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The best Haitian getaways for a long weekend

A green yacht in aqua waters just off the beach at Port Salut, Haiti
Beach at Port Salut, Haiti
Photo: Verdy Verna

The best Haitian getaways for a long weekend

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We’ve rounded up a list of the best destinations for you to kick your feet up, relax, and enjoy the best Haiti’s coasts have to offer!

All of the destinations listed here can be reached by car – it’s easy to hire one in Port-au-Prince, but book ahead if you can. For an adventurous traveller fluent in French or Kreol, a journey via tap-tap to either Jacmel or Cap-Haïtien is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world, but for first-time visitors, we recommend hiring a car or driver.

Street art on the outside of the Alliance Francaise hotel and restaurant in Jacmel, Haiti
Alliance Francaise in Jacmel, Haiti
Photo: Amanacer / Emily Bauman

01. Jacmel

For international travellers, Jacmel is famous mostly for its annual carnival. Located in the south, with a vibrant festival and music scene steeped in history, and plenty of bars to choose from, Jacmel might be considered Haiti’s New Orleans.

From beautiful beaches to fantastic festivals and an endless array of artistic expression, this city is the cultural capital of Haiti. Just a two-hour drive southwest of Port-au-Prince, Jacmel is also one of the most accessible destinations.

Around 15km east of Jacmel you’ll find the fishing village of Cayes-Jacmel, where most of the rocking chairs you’ll see around Haiti are made. A few more kilometers east and you’ll come to Plage Ti Mouillage, a stunning white-sand beach framed by coconut palms, with a bar stocked with ice-cold drinks and fresh seafood.  

Further east, you’ll find gorgeous Marigot. A coffee-growing town, Marigot has rated several times in Haiti’s top-ten communes. For a very reasonable price, you can wake up in an excellent boutique hotel with ocean views, the sounds of roosters crowing, and the smell of home-grown coffee roasting. 

Lounge chairs beneath trees at Taino Beach, Grand-Goâve, Haiti
Taino Beach, Grand-Goâve
Photo: Anton Lau

02. Village Taino, Grand-Goâve

Two hours west of Port-au-Prince is a small oasis, nestled among the tall trees of Grand-Goâve. Grand-Goâve is one of the oldest settlements in Haiti – its name dates back to the Amerindians who called it home before the arrival of Spanish colonists in the 16th century.

Village Taino is a set of beachside bungalows that opens up on the powdery sands of Haiti’s southern peninsula. If you like your beach escapes to be secluded and exclusive, you will enjoy the privacy of the bungalows, as well as the daily catered seafood, caught and cooked on location.

Hotel Royal Decameron on the Cote des Arcadins
Hotel Royal Decameron on the Cote des Arcadins
Photo: Bowerbill, Wikimedia Commons

03. Royal Decameron, Montrouis

Looking for world-class beachside relaxation? Royal Decameron, smack in the middle of the Arcadins coast, is your go-to for an all-inclusive experience in Haiti. With spacious rooms, swimming pools, authentic Haitian food, and recurring activities to keep you entertained throughout the days and evenings, it really is the easiest place to go for a weekend of unscripted relaxation and fun!

beach with people swimming and small wooden boat
People swiming at Amani-y Beach in Saint-Marc
Photo: Franck Fontain

04. Amani-y Beach, Saint-Marc

Looking for something outside the popular beach resorts of the Arcadins coast? Amani-y Beach may be the treasure you seek. Located close by La Colline Hotel, it is one of Saint-Marc’s most picturesque beaches. Surrounded by the tree-clad hills that border Baie de Sant-Marc, clear blue waters stretch out for miles. Amani-y Beach offers all of the island flair with none of the touristic fuss.

Colorful boat taxis line the shore at Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
Cap Haitien Labadi
Photo: Verdy Verna

05. Cap-Haïtien

Accessible via car, if you’re into sightseeing; tap-tap, if you’re here for adventure; or plane if you can’t wait to get there, Cap-Haïtien is one of those cities you need a couple of days set aside to explore.

