Labadee, Haiti is Royal Caribbean’s private cruise resort with all the beach attractions, watersports, and fun activities that cruisers look forward to. Private island destinations are popular ports of call for cruises in the Caribbean but Labadee, Haiti is a little different. This 260-acre resort is actually on a coastal peninsula rather than a private island.

One of the advantages of visiting Labadee is that even the largest Oasis-class ships can moor at the pier, avoiding the need for tenders. The secure gated resort is just over 800 meters long and 400m wide and is very easy to walk around.

Paved trails make it wheelchair-friendly and easy to navigate on foot. Alternatively, you can take the free tender to quieter Columbus Cove for the day. There’s also a free tram around Labadee with stops at the Dragon Zipline Station near the pier and at Barefoot Station and Town Square. Why not just hop aboard for a quick ride around Labadee!

Labadee is a thrilling place to spend a day. It has four beautiful white sandy beaches and the warm Caribbean waters are perfect for swimming and a host of watersports. Labadee also has some adrenalin rides including an alpine roller coaster and one of the longest zip-lines over water anywhere in the world.

Other things to do in Labadee include the massive Arawak Aqua Park with Dragon’s Splash water-slide, cabana rentals, parasailing, jet-skiing, fishing, speed boat adventures, catamaran trips, cultural experiences, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, cafés, bars, and children’s play areas. Prepare for some serious fun!

Where is Labadee?

Labadee is located on a peninsula on the north coast of Haiti in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea. Haiti occupies the western end of the island of Hispaniola while neighboring Dominican Republic covers the central and eastern end of the island. The two countries are separated by a very high mountain range.

Labadee is 32 miles west of the border with the Dominican Republic and 134 miles south of Grand Turk, the nearest island. It is 567 miles from Miami, the main departure point for Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

A little history about Labadee, Haiti

The island of Hispaniola was originally inhabited by indigenous Taino people before being “discovered” by Christoper Columbus on his first Voyage of Discovery in 1492. 

In 1697, the western end of the island (now Haiti) was ceded to France and the lucrative sugar plantations made it one of the richest colonies in the world. During the 17^th century, the Marquis de La Badie settled in the area and it became known as “Labadee”. Then, in 1804 Haiti gained independence.

Labadee is currently leased to Royal Caribbean as a private resort destination until 2050.

Who owns Labadee, Haiti?

Labadee is a 260-acre private resort that was leased to Royal Caribbean Cruises in 1986. In 2009, RCI upgraded the facilities at a cost of $55 million which included building a deep-water dock for visiting cruise ships. The lease runs until 2050.

Labadee is a popular port of call for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara. This single port contributes the largest amount of tourist revenue to Haiti, employing 300 local people and allowing others to sell their merchandise and services to cruise visitors in the flea market.

In 2019, 160 cruise ships spent a day at Labadee with 720,000 passengers (and crew) enjoying the resort facilities.

What’s the Weather Like in Labadee, Haiti?

Labadee is in the Caribbean and has beautiful warm weather all year round. The average temperature is 80°F with a variance of around 10 degrees.

It has a dry season with almost no rainfall between December and March, which is the main cruise season in the Caribbean. The wet season is during the summer when it is also the hottest.

It has more chance of rain and tropical storms between August and October. The hottest month is July.

How to Visit Labadee

Labadee, Haiti is privately owned and the only way to visit is by booking a cruise with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity or Azamara cruise ships that include Labadee in their itinerary.

Ships berth at the 400-metre-long pier in Buccaneer Bay and only one cruise ship can berth at any time.

Things to Do in Labadee, Haiti

At the end of the pier/walkway, one of the first things you’ll see is the Trading Post. There’s a desk where you can book tours, rides and experiences if you have not already done so. This is also the place to enjoy a little shopping and help support the local economy.

There is a First Aid Station near the tram stops. The resort also has several dedicated smoking zones in an otherwise smoke-free environment.

From this central point you’ll find lots of things to do while visiting Labadee and many activities are free.

Shopping in Labadee

There are 3 Trading Posts selling beachwear, hats, T-shirts etc.

