Donald BucoloIs your next Royal Caribbean cruise taking you to the cruise line’s private Caribbean destination? Are you wondering what are the Best Things to Do in Labadee, Haiti on a cruise?
Well, we are here to help! Over the course of our multiple visits to this “island”, we have become quite acquainted with all of the activities and things to do and see on Labadee.
Top Things to Do in Labadee, Haiti
Reserved exclusively for travelers on Royal Caribbean ships, Labadee is actually a private beach resort located on a peninsula on the northern coast of Haiti. Built by the cruise line, Labadee is a secluded slice of Caribbean heaven with cruise ships calling on the port daily. In most instances, there will not be more than two cruise ships in port at one time- and only one if you sail on a mega ship like the Quantum-class or the Oasis-class.
Dragon’s Breath Flight Line
No trip to Labadee, Haiti would be complete without a ride on the longest zip line over water, the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line. This half mile zip line can reach speeds of up to fifty miles an hour as riders descend from over 500 feet above sea level. Make sure you keep your eyes open and have that GoPro filming as you scream your way down this signature attraction. If there is only one thing you do when visiting Labadee, this zip line should be it!
Go Shopping
Authentic hand crafted goods, art, and clothing can all be purchased in Labadee. In the Artisan Village, you can wheel and deal with the craftsmen themselves as they barter with you to buy their homemade goods. If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, the Artisan Marketplace offers similar goods, including a variety of flavors of Haitian rum, without all of the haggling. Just remember to bring cash, as your SeaPass card does not work for these purchases!
Explore The Island
No matter how many times we stop at this port, one of our favorite things to do in Labadee, Haiti is to take a walk around the resort. It seems like we discover something new every time and come home with even more great pictures. We recommend getting off the ship as soon as it docks so you can be one of the first cruisers on the island. Using a map, you can make a loop around the area in about 60-90 minutes depending on your pace.
Ride the Dragon’s Tail Coaster
Want a little excitement during your stop at port? Then one of the fastest things to do in Labadee, Haiti is a ride on the Dragon’s Tail Coaster. This alpine style coaster seats one or two passengers and can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour as you descend from 680 feet above the ocean. A single ride or an all day pass can be purchased depending on your need for speed.
Splash in the Arawak Aqua Park
Located in Columbus Cove, the Arawak Aqua Park is an inflatable water park with a variety of attractions that are fun for swimmers of all ages. It is securely roped off to ensure that only swimmers with paid access can use the attractions which include a water trampoline, a “rock climbing wall”, small water slides, and other water toys. For an additional fee, you can enjoy the nearby Dragon’s Splash Waterslide. With all this splishing and splashing, be sure to bring your goggles!
Labadee Wave Jet Tour
If the last thing on your mind during vacation is exercise, you can still get a closer view of the landscape and seacoast of Labadee with a Wave Jet Tour. Another guided exploration, you will board these wave runners for an exhilarating one hour expedition. No experience is necessary, and if you are afraid of driving these vehicles, you can always be a passenger. Rev your engines and get ready for a wet and wild ride.
Kayak Adventure
Interested in seeing some of the surroundings of Labadee while also getting in a pretty good workout? Then the guided Kayak Adventure is for you. Paddle your way through the Bay of Labadee while you learn about the history and culture of Haiti. You can also grab some great photos of the island and your ship. The tour is short so you will still have plenty of time to enjoy the other attractions on the island.
Labadee Snorkel Safari
Located on several coral reefs, the surrounding waters of Labadee, Haiti are a snorkelers dream come true. If you are looking for a little underwater exploration, the Labadee Snorkel Safari is your tour. After taking a relaxing catamaran ride to the reefs, you will have plenty of time to view the reefs and feed the fish. This tour is great for families with all the equipment provided and with guides to provide assistance when snorkeling.
Relax on the beach
There are a handful of beaches on the island where you can find your ideal tanning spot. Lounge chairs are plentiful, and there are some shaded areas too for those who prefer to stay out of the sun. Once you claim your favorite spot, it is time to sit back, relax, and order a few rounds of Labadoozies, the island’s signature drink. These frozen cocktails are our favorite specialty drink.
Eat Some Barbecue
With all of the great things to do in Labadee, Haiti, you will certainly work up an appetite. You can head back to the ship and dine at one of the open venues, but why? There are several dining areas on the island serving a barbecue lunch. With an assortment of hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, and ribs, you should leave some room for this lunch. Make sure to grab some napkins because it could get a little messy.