The beach of Cormier is one of the most underappreciated on the island – and only about twenty minutes away from the main city by car. The food options on the main boulevard, which you can walk to from most hotels, are mouthwatering and many – Lakay? Boukanye? Cap Deli? Barik? Lolo? Come hungry!

Deck chair under a thatch umbrella at Abaka Bay, Ile-a-vache, Haiti
Abaka Bay, Ile-a-vache, Haiti
Photo: Ricardo Lartigue

06. Abaka Bay Resort, Île-à-Vache

Île-à-Vache is a magical place. Ever wondered what it would be like to live on a small island, just enjoying the pleasures of the sea lapping at your feet under a palm tree? Abaka Bay Resort is the place for you. Between horseback riding, kayaking, and peaceful walks on the shore in the evening, you might even find time to finish your book. This is an enchanting destination for travellers seeking quality rest and relaxation.


Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published January 2019


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Gelée Beach

Boat anchored in turquoise water off Gelée Beach, Haiti
Gelée Beach, Haiti
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Gelée Beach

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Situated in the heart of the Caribbean, between Cuba and the Dominican Republic, Haiti has over a thousand miles of coastline with dozens of destination-worthy beaches.

We’re talking white sand and turquoise water swelling up to coconut palms, chalk cliffs or jungle-clad mountains rolling off into the distance. Whether you choose one of the island’s most treasured coves or one of its many undiscovered wonders, the water here is warm all year round.

Gelée Beach

Located near Les Cayes in southern Haiti, Gelée Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Haiti. Highlights including the beachside fritay merchants and the chance to see cows grazing in fields that reach almost to the water’s edge. Compared to other popular beaches in Haiti, the surrounds are flat and open. Pastoral scenery notwithstanding, the water is tropical and the swimming here is lush.

The beach itself winds around the southern coastline for miles, with soft, pillowy sand melting into some of the most crystal clear waters you’ll find anywhere on the island – or in the Caribbean, for that matter.

Grab a bite

Colorful shacks of food vendors dot the treeline. The number of them is a testament to how popular Gelee beach is and how good the seafood is here. If you’ve already tried Haitian cuisine in Port-au-Prince, you’ll be familiar with the fried plantains and meat – typically called fritay, but don’t miss the chance to try the locally-caught seafood.

If you find the queues for the beachside food overwhelming, you’ll find a choice of restaurants and hotels a short drive from the beach.

At night, Gelée transforms into a lively, well-lit destination for dinner by the shore. The broad boulevard fills with music and foot traffic. People flock to the beach for Gelée’s specialty – grilled fish with fried plantains. Avoid a long wait by going with a local who can walk right up to their vendor of choice and order the right way.

Watch our video of the twoubadou band Tet Ansanm Twouba from Gelée Beach.

Getting there

Gelée beach is a twenty minute drive from downtown Les Cayes. As city gives way to surf, the road gives way to a sandy dirt track. Park off Route de Gelee and walk through the main entrance to the beach – the one closest to the bars and music – to be welcomed by the most picturesque view of the beach.

When to go

Every year, on August 15, the residents of Les Cayes celebrate Patron Saint festival of Our Lady of the Assumption. Thousands of people from all parts of Haiti and from the diaspora come to Les Cayes to participate in the festivities. If August 15 falls on a Friday, some extend their stay to the whole weekend.

During the festival, music can be heard from every rooftop, sidewalk, and front door of the city. There are plenty of activities for kids, and the highlight is the kite building and flying contest in Gelée, where adults and children come together. Kite-flying is hugely popular in Haiti, and has an entire season dedicated to it: kite season!

For a vibrant slice of Haitian summer life, August 15 is the perfect time to visit Gelée and Les Cayes.


Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published December 2018


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What to Pack for Your Trip to Haiti?

Flatlay of suitcase packing for vacation
Packing suitcase for the Caribbean
Photo: STIL via Unsplash

What to Pack for Your Trip to Haiti?