There’s also a covered Artisan’s Market with excellent shopping opportunities at 70 different booths. Look out for Rum of Haiti for purchasing local alcoholic treats and browse the goods at Carlos which sells beautiful hand-decorated skirts and clothing.

The Artisan’s Village is an open-air market with many local traders and artisans selling wood carvings, paintings, jewelry and unique souvenirs. You can see them working on their crafts and there’s the chance to haggle a little.

Beaches

All Labadee beaches have complimentary beach chairs and hammocks available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Labadee has four beautiful sandy beaches:

• The largest is Adrenalin Beach and has a swim-up floating bar!
• Home of the Arawak Water Park, Columbus Cove is the furthest beach from the pier. Getting there is easy aboard the free tram, the Columbus Cove Express. Hop aboard at the Dragon Tram Station near the pier.
• Nellie’s Beach is on the south shore of the bay and is a little rocky in places. Small and secluded, it has gorgeous cabana rentals.
• Barefoot Beach is exclusively for cruisers staying in Grand Suites.

Cabana Rentals

For a romantic escape or to enjoy some quality time with family and friends, rent a private beach bungalow or luxury cabana for the day. Prices range from $263 for a beach bungalow for 8 guests up to an over-the-water cabana at Nellie’s Beach for $579.

You can also rent shady beach loungers from $48 for two and the ultimate couple’s four-poster beach beds from $175.

Watersports

Labadee is a haven for all types of watersports including kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing over the bay, paddleboarding or just relax on a floating mat.

The Arawak Water Park at Columbus Cove offers the chance to hop on cooling icebergs, navigate obstacles, water trampolines, slides and more. For youngsters there’s a smaller scale water park called Adventure Ocean Oasis with water toys, buckets and fountains.

If want to enjoy the calm clear waters, floating mat rentals are available at Nellie’s Beach and Columbus Cove for around $19.

There’s a 300-foot-long Dragon’s Splash twisting water-slide at Columbus Cove ending in a big splash!

Walking

If you want to stretch your legs, the resort has paved trails that are color coded. There’s a Leisure walk (green), Moderate walk (amber) and Strenuous Walk (red).

Food and Drink in Labadee

All the food and drink is prepared onboard your cruise ship and then transported ashore. This ensures the same standard and quality that you are used to onboard.

Lunch is complimentary and served at three locations: The Dragon’s Café near the pier, Café Labadee at Adrenalin Beach and Columbus Cove Café. All venues offer a selection of tasty barbecue meats, hot dogs, burgers, chicken, salads and tropical fruit served buffet-style.

There are five bars dotted around the resort including Dragon’s Breath Pub near the pier, the Floating Bar and Schooner Bar on Adrenalin Beach, Nellie’s Tavern and Columbus Cove Barr. 

They all serve signature cocktails (try the frozen Labadoozie!), virgin mocktails, sodas and beers. Drinks are typically charged to your account by scanning your stateroom pass. If you have a drinks package as part of your cruise package, it will also be honored at all the bars and restaurants while in Labadee. Hurray!

Cruise Excursions in Labadee, Haiti

Cruisers are required to stay within the secure fenced resort area so there are no land excursions around the island.

However, you can book some amazing experiences in Labadee such as:

• Sport fishing charters
• 3-hour cruise experience aboard a luxury sailboat
• A trip to Paradise Cove and the chance to learn about everyday life with a Haitian Village Cultural Experience
• Half-day snorkeling trip to nearby Amiga Island from $69
• Catamaran trips along the coast from $54 seeing fishing villages, a fortress and a shipwreck

Add-on Experiences in Labadee

There’s plenty of free things to do in Labadee, but you might want to take the opportunity to do a once-in-a-lifetime experience while you’re here. Don’t forget to book early to avoid disappointment!

Dragon’s Breath Zipline

The thrilling Dragon’s Breath Zipline is Labadee’s main claim to fame. When it was constructed, it was the longest over-water zipline in the world. It stretches across the shoreline for 2,600 feet (almost half a mile!).

The zipline starts 450 feet up the hillside and the speedy ride lasts for two exhilarating minutes at speeds of around 35mph. The cost is currently around $89.

