boat trips

How to Spend a Day at Île-à-Rat (Amiga Island)

April 2, 2024 by Anton Lau

Île-à-Rat (Amiga Island)
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

How to Spend a Day at Île-à-Rat (Amiga Island)

Discover the Charm of Amiga Island (aka Île-à-Rat), Haiti’s Secluded Caribbean Jewel

Picture this: pristine white sands underfoot, waters dancing in hues of azure and turquoise with the sun’s every move, amidst wild greenery that frames the perfect seaside evening. The melody of the waves crafts a serene backdrop, beckoning every nature lover closer to its untouched beauty.

This isn’t just another island getaway; it’s Île-à-Rat. Forget the crowded beaches of Bora Bora or the commercialized shores of the Fiji Islands—we’re about to show you something far better, far more magical.

Amiga Island or Île-à-Rat? Let’s Clear the Air

Before we dive deeper, let’s address a common question: Are Amiga Island and Île-à-Rat two separate islands?

In fact, they’re one and the same, known by two names. The original name, Île-à-Rat, translates to “Rat’s Island,” but rest assured, it doesn’t mean the place is teeming with rodents—there aren’t any rats. It’s believed the name reflects the island’s modest size rather than its fauna.

However, when Royal Caribbean Cruises began offering day trips to Île-à-Rat from their nearby Labadee Beach Resort, they opted for a more appealing (and marketable) name, introducing “Amiga Island” to their guests. Despite the change, we’ve chosen to use the original name throughout this article to honor its history. Now, with the name mystery solved, let’s explore what makes this island so captivating.

Beach on Île-à-Rat
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Stepping onto Île-à-Rat

Once you arrive on the island, a world of tranquility and natural beauty awaits. Here, you’re guaranteed peace and the freedom to bask in the riches of the Caribbean Sea, enjoying serene evenings no matter the season. If you’re anything like us, finding joy in an afternoon nap under the shade of a coconut tree, then Île-à-Rat is your dream destination. That’s exactly what we did last time we visited, laying our blankets on the immaculate sand, just a few meters from the inviting turquoise waters.

Île-à-Rat is not just beautiful; it’s picture-perfect, with its towering coconut trees setting a scene that seems straight out of a childhood fairy tale. Feel free to set up a camp right after you disembark, creating a spot that’s sure to spark envy in your friends when they see your snapshots.

Fisherman with the days catch at Île-à-Rat
Photo: Ryan Bowen

A Thousand and One Things to Do on Amiga Island

Right by the sparkling beach, you’ll find a hidden nook ideal for a BBQ or grilling fresh seafood, uniquely flavorful thanks to Île-à-Rat’s magic. We recommend lambi (conch) or crab. Enjoy these treats with local Prestige beer or esteemed Haitian rum, directly from fishermen eager to share their stories and culinary secrets.

Île-à-Rat isn’t just about the food; if you’re seeking a moment of Zen, a quaint porch awaits, where you can meditate and practice yoga amidst nature’s embrace. Just beyond the shore, a quintessential Caribbean adventure beckons with an array of water activities.

Kayak along the island’s breathtaking coastline, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and snorkel to uncover hidden treasures like ancient cannons and anchors resting on the ocean floor. Alternatively, explore a nearby coral nursery, carefully tended by a local organization, and immerse yourself in the underwater world’s wonders. And for those who love the simple joys, why not relax in the shade with a book, letting the hours slip by in blissful peace?

For the energetic spirits, a brisk walk or run around the island, which takes about 10 minutes, offers a refreshing way to revel in its beauty.

Boat sailing to Labadee from Île-à-Rat
Photo: Ryan Bowen

How to get there

Best time to visit

Visiting Île-à-Rat offers a delightful experience year-round, thanks to its tropical climate. For a quieter visit with cooler weather, aim for September to February, though summer months offer perfect conditions for sunbathing and enjoying the island’s serene beaches. Note that the island becomes livelier on days when Royal Caribbean ships dock, bringing cruisers for daytrips to the island.

Boats on the coast of Île-à-Rat
Photo: Ryan Bowen

Written by Melissa Beralus.

Published April 20204.