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Woohoo! You’ve booked your flights and your Hotel! You’re itching to get to out there and soak up some Caribbean sun.

To help you make the most of Haiti’s sultry climate, we’ve compiled a basic packing list. It’s one-size-fits-all, with a bit of the festive and a bit of the active, so feel free to adjust based on your own itinerary.

1. Light, breathable clothes

You’ve booked a getaway in a tropical destination – the heat in Haiti, particularly in the summer, is constant. Fortunately, we know a lot these days about which fabrics are the most reliable under these conditions – cotton, silk and natural fibres will keep you cool and dry. Ultralight wool made by technical travel clothing experts will wick away scent as well as moisture, meaning you can pack less and pack lighter.

Make sure that your wardrobe is mostly made of breathable fabric items that allow you to move freely. You don’t want to feel overheated, sweaty or slowed down while you’re strolling the streets of Cap-Haïtien or climbing to the cliff-top ruins.

Women in dresses crossing the airstrip to board a plane at Aerogare Guy Malary, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Aerogare Guy Malary, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Photo: Photo: Ricardo Lartigue

2. Comfortable shoes

Speaking of strolling and climbing, chances are that you’ll be walking around the island quite a lot – even if you rent a car. Most travellers who visit Haiti are looking for a short break that involves more active travel and adventure than your average Caribbean vacation.

Keep your feet happy and ready for more with shoes suited for what you plan to do. You might want to consider: a pair of flexible, breathable hiking boots (or sturdy sneakers that can take a good stomping); sandals that deliver on style and support for the arch; comfortable heels for the nights you’ll want to go party ’til sunrise – because you will; and some classic, well-worn flip-flops for wearing around your Airbnb and at the beach.

3. Something fancy

If the high heels in the previous section were any indication, the nightlife in Haiti is rich and non-stop – people go out all week long, although the weekends are always the peak of the party. Pack something fancy for going out to restaurants and clubs. And if you’ll be in Haiti for a festival, or during Carnaval, pack something extra special to feel at home in the dazzling crowd.

Haitians like to dress up, so party like a local by packing your Friday-night best. Top tip: Haitians tend to dress up even more for dining out than they do for partying.

Flatlay of beachwear, diary and passport ready for vacation
Vacation packing for the Caribbean
Photo: STIL via Unsplash

4. Beach basics

How many bikinis? How many towels? How many sarongs? This really depends on your wardrobe at home – one of each is enough, but if you have an extra set (or two) of swimwear, bring them too. You’ll be going from beach to restaurant to pool to party to spa, and being able to carry a dry set or two is a nice little luxury.

If your hotel has its own pool and is close to a beach, chances are that they’ll provide you with enough towels to use in your room and by the water. If you’re planning to go free-swimming at one of Haiti’s natural wonders, do pack your own towel to take with you on the hike.

The more advanced will adjust this category as they see fit – water shoes? Snorkel? Fins? Otherwise, a pair of towels, some bikinis, and a coverup are all you need!

5. Take your meds

Before hopping on that plane – actually, before even packing your suitcase, it’s good to think about what medications you might need while on your trip. Make sure you pack enough of your prescription medications to last your entire trip, and throw in any over-the-counter medications you think you might need. Although you’ll find these at drug stores scattered throughout the major cities, it’s always easier to pack half a sheet now than to go looking once you’ve already got a pounding headache.

When you’re getting your shots from your doctor, ask them what else they recommend taking with you, and add it to your survival kit!

6. Tropical self-defense

Mosquito repellent, sunblock, and aloe-vera-rich after-sun gel! Haiti is hiding a wealth of white-sand beaches and jurassic forest trails waiting for you to find them – make sure you can make the most of it by carrying insect repellent and sunblock in your day bag.

Itching and sunburn can really take the fun out of your adventure-packed itinerary or de-stressing time, so be prepared and save yourself some grief. Just remember to pack all this in a separate, transparent bag to make your slog through customs hassle-free.

