Going to Labadee, Haiti on your Royal Caribbean cruise? Find some great shore excursions and things to do while visiting this exclusive port. We listed the best activities, sights, and advice for your Labadee port of call below.
The private port of Labadee, Haiti is leased to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and utilized by cruise ships from Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.
On a cruise stop at Labadee, Haiti you can hit the sandy beaches, book water sports activities, or take zip line down from the top of a mountain. Let’s cover some of the basics of this cruise port first.
Labadee Port Info
The cruise ships that visit Labadee dock at the pier of the Northernmost part of the island. Although the area is often called a private island, the proper term is a peninsula.
Labadee is a private area just for cruise ships and cruisers are not allowed to leave the safe confines of the fenced-in area. The port offers a wide variety of attractions and excursions and most are within a quick walking distance from the pier.
If you would like to travel further out, there’s a tram that is available to take you to different areas. Each area is marked, much like a bus stop, which makes it easy for cruisers to see the stops and be able to get to and from their tour or excursion easily. Or, if you are heading to the farthest beach, then taking the ferry will get you there the fastest.
If you purchased Royal Caribbean’s beverage package for your cruise, you can use it while in Labadee.
1. Rent Cabanas
When you’re on a vacation in the Caribbean, one of the first things you will want to do is check out the lovely beaches. While you’re there you can rent one of the island’s many cabanas so you’ll have a private area to kick back and stay out of the sun when you need some shade.
If you’re looking for a little bit more of a luxurious experience while lounging on the beach, then adding a comfy beach chair or bed to the cabana rental can make the place even cozier and make you feel right at home on the beach.
2. Shop at the Artisan Market
Colorful Artisan’s Market in Labadee, Haiti. #labadee #haiti #artists https://t.co/9wajDGb5Oo pic.twitter.com/auBmho6MLN
— Jeff Sheehan- Influencer | Author | Speaker (@jeffsheehan) January 19, 2017
In the mood for some shopping? Then head on over to the Artisan Market and browse through stores of handmade gifts and items that have fixed prices for a no-haggle shopping experience. The stores here sell everything from jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs to household goods and accessories.
If you want to get the best deal and don’t mind negotiating over the price tag, then find the Artisan Village, which is apart of the market. Here, you can haggle over prices and get the sellers to give you a good deal with a little negotiation. This market area only accepts cash, so make sure you have some on you for the trip.
3. Adrenaline Beach
There are many beaches that line the coast of this island, but one of the best beaches to check out is Adrenaline Beach. Although this area can get quite crowded, there is a good reason why; the swim-up bar.
This area allows you to swim up to the bar table and order drinks without ever having to leave the water. You can rent a cabana or lay out on the sand for the day and just listen to the island breeze.
4. Nellie’s Beach
Nellie’s Beach offers some great beach cabanas as mentioned above and is a good spot to get some instagrammable shots of your cruise ship as well. By the way, if you do rent a cabana here it will include golf cart transportation to the ship, buffet, or many other places you might like to go. You can rent a floating mat at this beach or do some kayaking if you’re feeling more adventurous as well.
5. Labadee Lunch
With your cruise ship docking in this port, you will have a full barbeque lunch waiting for you on the island. This mini-feast is free to all visitors from the cruises and offers burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and multiple side dishes of a large meal that is served buffet-style.
The lunch is served at a covered picnic table area that looks out onto the ocean. With a great meal and an amazing view, it doesn’t get much better than that!
The lunch begins serving at 11 a.m. so plan your other excursions around that time to ensure that you get to dig into the free meal before heading off on a new adventure.
6. Dragon’s Breath Zipline
By far, one of the most popular things to do on Labadee is to take a ride on the Dragon’s Breath Zipline. This attraction will take you soaring through the air across the island and lets you see some incredible views while riding down the line.
The flight begins at the top of a nearby mountain where you will find a platform to change into your gear and take off. Guides will be at the platform to instruct you on what you do while you’re on the ride and will make sure you are secure before take-off. You can gain speed quickly and hit 50 mph on this ride, so hold onto your hats!
7. Take the Ferry To Columbus Cove
You don’t want to go to the Caribbean without spending an ample amount of time at the beach. At Columbus Cove Beach, you can get your time in the sun without the crowds. This beach is located on the farthest side of the island, as most people don’t want to take the longer walking trip to get there. However, with a complimentary ferry ride to the area, you can get there in less time and hit the water sooner.
This beach has fewer people than others on the island and is a great place for those who just want to put their feet up and read a book while breathing in the fresh sea air. There are few excursions and attractions offered here, which also keeps the noise levels down, but keep track of time so you don’t end up having to rush back to the ship before it takes off for the next location!
8. Adrenaline Ocean Oasis
Nestled in an area of Adrenaline beach lies a kid’s paradise that will blow your children away. This place is equipped with fountains, geysers, and water guns, and gives kids a place to splash away without worrying about getting an adult around them wet.
The kids can play under supervision from the ship’s kid’s program, Adventure Ocean, and have a fun day to themselves while you keep an eye on them from the comfort of your cabana or beach chair. Or, if your willing to join in the fun, you can feel like a kid again and run through the fountains too!
9. Dragon’s Splash Waterslide
Have you ever slid down a huge waterslide while looking out onto the Caribbean Ocean? If not, then this attraction is one that you need to add to your Labadee itinerary. Hike through the forest and emerge to see the head of the dragon before you slide down the 300-foot slide and fly into the large splash zone.