Find Île-à-Rat

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Discover Haiti’s Beaches & Islands

Moulin Sur Mer

October 3, 2020 by Anton Lau

haitian beach resort with palm trees — Moulin Sur Mer on the Arcadins Coast
Photo: Moulin Sur Mer

Moulin Sur Mer

Moulin-sur-Mer is one of the Arcadins Coast’s star destinations; with idyllic sunsets and a warm tropical atmosphere, it is sure to capture the quintessential island lover.

First Impressions

The Arcadins Coast is one of Haiti’s greatest prides. Located in Montrouis, a few miles away from the capital, it faces the largest island nestled in the country’s bay: the island of La Gonave. In front of this turquoise blue ocean with beautiful waves and idyllic sunsets is where Moulin-sur-Mer rises.

Rooms

Moulin-sur-Mer features Hibiscus and Ginger rooms, the difference mostly lying in the decor choices. Bungalows, as well as classics and suites are available in classic Caribbean-style decor, highlighting Haitian art at every turn. If you want to be closer to the sea, you’ll want to book a bungalow; however, if you want to be closer to the amenities on the main grounds, a classic room or a suite would better suit your needs.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast at Moulin-sur-Mer is served at the Voomtak, their main seaside dining area, where local and international cuisine mingle for culinary good. Being so close to the Montrouis farmers market means that fresh, local produce will always grace your plate. Enjoy made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, baked goods, standard international breakfast staples, but also Haitian breakfast stars like pasta or oatmeal.

How about lunch and dinner?

Voomtak also serves lunch and dinner. Again, here, Haitian food specialties like djondjon rice or seafood etouffées sit alongside fresh vegetables coming straight from the nearby market. Discover the ways international cuisine like stir-fry crosses path with Haitian spices. The Taino Lounge offers a menu of its own, as well as lively happy hours. Should you want a different, more intimate dining experience, the Captain’s Pagoda is a more discreet options that is also available to you.

Is there a bar?

If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious, refreshing drink, poolside or seaside, make a stop at the Moulin’s Cabaret. Classic drinks and exclusive cocktails make for star-studded afternoons and evenings. Happy hours here are very popular, and highly recommended!

Activities and amenities

Moulin’s main amenity is its marina. From scuba diving to water sports to PADI-certified courses, it’s an ocean lover’s paradise. Excursions are also available, both on land and on boats. Explore the depth of the Haitian coastline, both on and off the water.

Within a short walk you can find…

Before even getting out of your city clothes and into your bathing suit, you will walk past the Ogier Fombrun museum, where you can learn more about the city of Montrouis and its inhabitants. The museum is guarded in a colonial building that has lost none of its charm, and that is surrounded by coconut trees amongst other foliage that does nothing but add to its beauty.

Need to know (before you go)

Moulin-sur-Mer offers different packages based on your stay’s needs. If you are just stopping by, or taking advantage of your last day on the island, consider a Day Pass. If however, you’d like to dedicate time to this area of the island, an all-inclusive offer or a Stay & Dive package might be best for you.

Getting there

For directions and bookings visit Moulin Sur Mer on Hotels.com

Looking for some cool things to do?

Photo Journal: Grand’Anse

July 18, 2020 by Anton Lau

haitians crossing the grande-anse river by foot and donkey — The Grande-Anse River
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Photo Journal: Grand’Anse

One of the country’s southernmost departments, and the home to cities like Jérémie and Abricots, Grand’Anse is where coastal cruising meets mainland adventures.

Between mountains and valleys, the people of the Grand’Anse department are open and eager to make a life for themselves. If you are ever hiking through a town outside the main cities, you will note that the trek some farmers and vendors accomplish to sell their goods every day is nothing short of a miracle.

older haitian man with machete and bag on head — A farmer on his way home from the field near Kafou Zaboka, Grand’Anse
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Modern infrastructure is not just a thing of Haiti’s big cities. In Jérémie, a massive bridge connects the two edges of the Grand’Anse river, allowing cars and motorcycles through, and for a very scenic drive.

traffic on large bridge crossing a big river — Bridge over Grande-Anse river to Jérémie, Grand’Anse
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

For those whose journeys are a little bit shorter, a brisk walk through the waters of the Grand’Anse river takes them straight to their destination. Farmers, vendors, and passersby can sometimes be seen quickly wading through, while early morning or late afternoon sunshine ripples over the water.

