Playa Kenepa Grandi is also called Big Knip Beach—a confusion in spelling and words that you often find on this island. Its rich history encompasses many different cultures and languages. The island is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so you will find places names in Dutch. Kenepa is the Papiamentu for Knip, and Papiamentu is the official language of the ABC Islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Language aside, this is one of the best known and most popular beaches on the island. It’s a long, beautiful beach with a few pebbly patches dotting the pure white sand. Once you get into the water, it is completely sandy, making it very popular for snorkeling and for those on family vacations.

Playa Kenepa Grandi is fairly remote, located on the northwestern tip of the island about 25 miles north of the capital city of Willemstad. There are few hotels or resorts in this area, but the beach is easily accessible by land if you have car rentals. If you’ve booked a scuba diving trip, it is also accessible by boat. Facilities at Big Knip Beach include palapa (thatched) beach umbrellas, several snack kiosks and a couple beach bars, toilets, and changing facilities. Not far away is Playa Kalki Beach, one of the best scuba beaches on the island.