There you have it, our Top 10 Things to do in Labadee, Haiti. With so many choices, it might be hard to try to do it all in one trip. That is probably why we keep returning to the island! After one stop in Labadee, you too may be looking to book another cruise so you can revisit this lovely retreat.
Comments
What’s your favorite thing to do in Labadee, Haiti? What are your recommendations for travelers who have never been to the island before? Drop us an anchor below to help your fellow cruisers find the perfect things to do in Labadee, Haiti on a cruise.
27 comments
joyce
in reading some of the questions and answers I just would like clarification on excusions. I don’t do water stuff and prefer land sight seeing of the area, people etc. Is this not possible . I like to see how the people live
Christine Fowler
I scheduled a birthday getaway next February. It is disappointing that Labadee is a cruise resort. I like culture. I guess we will find a beach spot and chill. I’m glad we can at least go diving in Nassau
Pat
Happy to have found your site! We are going on the Allure of the Seas in June 2019 with small children 2 +yrs old. Any suggestions on what they can do for water fun in Labadee?
DB
Hi Pat, we are glad you found our site too! There is s small water park just south of Adrenaline Beach on the island. It is great for little kids. You could also just enjoy one of the beaches. You could rent a mat or some of the water noodles for the whole family to use on the beach. Let us know if you have any other questions.
Kenneth Miller
Do you have similar articles on San Juan, PR – St. Maarten & St. Kitts?
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Kenneth, excellent question! Check out our Ports of Call Section for port guides and shore excursion reviews for all three of those islands. If you have specific questions feel free to contact us here or via email. When is your cruise? Thanks for reading.
Mary Ann
Sorry Part 2 – Labadee – if you reserve a lounger – can you leave your stuff there if you want to explore? or will it get stolen
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
While we have never had anything taken while on any cruise private island, do keep in mind your are sharing the beaches with thousands of other guests. There is very little security on the beach. We would not recommend leaving articles unattended for long periods of time. We have left things to go to the restroom, or hit the bar or grab some food, but we have also exercised some caution by securing our bags to the chair, and leaving them partially hidden from view. When we go for a walk or shopping, we do take our bag with us, but leave our beach towels to maintain our spot. Hope this gives you some guidance.
Mary Ann
Hi So excited I found this site – we just booked with RC and will be taking the Oasis Jan 15/17. We have only taken 2 cruises prior to this with NCL – Epic and Escape – both Jan. cruises. I’m so used to NCL and their processes I’m scared I’m going to miss something with RC. It’s really bothering my husband about the formal nights in the MDR and what to wear for the regular nights. He’s not a suit person but I’m going to try to talk him into it. Any tips about what to wear in the MDR and is it casual in the buffet area? Thanks!
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Mary Ann, thanks for reaching out. We are happy to help cruisers new to RCI! We actually sailed on NCL Escape earlier this year and loved that ship. While we are fans of formal night, we understand others on vacation may not want to dress up. You can get away on those nights wearing dress pants and a button down shirt. A tie would be nice, but you will see plenty of others not wearing one. Other nights in the MDR you can go pretty casual. We do suggest pants/jeans, and a collar shirt, like a polo. In the buffet, it is similiar to NCL, there is no dress code. If you have any other questions let us know. Happy cruising.
Nicole
Why can we not leave the resort and can they really hold us here if we don’t want to be confined to just this area? Also, are there buses/taxis to drive us around the resort?
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Nicole, Great question. The short answer is yes, they can keep you on the resort. You will see there is no way to exit the area. There are trams that take you from the entrance of Labadee to the very end of the area, which is the Artisan Marketplace. It is easily walk-able. The also offer wheel chairs designed to make it though the sand and uneven area for those with mobility issues.
Jennifer Sweeney
Hi i will be on RCCL Independence Of The Seas and was trying to book the Zipline in Labadee. They don’t offer it on their site. When we dock in Haiti can we just walk on over to the zipline and pay for it there on our own? (also is it ok for a 9 year old?)
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Jennifer, Great questions. Surprising that the option to book the shore excursion is not in your cruise planner. Double check as it is a popular shore excursion and sometimes they need to add slots online. You should be able to book the zip line right when you board. You can either got to the shore excursions desk, or do it on your in-stateroom television. Do it ASAP. It does often sell out. We would not wait until the day you dock in Labadee. There are weight and height restrictions for the zip line. You have to be at least 48 inches tall and weight between 75 and 275 pounds. As long as your 9 year old meets those requirements, he/she should be good to zip. Have a great cruise.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Barb, so sorry we did not get back to you. Just email us at editor@eatsleepcruise.com. We would be happy to help. Appreciate you reading our blog.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Barb, so sorry we did not get back to you. Just email us at editor@s33722.p856.sites.pressdns.com. We would be happy to help. Appreciate you reading our blog.