Some of these daily journeyers — when schools are open — are students. They often make the daily trip in small groups with their friends, to reach their schools in nearby cities. When school is out, they can be seen running and laughing down the same paths, in the soft summer heat.

haitian school boys in uniforms — Boys going to school near Moron, Grand’Anse
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

The bridge in Marfranc is one of those places that is part of daily scenery for students living in the areas around it, but that can add excitement to any visitor’s tour of the Grand’Anse department.

haitian school girl in uniform walking over suspension bridge — School girl crossing a bridge in Marfranc, Grand’Anse
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

As with any place in rural Haiti, the Grand’Anse department is chock-full of hotel, inn, and bed-and-breakfast options for you to choose from. Not sure where to stay? Easy: ask a local!

motorcycle with passenger driving past hotel building — Cash-Cash Hotel in Dame Marie, Grand’Anse
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

For these coastal cities like Corail, the importance of local fishing cannot be overstated. Wholesaling and retailing is how many individuals make a living, put food on their tables, and on those of their customers.

haitian woman with red head scarf and bowl of conch — Woman selling conch in Corail, Grand’Anse
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

The beauty of towns surrounding the Grand’Anse river is that they have learned to embrace and adapt to its natural architecture. All around the current, vegetable plots and small homes have sprouted, never so much as disturbing it.

aerial view of farmers fields, river, road and plantation — Landscape in Troupeau near Corail, Grand’Anse
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Fisher-men and -women alike are no strangers to the sharp art of scaling, gutting, and preparing fish in preparation for the day’s sales. The fresher, the better; often times, a morning catch will become a fried or stewed afternoon lunch or dinner.

haitian woman with straw hat cleaning fish — Woman cleaning a fish by the habour in Pestel
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Mountain towns hold their own busy and bustling communities, too. Farmers and vendors will make their way downhill to the main towns where they will bring and sell fresh produce. Schools often pop up in these remote areas as well, removing a burden off the backs of students who would otherwise struggle to afford tuition in cities like Jérémie, Abricots or Pestel.

haitian school building in mountainscape — A school in the mountains close to Jean Beurry, Grand’Anse
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

The people of Grand’Anse hold hearts as vast and as open as their hometowns. If you are able to make the drive down there, it is an experience worth living and re-telling.

Haitian boys in the Joly Guibert village, Grand’Anse
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Hotel Cyvadier Plage

June 19, 2020 by Anton Lau

hotel pool with palm trees and sea view — Pool area at Hotel Cyvadier Plage
Photo: Hotel Cyvadier Plage

Hotel Cyvadier Plage

A few minutes outside the city of Jacmel, Cyvadier Hotel is the perfect seaside escape for the nature lover in all of us.

First Impressions

Among all the cities of Haiti, the city of Jacmel is recognized for its hospitality and as being a haven of peace. For a good stay, the Cyvadier Hotel offers modern comfort in a prime location. The hotel’s seafront access is ideal if you are looking for a picture-perfecr tropical vacation without the typical busyness of the Arcadins’ coast.

Rooms

The Cyvadier Hotel is a charming small hotel which has 28 tastefully furnished rooms that embellish a rustic, Caribbean style with modern accents; some have a terrace which offers a beautiful view where you can bask in watching the sunset facing the sea. The whole establishment has access to WiFi.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is served every day at the Cyvadier Hotel, and includes all of the standard stops of a Haitian breakfast. From fresh, seasonal fruit, to eggs, baked goods, and freshly brewed coffee and steeped tea, it can all be enjoyed by the sea, or in your room, on request – it’s entirely up to you.

How about lunch and dinner?

The restaurant at the Cyvadier Hotel benefits from being a seaside one: fresh seafood is served there every day! From lobster to grilled fish, the menu is an ode to the bevy of creatures that grace the sea. Standard Haitian cuisine is also hard-and-fast on this menu; you’ll find staples like conch and roasted chicken, as well as the delicacy that is Haitian pain patate – a sweet potato dessert.

Is there a bar?

Lounge around by the pool and take in the view as you sip away from the hotel’s restaurant drinks’ menu which also covers wines, champagnes, liquors, local beers, and cocktails made to order.

Activities and amenities

You’ll want to make a stop at the Cyvadier massage parlor, where for an hour or two, you can experience hot rock massages, deep tissue massages, and even a detox cleanse during your stay. If an adventure is what excites you, take advantage of Cyvadier Hotel’s boat excursions and paddle boarding.

