Playa Kalki

Playa Kalki sits at the far northwestern end of the island below a low cliff, a small beach of coarse sand and rock reached by steps, and its significance is what lies offshore: the reef called Alice in Wonderland, a double terrace of coral heads that is consistently rated among the best dives in the southern Caribbean. A dive operation works from the cliff above. Snorkellers get plenty from the shallower section without going deep.

What you actually see

• The Alice in Wonderland reef - a double coral terrace offshore, a leading dive site.
• The cliff steps - the descent from the road down to the beach.
• The shallow coral - snorkelling ground close in before the terrace drops.
• The northwest tip - the island's far end, with Westpunt just inland.

When to go

Year round; mornings are calmest for diving. Northern swell in winter can stir the water. Afternoon light is best on the cliff.

Honest expectations

The beach itself is small, coarse and rocky underfoot; it is a diving access point rather than a lounging beach. The steps are steep with gear. Facilities are the dive shop and a bar.

Nearby

Playa Forti is at Westpunt, and Watamula Hole is northeast.