Discover Eight of the Best Beaches in Haiti

Escape to the beaches of Haiti and soak in the sun, sand, and sea. Haiti is the ideal destination for a rejuvenating and unforgettable vacation with its warm waters and long coastlines. Whether you’re a diving enthusiast, a family searching for paradise, or just looking to break away from the daily routine, Haiti offers the perfect combination of relaxation and exciting activities.

We’ve rounded up eight of Haiti’s best and most popular beaches. So, pack your bags and start planning your ultimate beach escape.

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1. Start with the finest, Abaka Bay

Begin your Haitian beach adventure with a visit to Abaka Bay, recently named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by CNN. Located on the enchanting island of Île à Vache, this bay features a pristine white sand beach and calm Caribbean waters framed by rolling hills and verdant foliage.

Abaka Bay Resort offers guests a truly exclusive and secluded experience. Bungalows situated directly on the beach provide panoramic views and direct access to the sugar-fine sand and crystal-clear sea. Dining options are equally impressive, with a restaurant offering breathtaking views of the ocean and epic sunsets.

Getting there
To reach Île à Vache, simply take a 15-20 minute boat ride from Les Cayes. The island is located in the Bay of Les Cayes off the southern coast of Haiti.

2. Tiny, yet Stunning Île a Rat (Amiga Island)

From the moment you set foot on Ile a Rat (also known as Amiga Island), this tiny slice of paradise will steal your heart. Its sleek, white sand beach immediately catches the eye, while the gentle waves create a dreamy oasis against the pearlescent shoreline.

Located in the turquoise waters off the coast of Plaine du Nord in northern Haiti, Ile a Rat is a 1.8-hectare piece of white coral covered in a small, wild forest. The island is a peaceful retreat, making it a particularly romantic setting for couples looking for a serene getaway.

Getting there
To get to Ile a Rat, you can take one of the many boat taxis waiting in Labadee, which is a 30-minute drive from Cap-Haïtien. Keep in mind that the island is uninhabited, so it’s important to bring everything you need for a comfortable stay, including drinking water.

3. Côtes des Arcadins: The Ideal Dive Destination

Nestled on the north edge of Port-au-Prince Bay, Côtes des Arcadins spans 19 kilometers of white sand beaches lined with palm trees, making it one of Haiti’s most popular beach destinations. The combination of the deep blue sea, mountains, mangrove forests, and the coral reef formed by the Arcadins islets creates a breathtaking sight. With so much to explore beneath the surface, scuba diving and jet-skiing are popular activities here.

Côtes des Arcadins has something for everyone, with well-known hotels and resorts such as the ever-popular Decameron (previously known as Club Indigo), as well as other favorites like Wahoo Bay and the newly opened Moulin Sur Mer. However, if you’re seeking a more beach experience away from the crowds, venture off to one of the lesser-known beaches in the area.

Getting there
The Arcadins Coast borders the town of Montrouis, near Saint-Marc, and is located just a few hours north of Port-au-Prince. To fully enjoy your stay, consider staying at one of the lodges or hotels along the coast.

4. The Pearl of the South: Pointe Sable

Port-Salut is home to the famous southern beach of Pointe Sable, a true picture perfect destination that is bound to leave you in awe. This two-kilometer stretch of golden sand is surrounded by palm trees and small thatched roof bars, creating a rural charm that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Port-Salut is also home to several popular festivals and beach parties.

In recent years, Pointe Sable has become a popular weekend getaway from Port-au-Prince, with a growing number of hotels popping up along the coast. Despite this, the area has yet to reach the level of overcrowding seen in other Caribbean destinations. For those looking for adventure, Port-Salut offers several options. You can visit the pretty Cascade Touyac waterfall, which is about a half-hour walk inland, or head up into the hills for a visit to the Grotte Marie Jeanne in Port-à-Piment.

Getting there
To reach Port-Salut, take National Road 2 from Port-au-Prince towards Les Cayes, and continue to Port-Salut, located 30 kilometers west of Les Cayes. The drive from Port-au-Prince takes approximately three hours.