Climb the steps and ride the Little Dragon training ride then hop aboard an open shuttle to transport you to the zipline launch platform. You’ll be zipping right across the curving bay so keep your eyes open if you dare as the views are absolutely amazing! Book your time slot well ahead of time as places are limited.

Dragon’s Tail Coaster

Those who enjoy thrilling Alpine coaster rides can spend the whole day riding the Dragon’s Tail roller coaster with an all-day pass.

The 2-person coaster cars wind along the hillside above the beach and drivers can slow down or control the speed of the cars with a brake pedal for the perfect ride. Best time ride and to avoid the lines is as soon as you reach the resort.

Tips When Visiting Labadee, Haiti

Use the locker (around $10) to secure your valuables when riding the Dragon’s Breath Zipline. You can keep the locker for the whole day which is useful when swimming and doing watersports too!

Also Read: Things to Know about Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas

You will need cash (US dollars) when shopping at the Artisan’s Market and the Artisan Village. It’s also useful for tipping local beach staff and watersports assistants who greatly appreciate the extra income.

The best months to visit weather-wise are between December and April.

Avoid the lines at the Dragon’s Tail Coaster by heading there as soon as you arrive.

Hop aboard the free tram and see the highlights of Labadee. It stops at Barefoot Station, the Dragon Zipline Station and Town Square.

Take an insulated drinks bottle ashore. You can refill it free at the buffet area and stay hydrated at the beach. NB. Water in the restrooms is not safe to drink.

Don’t forget to take your beach towel ashore as there are no towel stations in Labadee.

Labadee FAQs

Main Photo Credit: NAN728 / Shutterstock.com

Located in the idyllic waters of the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua will quickly steal your heart with its lush beauty, and warm and friendly locals. As a cruise stop, it’s hard to rival Antigua — it’s one of the most popular for many travelers exploring this side of the Caribbean. 

Of all the things to do in Antigua, aside from lounging on any one of its many beaches (365 of them to be exact), this island nation has so much to offer in terms of culture, cuisine, and diverse landscapes. 

Once your cruise ship docks at Heritage and Redcliffe Quay, the capital of St, John’s is just a five minutes’ walk away and you’ll be spoiled-for-choice when it comes to on-shore excursions… 

1. Explore St. Johns, Antigua’s Capital, and Port

Once you dock at the port of St. John’s, lace-up with a good pair of walking shoes and take to the streets to explore the island nation’s capital for the day. 

All of the city’s iconic landmarks are within walking distance of the cruise terminal. If you don’t feel like straying very far, pop across to Radcliffe Quay, connected to the docking terminal by a boardwalk. 

Otherwise, explore the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda or take your pick from an eclectic mix of restaurants to refuel for lunch. 

Don’t miss out on a classic photo opportunity while you’re at the cruise ship port with its many colorful walls — ideal for the Insta feed!  

2. Hike to the Summit of Mount Obama 

This is the highest and most scenic point on the entire island — originally known as Boggy Peak. It’s a challenging climb, but both beginners and experienced hikers can easily complete the track.

The reward at the summit of Mount Obama is unhindered, panoramic views across Antigua. Bear in mind that the hike takes an average of three hours to the summit, and you’ll be hiking through lush jungle trails. 

3. Meet Antigua’s Local Wildlife 

While you’re in Antigua, it only makes sense to explore its incredible underwater sea life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. 

In specific, the Cades Reef scuba tour. Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver or prefer snorkeling, this is a family-friendly spot known for its impeccable visibility and a huge diversity of sea creatures.

On a calm day, visibility is about 100-feet (30 meters) and you can expect to see plenty of fish swimming on the coral reef, turtles, the iconic sunken yacht wreck, and more.   

4. Mingle Like a Local at Shirley Heights 

For yet another spot to take in the beauty of Antigua, Shirley Heights is a must-visit location.

With a panoramic lookout across the island, this is also one of the best spots to mingle with the locals and enjoy steel drum music, Caribbean barbeque, and cinnamon-spiced rum. It doesn’t get more authentic than that! 

If you prefer things a little more low-key, stick to weekday evening events. 

5. Hop Over to the Island of Barbuda 

Despite damage by Hurricane Irma, this island is still worth a day-trip. Simply hop on the Barbuda Express which is a high-speed catamaran that will carry you over for a day of exploration of this very untouched Caribbean habitat.