Electronics and travel essentials laid out ready to pack
Electronics and travel essentials laid out ready to pack
Photo: Hector Martinez via Unsplash

7. Appliances aplenty

If you’re bringing your phone, laptop, cameras, and other gear on your trip, make sure that you have all of your cords, back-ups, and extra batteries packed. If you have them, spare cables and chargers never hurt – as getting these items in Haiti can prove quite costly.

Pro tip: when packing spare batteries, tape them together so that none of the positive ends can touch any of the negative ends. This will stop your batteries from accidentally losing charge in transit.

8. Papers, please

You’ll want to make sure you have the following items in a Ziploc bag, ready to go: boarding pass (if it’s not digital), passport, wallet, ID, money – in USD, because you do pay a USD $10 tourist fee upon entering the country, and because you’ll need to change it into Haitian Gourdes to get around in the country. It’s also a good idea to write down a few important contact numbers for use while in Haiti, and the street address of your first night’s accommodation.

9. Pack for the occasion

Is there anything that your visit requires you to bring? Extra camera lenses? A cocktail dress? If you can anticipate what you plan to do on the island, this is where those “you never know” items go, for a “you had to be there” experience!


Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published November 2018


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Jump into Saut-Mathurine – Haiti’s Biggest Waterfall

Aerial view of the waterfall at Saut Mathurine, Haiti
Saut Mathurine, Haiti
Photo: Verdy Verna

Jump into Saut-Mathurine – Haiti’s Biggest Waterfall

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A hidden world

A 40 minute drive out of the western city of Les Cayes, the waterfall is at its most spectacular around May and June, but this is also when the road to get there is at its most – lets say adventurous.

During the rainy season, the Cavaillon river that feeds Saut Mathurine flows powerfully, and you can hear the crashing falls from a distance. In January – Haiti’s driest month-  it may not be running at all, but the pool is still a gorgeous place to swim and the jungle scenery is every bit as lush and dramatic as during the rains.

Saut-Mathurine runs through a ravine, and the scene is something out of Jurassic Park: the waterfall thunders into a pristine pool of bright aqua waters, almost green but crystal-clear. Half of the pool is accessible – the other is jagged rock cliffs frothing with jungle trees, vines and moss. At the far end from the waterfall, water cascades over the edge of the pool and becomes rapids that continue on through the ravine. The ridges of the ravine overflow with towering native forest, full of exotic bird song blending in with the sound of the waterfall.

On the accessible side, there’s a cobblestone ledge to make it easier to get right up close to the water’s edge without falling in. But bring swimwear! Saut Mathurine is a fantastic place to swim and is considered better even than Gelée Beach.

The water is ice cold, but on sunny days (practically all!) It’s worth it! A few hours is in this paradise is enough to wash away six months of working way too hard on whatever it is that you do.

A climb up a side track leads to the top of the waterfall from where you have a wonderful view and access to some natural pools.

Les Cayes is one of the cities the most travellers don’t reach – Jacmel or Saint-Louis-du-Sud are closer to Port-au-Prince. If you manage to make it as far west as Les Cayes, make it a point to visit Saut Mathurine.

Waterfall at Saut Mathurine, Haiti
Saut Mathurine waterfall, Haiti
Photo: Ricardo Lartigue

Getting there

Saut Mathurine is off the beaten path for most travellers – quite literally. The road is unpaved and you’ll need a 4×4 to get there, but it’s worth the bumpy ride. You can hire 4×4 vehicles in Les Cayes. If you’re not used to driving on rough roads, ask if the car company can provide an experienced driver as well. If you enjoy driving off-road though, getting there is an absolute adventure.

Access to the waterfall is via a park entrance – a gap in the wall with a small office to the side. The entrance fee for travellers is 100 Haitian gourdes. Inside the walls, there’s much more to discover than the waterfall itself – you can walk along the riverside and around steps carved into or laid around the otherwise wild jungle. There is a boutique selling local crafts and a restaurant on site.