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5. Endless Thrills and Relaxation at Labadee Beach

Labadee is a popular beach destination on the northern coast of Haiti, famous for its beauty and activities. The area boasts four white sand beaches, cafés, and the country’s only port serving as a cruise ship stop. Labadee offers a wide range of activities, from cruising and shopping at souvenir shops to dining at restaurants and enjoying the thrill of a 450-foot-high zipline. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind, with long stretches of beach and plenty of spots to sit, lay down, and soak up the sun.

There are several options for food and drinks, including Dragon’s Cafe, Labadee Cafe, and Columbus Cove Cafe, all serving a delicious lunch buffet. And don’t forget to stop by the Floating Bar at Adrenaline Beach for a signature Labadoozie frozen cocktail. The Artisan’s Village is also a must-visit, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs made by local artists.

For those seeking thrills, there’s no shortage of excitement to be found at Labadee. The possibilities for adventure are endless, from zip-lining across the ocean to jumping on floating trampolines. And for a unique view of the island, you can parasail or speed around the shoreline on a speedboat.

Getting there
Labadee beach is operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises. The best (and only) way to get there is by joining a cruise that stops at Labadee. Please note that, unfortunately, it is not possible for cruise guests to leave the area and visit other attractions in the region.

Book a cruise now and make Labadee the next stop on your Caribbean voyage here!

6. Cormier Beach, Where Mountains Meet the Sea

If you travel further down Haiti’s northern coast, you’ll have the chance to witness the rolling green mountains that flawlessly blend into the sea, welcoming you to Cormier Plage Resort. This 5-hectare hotel complex offers a peaceful escape with breathtaking views of the north coast, making it the ideal destination for a family vacation.

The resort provides an array of activities for its guests, including tennis lessons, boat trips to nearby secluded beaches surrounding Cap-Haïtien, and an opportunity to relish Haitian fusion cuisine at the restaurant and bar. The long sandy beach is dotted with lounge chairs, and guests can stay connected with free Wi-Fi available throughout the property.

The hotel also offers excursions to the famous Citadelle Henri and Palace Sans Souci. So whether you’re staying at Cormier Beach Resort or just visiting for the day, you can soak up the beauty and tranquility of this stunning beach.

Getting there 
Cormier Beach, is a short 20-minute drive from the center of Cap-Haïtien or a 40-minute drive from the Cap-Haïtien International airport.

7. Swim like the Locals at Gelée Beach

For an authentic local beach experience, head to Gelée Beach located near Les Cayes in Southern Haiti. This 900-meter stretch of pristine sand is lined with seafood restaurants, offering a picturesque backdrop to the rural scenery of Les Cayes city.

You’ll be able to indulge in flavourful Haitian cuisine such as griyo (fried pork), bannann peze (fried plantain chips), or the famous lambi (conch) while sipping on a refreshing rum sour and taking in the calming sounds of the waves.

Looking to explore Haiti’s unique gastronomy? Here’s a list of the Haitian Street Food you Have to Try. 

Getting there
Gelée Beach is a 20-minute drive from the center of Les Cayes. For the ultimate experience, plan your visit during the annual Gelée Festival, which takes place during the town’s patron saint celebration on August 15th.

8. Experience the Magic of Raymond les Bains

Raymond les Bains is a sought-after destination located between the cities of Jacmel and Cayes-Jacmel, known for its picturesque beach and especially it’s delectable seafood. With a shallow coastal shelf, it’s an excellent spot for swimming, and visitors can spend a day absorbing the warm Caribbean sun rays on the sandy shores.

Along the coast, small restaurants with parasols and street vendors offering a range of souvenirs, snacks, and coconuts can be found. Fafane, the owner of one of the restaurants, is a local legend and serves up the freshest and tastiest grilled fish in town.

As the sun sets, Raymond les Bains transforms into a live party spot, especially on weekends. The atmosphere is energetic, making it the perfect setting for a night out with friends, enjoying some cold Prestige beers while enjoying the beauty of the moonlit beach.

Getting there
Raymond les Bains is easily accessible by public transportation such as taptap or moto. The beach is located about fifteen kilometers east of Jacmel on the road toward Marigot.

Written by Costaguinov Baptiste.

Published March 2023.

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