Watch others make their way down the long slide and take pictures of your friends and family as they fly out the bottom of the slide and land in the water. However, whether you are choosing to slide down, or you just want to watch other members of your group go, you will likely get wet if you’re anywhere near the splash zone.
10. Ride the Dragon’s Tail
Like many of the other attractions on this island, this roller coaster has a dragon theme, and this ride will make you feel medieval. The twists and turns of this coaster will have you whipped back and forth as if you’re holding on to the back of a real dragon’s tail while it is moving around. With a trip that will take you along the side of the mountain, you’ll see the forest and the ocean.
Right as you get to the top of the ride, you will look out over the scenery and get to see the best view on the island. Then, you will have a nice drop where you will ride at 30 miles an hour down to the end of the ride. Kids that are between 5 and 11 years old are permitted to ride only if they have a guardian with them. Kids under 5 years old are not permitted to ride.
Also, those with long hair will need to bring along a hair tie or scrunchie to hold their hair back or they will not be allowed on the ride.
11. Arawak Aqua Park
Out on the waters of the Caribbean, you can see the only iceberg around. This one is inflatable and has holds for your hands and feet to climb on and is part of the Arawak Aqua Park. This inflatable water park features multiple blow-up structures that float on the surface of the water that kids can climb up on and explore without being too far out in the water.
There is also a rolling log that you can try your skills at and a floating trampoline that allows you to jump on the water. There is also a water slide for those who want a smaller version of the Dragon’s Tail Coaster without the high speeds. This area is great for young children and older kids alike and both can get a chance to use the park for an hour for $15 a ticket.
However, you should know that there are age and height limitations on this excursion that will keep children under the age of 7 and those who are not 48 inches tall from enjoying this park. Also, those under the age of 18 will need to have a guardian nearby for the duration of their adventure.
12. Take a Speedboat Tour
Want to check out the island at fast speeds for a heart-pumping excursion? Then, taking a speedboat tour will be the perfect thing for you. This tour will take you along the coast of the entire island, and not just the peninsula of Labadee, but the island of Hispaniola itself. With looks at the local villages, Amiga Island, and Acul Bay.
This speedboat leaves right from the coast of Labadee and will return you to the same area, so you are not far from the port itself. The tour will continue for about 45 minutes before taking you back to the island, and the boat will reach high speeds, so make sure that your stuff is secured on the boat so you don’t lose anything on the way.
13. Wave Jet Tour
If you’re ready to strike out on your own in the Caribbean waters, then booking a wave jet tour for your shore excursion is a good choice for you and any other adventure-seeking guests. After a 30-minute information and safety session, you will drive your own jet ski into the open waters for 50 minutes of pure freedom.
You can whip, turn, and zoom off into the open sea and give yourself a thrill ride you won’t forget with this wave jet tour. And, if you ever need anything while you’re riding, there will be trained instructors and guides around for whatever you need. This tour is not for the weak at heart, and it is also not designed for children. Those under the age of 16 are not allowed to participate.
So, if you have children with you, make sure that they have a guardian to stay with them while you’re on your jet ski before you head out. Also, no alcohol is allowed around the jet skis, and riders are not permitted to drink any before driving. If they are seen doing so, they will not be let onto the tour.
14. Caribbean Kayaking
Getting to see the island up close is great, but one of the best views in the Caribbean is from the water. From a kayak, you will see the entire island with the mountains and beaches all at once. With a kayaking adventure, you can ride along the waters and take in the sight of the whole island from the coastline while you paddle at a leisurely pace.
With informed guides leading the way, you will learn all about the rich history of the Haitian people and see spots where historical events took place around the land as you wade through the waters. You will also be able to shop at the Artisan Market and pick up some pieces of jewelry, clothing, or household handmade items to take home with you.
The tour will end with a stop at the beach for a relaxing end to an exciting day. Spend the rest of the time on the shore laying on the warm, white sand, or dip your toes in the clear waters and do for a dip.
15. Labadee Snorkeling
Getting the opportunity to see the Caribbean Ocean from under the surface is an interesting way to spend your day at the shore. With a snorkeling guide to show you where there are creatures and coral reefs that you’ll want to check out, you can have an amazing snorkeling experience at the Labadee island.
There are many different kinds of fish and sea life that you can get to see around the reef and with a guide to tell you where to look to find the most creatures, you’ll get to find many along the way. After quick instructions from your guide, you will be fitted for your snorkeling equipment and head out into the waters.
This excursion will allow all ages on the boat, but only those who are able to handle their own equipment will be allowed snorkeling in the water. There are drinks and snacks available on the boat for the ride to the snorkel spot but guests who will be consuming alcohol must have a valid ID.
16. Luxury Yacht Adventure
Living in the lap of luxury is not an option for everybody, but with a luxury yacht experience in Labadee, you can feel like you’re as rich as you are in your dreams. The yacht is a large boat that will take a group of guests for a trip into the open waters of the Caribbean with drinks available onboard for the ride.
Relax on comfy chairs while you watch the waves go by until you hit the stop where you will be able to go snorkeling or just hop in the water with a pool noodle. Whether you want to splash around in the water, or just stay on the boat, you will have a great time on this luxurious yacht as you listen to music and drink a beverage.
The total trip will last three hours and will give you plenty of time to get some sun, look at the sea life, and get back to the shore.
This guest post was written by Justin Stewart.