This is a popular day excursion, so make sure to plan your time well and book in advance. 

6. Explore Antigua’s Local Cuisine 

The Antiguans love all things hot and spicy, so be prepared to have your taste buds fired up. 

If you want to delve a little deeper into the local Caribbean cuisine, why not take a local cooking class? One of the most popular options is with Nicole’s Table, based in the capital, St. Johns. 

If you’re interested in sampling local delicacies, add conch water or goat water to your list (it’s a type of soup).

There’s also Caribbean barbeque and dumplings, usually made with cod or salt fish, the local favorite Johnny’s Cakes and Bakes, and deliciously sweet Caribbean mango! 

7. Discover off-the-Beaten Track Paradise at Half Moon Bay 

While some of Antigua’s beaches may be a little overcrowded and busy, there are a few that aren’t, specifically, Half Moon Bay.

Located in a national park, this swath of beach is untouched and protected and sits perfectly off-the-beaten-track. Its sizable waves also make it ideal for windsurfers. Snorkelers can also enjoy their time here with calm waters to explore near the edge of the bay. 

Top Tip: Make sure you visit Half Moon Bay in the day — don’t plan this outing for sunset. The winding route to get there (plus the sandflies come dusk) may not offer an equally pleasant experience. 

8. Take In the Natural Wonder of Devil’s Bridge

This is a definite must-see when visiting this island nation and is almost a rite-of-passage when exploring Antigua.

Devil’s Bridge is a natural limestone arch located in eastern Antigua — you can find it near Indian Town. The ocean’s power has shaped this natural arch over hundreds of years, giving Devil’s Bridge its fascinating shape. It also marks out the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 

9. Step Back in Time at Betty’s Hope 

If you’re interested in learning a little more about Antigua’s heritage, then this is a worthwhile experience. Betty’s Hope is essentially a 17th-century sugar plantation. It is named after the daughter of a former plantation owner and is one of the largest plantation sites in Antigua.

No longer a working sugar mill, but a museum of sorts, a visit to Betty’s Hope gives you a good idea of the role Antigua played in escaping the system of slavery. If you’re a history buff, this spot is for you. 

10. Escape the Crowds at Valley Church Beach 

If you’re looking to escape to an idyllic beach straight out of a Caribbean postcard, then Valley Church Beach is your go-to. You’ll find this spot south of Jolly Harbour, on the west coast of Antigua. 

With its palm-tree-lined coastline, powdery, white sand beach, and a chance of spotting dolphins, this is the Caribbean in a nutshell — without the madding crowds. 

11. Get To Know Antigua From a Local Perspective 

One of the best ways to explore any new area is with a local. If you want to break away from the crowds and get to know all of the best local gems, who better to show you than someone who actually lives in Antigua?

There are numerous locally guided tours operating across the island, but it’s important to do your research first and ensure the tour guide you choose is legitimate and verified. For a truly authentic Caribbean experience, this is one of the best (and most affordable) ways to discover Antigua. 

12. Try Your Hand at Sailing 

If the Caribbean is renowned for anything, it’s the pristine sailing conditions, making it one of the best places in the world to learn how to sail. If this has always been on your bucket list, then there’s no better time to spend a day learning how it’s done while in Antigua. 

Head over to the National Sailing Academy in Falmouth Harbour, where they offer short sailing courses. Or, you can hire a dinghy for the day and take it out to Pigeon Point Beach if you already know what you’re doing! 

13. Soar Across Antiguan Rainforest 

This may be one of the more tourist-driven attractions in Antigua, but it’s ideal if you love a dash of adrenaline and want to explore the island’s lush rainforest, too. 

With Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours, you can soar across and through the dense rainforest, and choose from a short 45-minute tour, or one that spans 2.5 hours.

The full tour also includes an adventure obstacle course set up within the jungle, including rope swings, bridges, and the 328-foot zipline for the ultimate rush. 

14. Get a Taste of Antiguan Heritage at Fort Berkeley

This is another fantastic tour if you’re interested in learning more about Antigua’s naval history. Fort Berkeley was integral to the defense of Antigua during the reign of the British Empire.  

