Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling: What It’s Really Like

By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling

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Grote Knip Beach is one of Curaçao’s most photographed spots. The views from above are stunning, the water looks impossibly blue, and it appears on nearly every “best beaches” list for the island.

But when it comes to Grote Knip Beach snorkeling, the reality isn’t as straightforward as the photos suggest.

Before my visit, I struggled to find clear, honest information about what snorkeling at Grote Knip is actually like. Some reviews praised it, others called it disappointing, and many were vague.

During our Holland America ABC Islands cruise, we finally had the chance to experience it firsthand—and this review is meant to help you decide whether it belongs on your Curaçao itinerary.

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Table of Contents

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Firsthand Experience With Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling

We visited Grote Knip Beach as part of a Holland America beach transfer excursion. We had shore excursion credit from the Have It All package, and instead of rushing through multiple stops, we wanted a relaxed beach day with time to actually get in the water.

Before the trip, there was some confusion around the name. Holland America referred to it as “Knippa Beach,” which made researching it tricky. If you’re wondering—Knippa Beach is Grote Knip Beach on Google Maps. Curaçao beaches often go by multiple names, which doesn’t help when you’re trying to figure out snorkeling conditions ahead of time.

What Snorkeling at Grote Knip Beach Is Really Like

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Once on the beach, I spent most of my time snorkeling and testing different areas of the water. This is where expectations really matter.

Most of the area straight out from the main beach is sandy underwater, with very little structure. Out of curiosity, I swam straight out from shore to see if there was anything worth seeing—and there wasn’t. It was mostly sand with minimal fish activity.

The better snorkeling was along the rocky edges and cliff walls on either side of the beach. That’s where the underwater structure is, and where fish tend to gather. In those areas, I saw a variety of reef fish using the rocks for shelter. It wasn’t dense or dramatic snorkeling, but it was noticeably better than the center of the bay.

Water conditions on our visit were good. The water was warm and very clear, and the current was manageable. I’m not a strong swimmer, and I was able to snorkel comfortably without wearing fins. Entry into the water requires some caution, though—there are rocky shelves and drop-offs near the cliffs, so paying attention to footing matters.

Cliff jumping was popular during our visit, but it didn’t interfere with my snorkeling. The jumpers stayed concentrated in specific areas, and I was able to snorkel along the rocks without being crowded or disrupted.

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Overall, snorkeling at Grote Knip was very location-specific. If you stay near the sandy center of the beach, there’s not much to see. If you work the rocky edges, you’ll find some fish and better structure—but it’s still not what I’d consider top-tier snorkeling for Curaçao.

Fish I Saw While Snorkeling at Grote Knip Beach

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Most of the fish activity I saw was concentrated around the rocky areas and cliff walls, not over the sandy bottom. The variety was decent, but numbers were light compared to Curaçao’s stronger snorkeling beaches.

Based on what I captured on video and saw while snorkeling, here’s what was present:

• Surgeonfish (including blue tang–type fish) – Seen cruising along rocky ledges and drop-offs
• Parrotfish – A few medium-sized individuals grazing near rocks
• Sergeant majors – Scattered in small groups around structure
• Small silvery baitfish – Schooling under rock overhangs and ledges
• Wrasse-type fish – Moving quickly along the rocks
• Trunkfish/boxfish – Spotted near coral rubble and rocky pockets

There were fish to see if you stayed near structure, but they were spread out, not concentrated. I didn’t see large coral heads, dense reef systems, turtles, or anything that would make this a standout snorkeling site. Most of the marine life used the rocks for shelter rather than living in a developed reef environment.

This reinforces the bigger takeaway: snorkeling at Grote Knip Beach is supplemental, not the main attraction.

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Who Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling Is (and Isn’t) For

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Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling Is a Good Choice If You:

• Want a beautiful beach day with swimming and views
• Enjoy light snorkeling along rocky edges
• Don’t mind crowds and activity
• Are comfortable entering the water over rocks

Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling Is Not Ideal If You:

• Are looking for reef-rich snorkeling right off the sand
• Have mobility challenges
• Want calm, quiet snorkeling conditions
• Expect fish-filled snorkeling across the entire beach

Grote Knip is visually stunning, but snorkeling here is limited and location-specific.

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Location: Where Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling Takes Place and Why It Matters

Grote Knip Beach is located on the northwest coast of Curaçao, near the village of Knip and well outside Willemstad and the cruise port area. From the cruise port in Willemstad, it’s about a 50–60 minute drive, making it a better fit for a planned excursion rather than a quick stop.

Parking is at the top of the cliffs, with stone steps leading down to the beach. The descent can be steep, and the terrain at the bottom is uneven, which is important to factor in if you have mobility concerns. The beach itself feels less developed and more natural than Curaçao’s city beaches, with limited amenities and no nearby resort infrastructure.

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Tips for a Better Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling Experience

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Snorkeling at Grote Knip is highly location-dependent. Most of the beach is sandy underwater, which means very little marine life.

Here’s what actually works:

• Skip swimming straight out from the beach—it’s mostly sand
• Snorkel along the rocky cliff walls on either side
• Look for rock shelves and coral pockets, where fish gather
• Expect clear water and mild current on calm days

I found the best snorkeling along the rocky edges, where shelter and structure attract fish. In those areas, I saw a variety of tropical fish, though not in the volume you’ll find at Curaçao’s top snorkeling beaches.

Cliff jumping is popular here and adds to the energy of the beach, but during my time snorkeling, it didn’t interfere with my experience. The jumpers stayed concentrated in specific areas, and I was able to snorkel along the rocky edges without being bothered or crowded.

Pro Tip: If you’re booking a beach transfer or excursion, confirm what’s included—many do not provide snorkel gear.

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What to Pack for Snorkeling at Grote Knip Beach

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This is not a place to wing it. A few key items make a big difference:

• Water shoes or sturdy sandals – The beach and entry points are rocky, and coral is everywhere. Barefoot walking is not realistic.
• Snorkel gear – Rentals aren’t available here. Bring your own. You don’t need anything special. I use a low-cost set.
• Sun protection – There is very little natural shade. We rented loungers with an umbrella, which I strongly recommend.
• Light day bag – Useful for carrying your gear.
• Quick-dry towel – Nothing fancy—just something easy to bring with you.
• Reusable water bottle – Keeps your water cold on a hot beach day.

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

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Is Grote Knip Beach a Good Fit for Cruise Travelers?

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For cruise passengers, Grote Knip works best as:

• A planned beach day, not a snorkeling-focused excursion
• A place to relax, swim, and enjoy Curaçao’s scenery
• A shore excursion where transportation is handled for you

If snorkeling is your main goal, there are better options closer to the port or with more reef structure. Grote Knip shines as a beach experience, not as a top-tier snorkeling destination.

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Verdict: Is Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling Worth It?

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Yes—for the beach. No—for dedicated snorkeling.

Snorkeling at Grote Knip Beach is decent only along the rocky edges, and even then, it’s limited compared to Curaçao’s better snorkeling spots. There isn’t enough structure or marine life across the beach to make this a standout snorkeling destination.

That said, I still enjoyed my time here. The water was warm and clear, the swimming was great, and the scenery is some of the best on the island. While it was worth experiencing once, I wouldn’t return here specifically for snorkeling or for a dedicated beach day.

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Quick Summary: Is Snorkeling at Grote Knip Beach Worth It?

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Grote Knip Beach is one of Curaçao’s most beautiful beaches, but snorkeling is hit-or-miss. The best snorkeling is limited to rocky areas along the cliffs, while most of the beach is sandy and empty underwater. It’s best for travelers who want a scenic beach day with light snorkeling—not those seeking vibrant reef exploration.

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FAQs About Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling

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Is Grote Knip Beach good for snorkeling?

It’s okay in specific rocky areas, but not great overall. Most of the beach has a sandy bottom with little marine life.

Where is the best snorkeling at Grote Knip Beach?

Along the rocky cliff walls on either side of the beach—not straight out from the sand.

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

About a 50-60 minute drive from the Willemstad cruise terminal.

Is Grote Knip Beach better than Cas Abao Beach for snorkeling?

No. Cas Abao generally offers more consistent snorkeling and better reef structure.

Do you need water shoes at Grote Knip Beach?

Yes. The beach and water entry are rocky, and coral is common.

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Ready to Plan Your Curaçao Snorkeling or Beach Day?

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If you’re cruising to Curaçao and want a relaxing beach day with incredible views, Grote Knip Beach is worth considering—especially as a guided shore excursion. Just go in with the right expectations about snorkeling.

For more cruise planning help, check out:

• Grote Knip Beach Curaçao: Stunning Views, But Is It Practical?
• Best Cruise Ports in the Caribbean: What’s Worth Revisiting?
• Cruise to ABC Islands: Real Stories, Tips & Island Magic

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Closing Thoughts on Grote Knip Beach Snorkeling

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Grote Knip Beach is best for travelers who value scenery, swimming, and a laid-back beach atmosphere over world-class snorkeling. The effort to get there is rewarded with views and clear water—but not nonstop underwater action.

If you’re comfortable navigating stairs, uneven terrain, and rocky water entry, it can be a great way to spend a Curaçao port day. Just don’t expect it to be the highlight of your snorkeling trip.

For beach lovers, it delivers. For serious snorkelers, it’s a supporting stop—not the main event.

Adventure Awaits. Book It!