Labadee
Nord
Labadee is a private resort located on a peninsula along the northern coast of Haiti, leased exclusively to Royal Caribbean Group since 1985. The resort is designed solely for cruise passengers and features a range of attractions including pristine beaches, a Haitian flea market, watersports, a water playground, an alpine coaster, and the largest zip-line over water in the world. The resort is secured by private security and is fenced off from the surrounding areas, creating a controlled environment where tourists can enjoy amenities brought in from the cruise ships. Although often marketed as an island, Labadee is a peninsula connected to Hispaniola. Its name derives from Marquis de La Badie, a French settler from the 17th century. The resort has undergone significant improvements, including upgrades to port facilities to accommodate the largest Oasis-class cruise ships. Despite its tourist appeal, Labadee has faced criticism for isolating visitors from Haitian culture and the local population. Political unrest and safety concerns have led to temporary suspensions of cruise visits in recent years. Nevertheless, Labadee remains a distinctive Caribbean destination known for its exclusive cruise resort experience and unique recreational offerings.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during the dry season for the best weather and consider purchasing tickets or excursions through the cruise line in advance to ensure availability. Be aware that the resort is fenced and access is restricted to cruise passengers only. Limited local commerce is available through approved Haitian merchants inside the resort. Check for any travel advisories or cruise schedule changes related to political or security situations in Haiti before planning your trip.
Interesting facts
- •Labadee hosts the world's largest zip-line over water, offering thrilling aerial views of the Caribbean Sea.
- •The resort is fenced off and secured, preventing local Haitians from entering and cruise passengers from leaving the property.
- •Despite being often advertised as an island, Labadee is actually a peninsula connected to the island of Hispaniola.
- •Royal Caribbean invested $55 million in 2009 to upgrade port facilities to accommodate their largest cruise ships, including Oasis-class vessels.
- •Labadee's name is derived from a 17th-century French settler, Marquis de La Badie.
History
The area now known as Labadee was originally settled in the 17th century by Marquis de La Badie, after whom the peninsula is named.
In the 18th century, the bay was called Port François, with the peninsula known as Point de Port François.
In 1985, the Haitian government leased the 260-acre peninsula to Royal Caribbean Group for exclusive use by its cruise passengers, a lease extended through 2050.
Over the decades, the resort has been developed with various amenities and upgraded port facilities to accommodate larger ships.
The resort has also experienced interruptions due to political unrest in Haiti, including suspensions of cruise calls in 2004, 2016, and most recently in 2024-2025 due to security concerns.
Place Guide
Beaches and Watersports
Labadee features several pristine beaches where visitors can relax or engage in watersports such as kayaking, snorkeling, and jet skiing. The clear Caribbean waters and white sands provide a picturesque setting for leisure and adventure.
The Alpine Coaster
A unique mountain coaster attraction allows visitors to ride a gravity-driven sled down a track through tropical scenery, combining thrills with natural beauty.
The Haitian Flea Market
A controlled marketplace within the resort where a select group of Haitian merchants sell local crafts, souvenirs, and goods, providing a glimpse of Haitian culture within the resort's confines.
The Zip-line Over Water
Labadee boasts the world's longest zip-line over water, allowing visitors to soar above the Caribbean Sea from the peninsula to a nearby island, combining adventure with stunning panoramic views.
