Labadee
Country: Haiti · Region: Southern Caribbean · Arrival: tender · Currency: Haitian Gourde
Labadee is a private cruise resort in Northern Haiti exclusively leased by Royal Caribbean International for its cruise lines. The fenced, secure resort features beaches, water activities, and shopping on a small peninsula accessible only by cruise ship or authorized entry.
Top sights
Dragon's Breath zip line, Dragon's Tail Coaster, beaches with snorkeling, colonial ruins, water park
Things to do
- Dragon's Breath zip line
- A long cable slide from a hilltop ending at the resort with training provided on a small line first (Jan 2020 fee: $99).
- Dragon's Tail Coaster
- An alpine roller coaster over 2000 feet long reaching speeds of 30mph.
- Water park
- A modest facility with floating waterslides available for a fee.
- Colonial ruins
- Several ruins dating back to Labadee's time as a small colonial port scattered throughout the resort.
Beaches
- Dragon Tail Beach
- Beach featured with zip-line riders visible in the sky.
- Beaches with snorkeling areas
- Protected side rock ledges offer snorkeling with mandatory buoyancy vest rental; Atlantic side swimming can be hazardous due to undertows and sharp rocks.
Where to eat
- Three resort cafés
- Catered by cruise ships offering hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, salads, and fruit with complimentary buffet lunch for cruise passengers.
Bars and nightlife
- Beach bar near main café building
- A nice bar overlooking the beach with waiters offering frozen drinks like the labadoozie and other beverages at cruise ship prices.
Getting around
The resort is small enough to walk from the landing dock, with open-air shuttles also available between all areas.
What to eat
Most food (hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, salads, fruit) is catered by cruise ships at three cafés with complimentary buffet lunch but paid beverages.
Tips
Take a shuttle to beaches left of the tender dock to avoid crowds near the pier, and be cautious of vendor tactics in the craft building stalls.
Best for
Beaches, water activities, zip-lining