Complete with 25 canons across the site, you can hike a trail that starts at the superyacht dock, near Nelson’s dockyard. It’s a relatively quiet and picturesque trail that winds its way along English Harbour.

Don’t miss out on the 200-year old bomb-proof magazine that was capable of holding 300 barrels of gunpowder! 

15. Take in the View at Island Beach Bar

For an amazing island dining experience, you want to schedule a visit to the Island Beach Bar. Also known as Turner’s Beach Bar, located on Turner’s beach, it’s the perfect spot for delicious island cuisine. You will get incredible views of the island of Montserrat.

If you can only visit during the day due to your cruise schedule, be sure to indulge in the locally caught lobster which is caught, split and grilled right on the beach.

If you visit at night, however, you can catch a glimpse of the active lava glow from the Soufrière Hills volcano on Montserrat Island.

16. Shop Til’ You Drop at Heritage Quay

You may not think that there would be much high-end or duty-free shopping on an island such as Antigua, but au contraire. If you’re keen on a spot of luxury shopping, then add a visit to Heritage Quay to your bucket list. This is one of the best areas to find the best prices on luxury items, too.

You can find a plethora of stores selling everything from diamond jewelry to Rolex watches, cigars, liquor, designer clothing, cosmetics, and more. 

17. Indulge in a Lobster Lunch Cruise

If you’re feeling particularly indulgent after a spot of luxury shopping, why not embark on a yacht cruise around the island of Antigua? There are several independent cruise charters that operate from the island, but one that is worth mentioning is the family-owned and operated Creole Antigua Tours. 

You can expect a beautiful lobster lunch, a spot of island hopping, snorkeling, and plenty of sun, sea, and relaxation. 

18. Trek To the Pillars of Hercules

This is a brilliant day out if you’re keen on exploring the natural landscape of Antigua, other than the beach. The Pillars of Hercules are a stunning natural wonder carved by the power of the ocean over thousands of years. From the pillars, you can explore private beaches, plenty of snorkeling opportunities, with sightings of rare fish species.

You can only reach this site from a hiking trail from Galleon Beach, which is beautiful in itself, littered with cactus and agave. 

19. Explore Antigua’s Mangrove System

If you’re a nature lover and want to get your outdoor fix, then a great to do just that is by hiring a kayak for a few hours and exploring the island’s mangroves. During a mangrove kayak tour, you may even get a chance to spot a jellyfish species unique to Antigua — the upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea).  

20. Spend the Day on Prickly Pear Island

Island hopping is another great way to get to know Antigua and its gorgeous surroundings — because there’s plenty to see just a short boat ride away on the uninhabited Prickly Pear Island.

Set off the northeast corner of Antigua, it’s the ideal day-trip spot for idyllic, quiet beaches, shallow reefs, tropical fish, and plenty of freshly made rum cocktails! 

Bonus: Antigua Cruise Port

Since this is a very popular cruise destination. Most major cruise lines such as Carnival, the Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises, cruise to the island regularly.

The cruise port is found in St. John which is the capital city of Antigua. The dock there is large enough to accommodate four ships and soon to be more with the construction of a new pier that’s underway.

Your ship is likely to dock at either Heritage or Radcliffe quay. The first thing that greets you once you disembark from your ship is the beautiful metallic island tunes, played tirelessly by an island band at the piers exit.

Entering into the beautiful port area one is greeted by a burst of colorful buildings featuring lively outlets. The outlet host eateries, duty-free shopping malls, bars, and gift shops. This neatly organized port area with clean streets and plenty of amenities serves as a nice introduction to Antigua.

Top Traveler’s Tip: 

If you want to experience an authentic taste of Caribbean culture, be sure to plan your cruise towards the end of July as this falls right in the middle of Carnival!

Antigua FAQs 

We hope this list of some of the best things to do in Antigua has you intrigued. In order to plan your shore excursions well, it’s best to know a few things about Antigua itself, first: 

Discover These Things to Do in Antigua With Cruise Hive 

These are just a few of the many things to do in Antigua that will capture your heart and spirit and make you fall in love with the Caribbean. A crucial part of your cruise experience is preparing and booking your trip well in advance.