Barb
Hi, I have read your drink information and now have found this about Labadee, Haiti. I am excited to have found your site. You mentioned BBQ and Labadoozies above on Labadee. Can you give me an idea of how much these items cost? Can you also tell me where I can get the walking map of Labadee shown above. Is there any information about the port stops on the ship itself? We are sailing on Freedom of the Seas at the end of Oct. and will stop at Labadee, Falmouth Jamaica, George Town, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. Thank you!
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Barb. We are equally excited that you have found our site and are a cruiser! Welcome Aboard. You ask a lot of great questions, so we will try to answer them all. The BBQ lunch is complimentary (yes!) so there is no cost. Lines form quickly, and it is open for a limited time, so we suggest getting there early for best selections. Labadoozies are included in a drink package, if you get them in the non-souvenir glass. It is a smaller serving, and probably costs around $10. The larger souvenir glasses is probably closer to $15. The map above is a picture from the island. There are posts and signs all around showing your current location and pointing out other popular places on the island. I believe in the Cruise Compass you can get a similiar map. There is a port guide handout you will get on the ship giving you more info about the private island, along with the excursions. Sounds like a great Freedom of the Seas itinerary. Feel free to reach-out if you have other questions about the ports of call and ship. It has been a while since we sailed on Freedom, but from what we can recall, she is a great ship.
Barb
This is so very helpful! I really have a ton of questions. This is our first cruise and we’ll be going with our daughters family. They have a 12 yr old girl and 8 yr old boy. We don’t have an over abundance of money to spend, so we want to do make the best of what we have at each port. We love to see and hear about the culture the people, see what is growing there and taste the local foods and drinks. We also love the natural wonders. We are porting at Labadee, Haiti, Falmouth, Jamaica, George Town, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico and seeing the country. I know people go through private tours and I am checking to see which is a better price for a similar excursion. I really don’t know how to navigate myself to each specific area to ask questions, so if you can help, or answer any of my port questions, that would be wonderful!! Thanks so much.
lmcutler
We are going in April… We wanted to know if this was at all like Costa Maya where you can shop/eat/swim and relax without having to take an excursion. Family of 5, so don’t want to wander on own but in Costa Maya, there was plenty to do off ship right at the port and we could have enjoyed a great day without our excursion.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Imcutler, Sorry for the delay getting back to you. Labadee is a private resort area. You can look at the map in the post, that is the entire area of the resort. Yes, you do not need to book anything-you could spend the day just lying on the beach. But, you are not able to leave the general area to “go into town”. Shopping would be restricted to the few markets in Labadee. Same with food. The lunch buffet is the only food on the island. Of course, you can return to the ship at anytime to use those facilities. Which ship are you sailing on in April? Thanks for the question. Hope this helps.
lmcutler
Thanks this helps. We are on Navigator of the Seas. Our travel agent told us the same thing but we wanted to double check. As long as we can get to water, we are good!
Tony Chiera
Hi Imcutler, just wondering what you did in Labadee, we are going on a large family cruise in January. What would you recommend? All I really care about is the beach. Would you recommend the beach excursions with included alcohol and food?
Janeen @ Green Global Travel
Great tips and awesome pictures! Snorkeling and relaxing on the beach sound like a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Haiti.Thanks for sharing!
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Thanks Jane for the comment. Labadee is a great place to visit on a cruise and there is so much to do and see, that going back multiple times is fine with us. Happy Travels!
Gail Perez
Looks like a beautiful place to stop. Thanks for the tips. A quick question…..what about giant spiders? On our last cruise to Ocho RIos in Jamaica, we had an awful time dodging spider and spider webs. It freaked out our teenage daughter’s so badly that we cut our shore excursions short because of it (and of course we weren’t given a discount). Just don’t want the same experience in Labadee.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Gail…Thanks for reading. We never experienced any issues with spiders on any island. Labadee is a pretty well developed resort, so if you stick to this area you should be fine. When is your cruise? We have been to Labadee a bunch of times and have had no issues. Not to say there are not spiders, but we have never heard of anyone having issues with the wildlife on Labadee.