Playa Kenepa Chiki (Kleine Knip)

Playa Kenepa Chiki, or Kleine Knip, is the quieter twin of its famous neighbour. The cove is smaller and more intimate, a tidy crescent of white sand backed by a row of low manzanilla and sea-grape trees that throw real shade onto the beach, which is rarer than it sounds on this coast. The water carries the same vivid turquoise as the larger bay but in a more sheltered, swimmer-friendly pocket.

Because it sits below the road with a short, easy walk down, Kleine Knip feels relaxed and uncrowded outside of weekends. The calm, shallow entry makes it a comfortable choice for families and casual swimmers, while the rocky shoulders at each end hold small reef fish for snorkelers. The shade trees at the back are the prize here; claim one early on a busy day.

Practical notes

• Free entry with a small parking area at the top and a short path to the sand.
• Bring your own snorkel gear, water and snacks; facilities are minimal.
• Caution: the manzanilla (manchineel) trees can drip irritating sap when wet, so avoid sheltering directly under them in rain.

The bigger, busier Playa Kenepa Grandi is a five-minute walk over the headland, so most visitors see both in one trip to Westpunt. Pair them with sunset at Playa Forti to round out a west-coast day.