| Language: |
French, Creole |
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| Currency: |
Gourde |
| Location: |
Haiti |
Where is Labadee, Haiti?
Labadee Beech is located on Haiti’s northern coastline a few miles from Cap Haitien. It has two small coves that shelter the area from ocean waves and provide a smooth ride too and from the ship.
One cove is located in the heart of the Royal Caribbean tourist area, made specifically for swimming called Labadee Beech. It has white sandy beaches, numerous palm trees and minimal bugs and sea creatures.
Located at the other cove is an extremely small town called Labadie. Labadie has no road access or electricity from other main cities and requires all supplies be found in the area or brought in by boat. For Haiti with Love is a small organization aiding various areas of Haiti. It has many small medical clinics in this village and takes everything from beds to generators across the cove. The cove itself is used mainly for local fishermen and the other inhabitants from the area for swimming and transportation. A large series of mountains surround the area covered with dense tropical forest and many large rock formations preventing most outside contact except by water.
Many of the cruise lines take thousands of travelers to Labadee’s shores every month which undoubtedly aids many of the low-income Haitians by providing jobs and a steady flow of income into the village.
This “Island” is owned and operated by cruise lines and usually becomes the first or last destination on a cruise to the Caribbean. Often the cruise lines do not discuss the fact that the “Paradise Island,” (Labadee) is in-fact located on the coast of Haiti. This is probably due to concerns of violence, poverty, and other issues that Haitians face.
The area under control of the cruiselines is extremely secure and protected by the surrounding steep mountain ridges, dense forest, and a large barbed wire black fence with patrolling employees.
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GOOGLE MAPS OF LABADEE
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CLIMATE/WEATHER IN LABADEE
The tropical climate of Labadee is similar to that of Haiti, averaging at about 80-90 degrees year round. The water is warm yet refreshingly clear. Even with many signs warning of jellyfish, sharks, and other sea creatures, the water was clear enough to see that none of these animals were to be found on the white beaches. Hurricane season is from June to December, but for the most part the weather conditions remain clear with occasional afternoon showers.
Labadee can get extremely hot and humid even with a nice breeze. To keep cool and hydrated, it would be best to take a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and at all possible cost water bottles.
Current weather conditions at Labadee, Haiti.
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THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF LABADEE
Labadee's natural beauty is astonishing, but compares similarly with many other caribbean locations. Here is an excerpt from my travels:
"I had woken up early on the morning as we were pulling into our first destination right at sunris. I watched the Haitian mountains near Labadee carve into the purple sky and appear like a hidden island in the distance. It wasn’t long before the bustle of the workers on the island could be seen and many of the local fishermen came to see the massive ship pull into the cove.
Most of the cruise line officials seemed to have authority in the area and the unaffiliated locals seemed to stay at a distance. These white sand beaches consisted of lush palms, bright red flowers, awesome rock formations, and a warm, beautiful, and clear water. The people of the island were extremely kind and helped add charm to the beautiful location."
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TRANSPORTATION & FOOD AT LABADEE
Lunch was provided by the cruise lines and consisted of a typical American cookout (iced tea, punch, hotdogs, hamburgers, ribs, fries, baked beans, coleslaw and Jello for dessert--although this may vary with each cruise).
The ferries to the cruise line ran an average of 15-20 minutes and took about 5 minutes to get back and forth from the ship or vise versa. A small tram is available on the island to take tourists from beach to market to eliminate any walking that you may have to do.
I much preferred taking a walk along the sandy trail to and from the beach. With a beautiful view and and awesome palms and bright red flowers lining the area--it is something you shouldn't miss.
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ON-SHORE ACTIVITIES ON LABADEE
In reality, Labadie, Haiti started as a small fishing village and now is dominated by tourism. Many people who live near the the location now work for Royal Caribbean or other cruise lines as entertainers, helping hosts, and market traders selling small trinkets and handmade-goods in the local Royal Caribbean market.
Numerous souvenirs were located in the Labadee market including fabrics, tapestries, hand decorated dresses, pottery, wood carvings, chess sets, inexpensive Haitian art, Barbancourt rum, unique Paper-Mâché and many other assembled items from the local area.
For anyone wishing to get a great price, all you have to do is bargain a little. These vendors are slightly more aggressive than other markets on surrounding areas and will give you a great deal if you push hard enough.
Entertainers provide an almost sorrowful and mellow beat that is both relaxing and slightly whistful. While enjoying the music, staff patrol the island will gladly help you with your chair or towel for a small tip. I am not sure if the salary of the staff members who help you around the beach are entirely based on tips or also have an hourly/yearly pension.
Various On-shore Activities of Labadee, Haiti (source: cruisecheap.com, soulofamerica.com)
- Soak up the sun while you float on the waves on a beach mat.
- Enjoy the fun-filled floating Aqua Park as you bounce on trampolines and climb and slide on inflatables.
- Go shopping for beautiful handmade local artwork, woodwork and crafts. You'll want to bring cash so you can take home a beautiful memento of this private paradise.
The Market filled with several specialty stores. The stores offer statues, tapestries, exotic fabrics, hand made pottery, jewelry, Barbancourt rum, hand decorated dresses, sarongs and unique Paper Mache artwork and more. They accept traveler's checks and credit cards.
- Sip a "Labaduzee" - Royal Caribbean's signature frozen drink that is out of this world. Order yours from a shady hammock to capture the true spirit of Labadee.
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OFF-SHORE ACTIVITIES ON LABADEE
(source: soulofamerica.com, prices may have changed)
The cruise ships offer a variety of shore excursions that require advance reservations. The most popular tours fill up fast, so book them early. Many cruise lines have shore excursion information available on their websites and allow reservations before you leave home. We have listed some sample shore excursions. The length of the tours, price and what's included vary by cruise ship.
Kayak Adventure ($38 Adult, $32 Child, 90 minutes)
- Enjoy a guided tour along Labadee's coast in a two person ocean kayak.
- Paddle along the gorgeous coastline of Labadee on a relaxing kayaking tour. Your guide will lead you through beautiful coral reefs, where you'll witness an abundance of exotic marine life. You'll also pass various fishing villages that have been unchanged for decades.
Parasailing ($79 Adult, $79 Child, 1 Hour)
- Grab a bird's-eye view as you soar 400 feet above the beautiful peninsula of Labadee on a thrilling parasailing ride.
Snorkeling ($15 Adult, $10 Child)
- Learn how to snorkel and experience Labadee's natural beauty.
Waverunner Experience ($99 Adult, $99 Child, 1 Hour)
- Take an exhilarating ride aboard a WaveRunner down the scenic coast of Labadee. See your ship from a perspective rarely enjoyed by other guests.
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