Within a short walk you can find…

To hit the beach, the choices are nearly endless; you can either choose the private beach of the Cyvadier Hotel or the beach at Raymond-les-Bains (for a small visitors’ fee), where you will find charming seafood merchants. At Timouyaj Beach, big waves invite you to surf and the sand invites you to relax.

Need to know (before you go)

For those who are more attracted by the walks and the visits, Jacmel is very close, the mountains are accessible, and the sea is nearby. The city invites you to discover craftsmen and charming streets where art is always present and in an extraordinary profusion.

Getting there

For directions and bookings visit Cyvadier Hotel on Hotels.com

Looking for some cool things to do?

Wildlife in Haiti

June 12, 2020 by admin

dolphin jumping off coast with palm trees — Dolphin jumping of the coast of Hispaniola
Photo: Shutterstock

Wildlife in Haiti

Here’s our guide to the animals that call this enchanting island home

Haiti’s position in the Caribbean favors a rich diversity in plant and animal life, despite decades of intensive deforestation during the twentieth century that have dramatically changed the landscape.

The effects of this exploitation can be seen from space, but down on ground level degradation has been halted, conservation is on the upswing and every year, the ecosystems that have remained intact attract nature and wildlife lovers to this side of the island.

While you’re in Haiti, you’ll have the chance to see some unique wildlife, including many birds, mammals and reptiles endemic to Hispaniola. Here’s our guide to the fauna and flora of this enchanting island.

butterfly perched on flower — White Peacock Butterfly
Photo: Shutterstock

Butterflies

There are over one thousand species of butterflies and moths on the island of Hispaniola, so ditch the glasshouse at the zoo and get out there to see some of these beauties for yourself. If you are in Haiti during the first half of the year through to the middle of the summer, you will spot the bright yellow butterflies which Haitians call Papillons de la Saint-Jean (St. John’s Butterflies, in English). Monarch butterflies make an appearance during the last third of the year.

black bird with red spots eating fruit — A hungry Greater Antillean Bullfinch
Photo: René Durocher

Birdlife

Keen birders will get a lot out of a stay in Haiti. There are two species endemic to Haiti, and a further twenty-six endemic to Hispaniola – the island Haiti shares with Dominican Republic.

Hummingbirds, Todies, Orioles and Flamingoes are just a few of the magnificent birds you’ll have a chance to spot when you visit. To learn more, check out these 10 amazing birds of Haiti and read our guide about bird watching in Haiti.

group of stingrays swimming in shallow caribbean sea — Stingrays swimming in the Caribbean ocean
Photo: Shutterstock

Marine Life

From the beach or the bow of a water taxi or privately chartered boat, you can see porcupine fish, stingrays and the quizzically-named warteye stargazers and bridled burrfish! The central and south coasts of Haiti are famously shallow and gradual, and many species have evolved to hang out close to the shore where they’re easy to spot. This means that if you are staying at a beachside resort or visiting a public beach, there’s an excellent chance you’ll run into them.

Out in the waters of Petit-Goâve, as well as La Gonâve (specifically in the area of Anse-à-Galets), dolphins are known to make a special guest appearance!

hispaniolan solendon next to a large rock — The Hispaniolan Solenodon
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Snakes and strange creatures

Snakes are fairly common, but you’ll be glad to hear that Haiti is one of the few places in the world with no snakes that are dangerously venomous to humans (although some do have venom for subduing small prey). Snakes have a long human-entwined history in Haiti, where they wow audiences at tourist destinations and patron saint festivals around the country, and at carnival, where they are often the stars of the show.

Speaking of venom, Hispaniola happens to be home to the world’s only known venomous mammal, the utterly bizarre solenodon, which has evolved snake-like venom-injecting teeth. Don’t worry though, like the snakes in Haiti, they aren’t dangerous to humans. These enigmatic creatures are critically endangered, but with pockets of them recently confirmed in Haiti as well as the Dominican Republic, internationally-supported conservation efforts are underway to keep these little monsters safe.

Want to discover Haiti’s wildlife?

This list of critters is far from exhaustive. To learn more, talk to your local friends, host, guide, or specialty birdwatching and wildlife tour operators.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published June 2020.

Explore Haiti’s wildlife and nature

Photo Journal: Marigot

April 14, 2020 by admin

aerial view of port with boats and people — Port of Marigot, Haiti
Photo: Franck Fontain

Photo Journal: Marigot

One hour east of the seaside city of Jacmel, the municipality of Marigot sits right between the edge of the water and an important element of everyday people’s lives.