Turquoise pool at Saut Mathurine, Haiti
Saut Mathurine, Haiti
Photo: Verdy Verna

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published October 2018


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cosmogram being traces on floor with hand holding a candle

Four Reasons Why Haiti Is an Adventure

Three travellers wading in the Kaskad Pichon waterfalls, Haiti
Travellers exploring the Kaskad Pichon waterfalls, Haiti
Photo: Franck Fontain

Four Reasons Why Haiti Is an Adventure

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The jungles, jagged coastlines and wild white-sand beaches of Haiti were made for adventure travel, and the list of thrills is longer than the Chaîne de la Selle mountain range and bigger than Lake Azuéi. Haiti is a place not many tourists go, but where adventure-seekers thrive. It’s a place for the brave and curious.

Head for the hills in the Forêt de Pins, where a myriad of lush trails lead through the tropical conifers to Pic la Selle. Scuba dive off the island of La Gonave and discover a riot of underwater colours. Spend a day snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Anse a Galets. Go caving behind the wild waterfalls of Bassin Zim. Feel the fresh air and adrenaline as you fly through the skies on the Dragon’s Breath zipline – the longest overwater zipline experience in the world.

You’ll need to do some real exploring

As far as Caribbean destinations go, Haiti is still a path less-travelled. As such – you won’t always find the sorts of creature comforts served up in the luxury hotels of other caribbean destinations, or an exhaustive directory of thoroughly reviewed local experiences. Unspoiled by the throngs of tourists you’d expect elsewhere, Haiti is a destination reserved for the intrepid, the inspired, the intrigued.

Haiti is raw. If the Caribbean was a menu, Haiti would be wild-caught and forest-foraged. For every manicured garden you stumble into, there are a hundred wild white-sand beaches waiting for you to kayak to, and for every paved road there’s a thousand rocky paths heading into the jungle-covered mountains, accessible only on foot. With a few exceptions, you won’t find the coolest cafes on instagram or the picturesque panormas on Pinterest – you’ll have to get out of your room, holster your smartphone, and find them yourself.

People relaxing by the sea at sunset, Haiti
People relaxing by the sea
Photo: Angelo Miramonti

You’ll need to be prepared

You won’t be completely in the dark though –  cell phone coverage is pretty good, you can find wifi in the cities and bigger towns, there’s another AirBnB added every month and an increasing number of hotels can be booked directly from a mobile phone. But take spare battery packs for everything – there’s no telling whether the solar electricity advertised at your Airbnb will last as long as claimed.

Google Maps coverage of Haiti is getting better, but there are still shortfalls. For directions to many destination, you’ll need to rely on local guides. All directions you find online should be taken with a grain of salt and seasoned with up-to-date advice. Google Maps can’t guide you through the intricate network of public transportation options, and doesn’t take into account the ravines made impassable by recent rains, or the truck that has been broken down and blocking that road for a week now.

Practice your French – or better yet, Creole!

Before you can navigate your way around boulders, you’ll need to navigate your way around the local languages! For some travellers, the most adventurous aspect of a trip to Haiti will be finding yourself in a country where the vast majority do not speak English. French is the official second language here, so if you have some high school French, dust off that dictionary and brush up before you go. Compared to France and Quebec, the locals of Haiti will be glad for your attempts to speak French, so don’t be shy. Don’t forget to smile and greet everyone with a joyful “Bonjour!”.

Better yet, embrace the chance to learn something new, and have a crack at Haitian Kreyol. You will win over anyone you encounter by making an honest effort at speaking their language. What you lack in vocab you can make up for in enthusiasm: stretch your hands and get ready for a real life game of charades.  

Moto on a beach in Haiti
Moto on the beach
Photo: Kolektif 2 Dimansyon

It’s not a postcard – it’s an experience

If you’re looking to leave behind the theme-park “paradise” offered at the bigger Caribbean islands in favour of something less iconic but more inspiring; if you want to ditch the dull itineraries and dive into a different perspective; if you’re sick of the curated seaside resorts and want to walk among real people shaped by hard work and hope, who’ve overcome more than their fair share of dark history and recent hardship, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re seeking a pinch of unpredictability, visit Haiti.

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” -Anthony Bourdain

-Anthony Bourdain

Expect the unexpected, and don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure!


Written by Sarah Wallace.

Published August 2018


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Explore the Waterfall and Grottoes of Bassin Zim

People swimming beneath a waterfall in Bassin Zim, Haiti
People swimming in Bassin Zim
Photo: Anton Lau

Explore the Waterfall and Glittering Grottoes of Bassin Zim

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A few miles north of Hinche, Bassin Zim is a spectacular natural landmark with a waterfall, a chain of turquoise-hued pools and a network of glittering underground grottoes. There’s rumours of buried treasure, but the real treasure is out in the open.

Four people and a motorbike at the shore of Bassin Zim, Haiti
Bassin Zim
Photo: Anton Lau

The magnificent waterfall that is the centrepiece of Bassin Zim isn’t the type that crashes vertically down into the water below – instead, it cascades down the side of the mountain and fans out into a wide basin, creating one of the prettiest sights on the island.

A path winds from the basins all the way up to the top of the waterfall. You can reach the top if you can find your way, and if you’re lucky you might get to watch some experienced Haitians freediving into the pool below. We recommend against travellers trying it though – it’s more dangerous than it looks, and with so many other adventures to be had, why take the risk?

Many believe that after death, “good” or “pure” souls head to Bassin Zim to receive their blessings. There are also those who claim that the Taíno Amerindians who lived on the island before colonization have hidden a bountiful treasure somewhere in the basins or the caves below.

Buried Treasure

Underneath Bassin Zim, there are high-ceilinged grottos that are arguably even lovelier than the basins or the waterfall. With ankle-deep water studded with smooth rocks and stalagmites, the fifty-foot high walls are painted vivid green with moss, and the rivulets of water running down them reflect the outside light, glittering in the cool dark. Stalactites hang from the ceilings, and strange stone shapes mushroom from twists in the folds of rock. For keen photographers, these caverns will provide some striking shots.

The grottos beneath Bassin Zim are just the start – this landscape is full of them, and exploring the network with the help of a friendly guide is a great way to give back as part of trip to Haiti. A hike through nature is low-impact travel for you and a rewarding way for locals to make ends meet. Guides will help you to avoid the menace lurking in some of these caves: though they’re as unlikely to harbour pirates as they are to hide treasure, they have been known to harbour wasps.

Getting to Bassin Zim

From Port-au-Prince:
To get to Bassin Zim from Port-au-Prince, drive towards Hinche and head east out of town on the 308, crossing over the Samana river. About a mile after the river crossing, take the road on your left and follow it north as it climbs through a dry, pastoral landscape, passing several churches on the way.

The lands of what we can call “Midwestern Haiti” are often parched in the dry seasons and swamped under the deluges of the wet – it’s a changeable landscape where the power of nature is felt strongly.

As you near Bassin Zim, the dry road gets rougher, and the grass greener. There’s no turn off to watch for – the road makes a few sharp turns to meet up with the Samana again and ends at Bassin Zim itself.

Entrance fees 
Admission is 250 HTG (less than 3 USD) for tourists and 50 HTG for locals.

A note on guides:
Getting to parts of Bassin Zim can be tough, and we recommend hiring a local guide – especially if you plan on jumping in, as it’s notoriously difficult to get down again without a guide.

When it comes to finding a guide, don’t worry – they’ll find you! In fact, if you don’t pick a guide and insist that the other hopeful candidates leave you alone, you can end up in the awkward situation of having several guides accompany you, all expecting to be paid at the end. Choose one (or more) guide, and insist that the rest leave you to it.

Make sure you negotiate a price with your guide before you start – 250 to 500 HTG is a reasonable price. Bring the right bills with you.

Remember, never underestimate the power of the water or the risks associated. If you are not joining a tour, inform your hotel or accommodation owner where you are going and be sure to check the conditions before you trek in. Happy travels!


Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published July 2018


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