curaçao’s most photographed beaches with cruise-line transportation handled for you, this transfer does exactly that. But if you value comfort, amenities, and efficient use of your port day, there are better options on the island.

For more help choosing where to spend your time ashore, check out Best Cruise Ports in the Caribbean: What’s Worth Revisiting? and Cruise to ABC Islands: Real Stories, Tips & Island Magic to compare experiences across Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

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Closing Thoughts on Grote Knip Beach Curaçao

Grote Knip Beach is best for travelers who value scenery over convenience and don’t mind rough access, extra costs, and limited facilities. If you’re confident on uneven ground and simply want to see one of Curaçao’s iconic beaches, you’ll enjoy the view and the swim.

For anyone on the fence—especially cruise travelers trying to maximize a single day ashore—the effort may outweigh the reward. Curaçao offers beaches that are easier, better equipped, and closer to the port.

Choose based on what matters most to you, set your expectations accordingly, and you’ll avoid disappointment.

Adventure Awaits. Book It!