Marigot’s farmers’ market is a salient feature of the village. An important pulse point, the market only operates on Saturdays. Boats arriving from Anse-à-Pitre dock at the port hours before the sun rises over the village.

large wooden boat with haitians on the open ocean — Boat arriving from Anse-à-Pitres to Marigot
Photo: Franck Fontain

The boats are a great way to kill two birds with one stone. On the one hand, they carry goods to Marigot, and on the other, because road conditions are awful, they facilitate the transportation of passengers.

group of haitians stading on wharf with boats — People waiting on the wharf in Marigot
Photo: Franck Fontain

These boats carry people heading to or from places like Savane Zonbi, Thiotte, Anse-à-Pitres, or the Dominican Republic.

large wooden boats with haitians docking on beach — Boat from Anse-à-Pitres docking in Marigot
Photo: Franck Fontain

The scene at the port is both very Haitian and extremely picturesque. Nimble and hardworking men move packages off the boats and onto the docks.

man standing on boat pulling a large rope — A man mooring a boat in Marigot
Photo: Franck Fontain

Wading through water up to their chests, they balance very large sacks of coal, heavy coolers stuffed with fish, and even stacks of packed cardboard boxes on their heads.

two haitians weighing fish at market — People working at the fish market in Marigot
Photo: Franck Fontain

From the docks, all these packages are loaded onto trucks headed to other cities, but– careful! These workers move fast, and need you to be out of their way. There’s no time to waste!

a fish market in haiti with many people — The fish market in Marigot
Photo: Franck Fontain

The coolers of fish are taken to the nearby fish market; an open building located just a short walk from the wharf. This is where fish is weighed and priced.

People unloading goods from the boats
Photo: Franck Fontain

As any farmers’ market in Haiti, haggling is a must, and commotion is everywhere; from fish vendors to other merchants crisscrossing the building.

to haitian men sitting on a stony beach with boats — Two men watching the boats being unloaded
Photo: Franck Fontain

Large amounts of fish and seafood in Marigot regularly make their way to plates in Port-au-Prince, as middlemen come to stock up for the capital’s restaurants every week.

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boat trips

How to Spend a Day at Île-à-Rat (Amiga Island)

Discover the Charm of Amiga Island (aka Île-à-Rat), Haiti’s Secluded Caribbean Jewel

Amiga Island or Île-à-Rat? Let’s Clear the Air

Stepping onto Île-à-Rat

A Thousand and One Things to Do on Amiga Island

How to get there

Best time to visit

Find Île-à-Rat

External links

a touch of haiti wisdom

Discover Haiti’s Beaches & Islands

Paradise for your inbox

Moulin Sur Mer

First Impressions

Rooms

What’s for breakfast?

How about lunch and dinner?

Is there a bar?

Activities and amenities

Within a short walk you can find…

Need to know (before you go)

Getting there

Moulin Sur Mer

Go on a self-guided tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Looking for some cool things to do?

Paradise for your inbox

Photo Journal: Grand’Anse

One of the country’s southernmost departments, and the home to cities like Jérémie and Abricots, Grand’Anse is where coastal cruising meets mainland adventures.

Go on a self-guided tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Our hotel recommendations

Paradise for your inbox

Hotel Cyvadier Plage

First Impressions

Rooms

What’s for breakfast?

How about lunch and dinner?

Is there a bar?

Activities and amenities

Within a short walk you can find…

Need to know (before you go)

Getting there

Hotel Cyvadier Plage

Citadelle Henri

Looking for some cool things to do?

Paradise for your inbox

Wildlife in Haiti

Here’s our guide to the animals that call this enchanting island home

Butterflies

Birdlife

Marine Life

Snakes and strange creatures

Want to discover Haiti’s wildlife?

Go on a self-guided tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Explore Haiti’s wildlife and nature

Paradise for your inbox

Photo Journal: Marigot

One hour east of the seaside city of Jacmel, the municipality of Marigot sits right between the edge of the water and an important element of everyday people’s lives.

Your pocket guide to Cap-Haïtien

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Paradise for your inbox

Plan Your Trip

Destinations

Information

Company

Plan Your Trip

Destinations

Information

Company

Select Language

Go on a self-guided
tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Go on a self-guided
tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Go on a self-guided
tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses