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.

Background

The name Kalki comes from the Papiamentu word for white coral rock and limestone, which covers the beach and the cliffs around it, and has no link with the avatar Kalki. The other name, Alice in Wonderland, refers to coral formations shaped like mushrooms. Sculptures have been placed on the reef, and a 3D map of the site, showing its overall layout and where the sculptures sit, appeared in 2023 in a Reef Smart Guides book on diving and snorkelling in Curaçao. Several reefs on and around the beach suit both beginners and experienced divers, and a professional dive center stands right on the sand.

Source: Wikipedia, "Playa Kalki"

The landscape

• 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.

What to expect

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.

Key facts