Haiti may not come to mind as your stereotypical tourist destination, particularly due to the trouble it has faced in its past, with hurricanes and earthquakes devastating the island. However, this tiny country that shares its border with the Dominican Republic is an absolute hidden gem for culture, architecture, food and, most importantly, beaches.
Haiti’s beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean and exactly what you’d imagine for this part of the world – sugary white sand, sparkling blue water and a host of beautiful offshore reefs and deserted islands to explore. Some beaches in Haiti are privately owned by hotels, while others are public, but all of them combine the best of what the country has to offer.
You’ll get to experience famous Haitian cuisine caught right off the beach in front of you, go on diving excursions and boat trips to explore underwater caves and wrecks. Then, when this all gets too much, you can return to the shade of the swaying palm trees while enjoying a fresh coconut or perhaps some local rum and kick back like the locals. Here are the best Haiti beaches.
Contents
- Haiti Beaches
- 20 Beaches In Haiti
- 1- Labadee Beach
- 2- Amiga Island / Ile a Rat
- 3- Cadras Beach
- 4- Kokoye Beach
- 5- Gelee Beach
- 6- Anse d’Azur
- 7- Cormier Plage
- 8- Wahoo Bay
- 9- Cayes-Jacmel
- 10- Cote des Arcadins
- 11- Port Salut
- 12- Abaka Bay
- 13- Chouchou Bay
- 14- Grann Do
- 15- Anse a Raisins
- 16- Ile des Arcadins
- 17- Kaliko Beach
- 18- Montrouis Beach
- 19- Moulin sur Mer
- 20- Ouanga Bay Beach
- 20 Beaches In Haiti
Haiti Beaches
20 Beaches In Haiti
1- Labadee Beach
Labadee Beach is a destination you will get to see if you’re on board one of the many cruise ships passing by Haiti.
Royal Caribbean privately owns the beach and resort, so naturally, this is one of the best beaches on the island.
It has all the soft sand, blue sea and water sports you can ask for.
Aside from relaxing on the sand, there is also a rollercoaster for adrenaline seekers and one of the longest over-water ziplines in the world.
Among the huge range of activities on offer are a giant waterpark, parasailing, jet-skiing, fishing, kayaking and snorkelling – you definitely won’t run out of things to do.
If you prefer to get away from the cruise ship crowds, take a free tender to the nearby, quieter Columbus Cove for the day.
Stay at: Satama Hotel
2- Amiga Island / Ile a Rat
Another stunning and remote island exclusively owned by Royal Caribbean, Amiga Island is located just off the coast of Labadee.
Excursions here are offered from Labadee and include a complimentary drink on arrival.
The island is truly a deserted paradise with plenty of hammocks and deck chairs for you to relax on.
As the island is tiny (you can walk around it in about 10 minutes), there are no shops, so be sure to bring any snorkelling gear or towels you might need.
There is a bar to enjoy some fresh drinks but no toilet on the island, so plan accordingly!
Stay at: Auberge Villa Cana
3- Cadras Beach
Sitting right up in the north of Haiti, Cadras Beach is a beautiful spot to head to for some tranquillity, with an excellent mountainous backdrop and an endless view of the turquoise ocean.
Cadras is quite a tiny little cove, and at the right time, you’re likely to have it all to yourself.
Snorkelling and swimming are some of the best activities to do here due to the impossibly clear water where you can spot a variety of tropical fish.
You can easily spend the day here, where beach mats, chairs and umbrellas can all be rented, and there are a few local food vendors dotted around the area for when you get hungry.
Stay at: Habitation Des Lauriers
4- Kokoye Beach
Kokoye Beach is the kind of beach you dream about, with powdery sand, sparkling ocean and low hanging palm trees lining the beach, swaying in the wind.
It is located near a quiet fishing village, and the best way to get there is to hike for fantastic views on the way; although you can also take a boat.
Snorkelling is a particular highlight at this beach.
If you want to experience some magic, camping here and swimming at night will let you see the famous bioluminescent plankton along the shoreline.
Whether or not you are hiking, plan your trip in advance to be able to order food for lunch and dinner from local vendors.
Cold drinks are available all day long however if you just want to sit back with a cold one.
5- Gelee Beach
Gelee Beach is situated near Les Cayes in southern Haiti and is one of the most popular beaches in the country.
Surrounded by flat open countryside, it is an endless stretch of soft sand and the waters are some of the clearest you’ll find.
Swimming and snorkelling are obvious choices here, but the food is what draws people.
Local food shacks line the shore serving sea fresh, local food and drink.
These places come alive with music and locals enjoying a beer together at dinner time.
If you prefer home comforts, bigger hotels and restaurants are only a short drive away.
Stay at: Suites la Colline
6- Anse d’Azur
Anse d’Azur is one of the best beaches in the Jeremie area.
Forming a huge, deep cove, the beach is extremely popular with snorkellers and divers due to the array of underwater caves off the coast and a sunken German U-Boat to explore.
A taxi from the nearest town will only cost you around $4, meaning this is the perfect spot to spend a few hours, but you can still find accommodation and food options a short drive away.
7- Cormier Plage
Cormier is a beach resort on the north coast of Haiti, one of the only ones in the area, providing five acres of lush greenery and untouched beaches.
The beach is a bright coral colour, backed by lots of shady trees, and the hotel can help provide you with mats, towels, chairs and umbrellas to while away the day.
Snorkelling and swimming are both on offer, as well as tennis courts and a Caribbean inspired open-air lounge and bar where you can enjoy a freshly mixed drink, some lively music and party the night away.
Stay at: J&G Villa Hotel
8- Wahoo Bay
Wahoo Bay is a beach resort just an hour outside of Port-au-Prince, popular with tourists and locals.
It sits in the area of Carries and it shares its beaches with a few other resorts but is easily the best place to stay.
Aside from serving beachside cocktails and seafood known island-wide as some of the best in Haiti, there are also a whole host of activities such as kayaking, beach volleyball, snorkelling and diving, and fishing expeditions.
Often in summer, there will be a live DJ, which is a hit with the locals.
If partying isn’t your scene, you can also enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa, or visit the nearby quiet coastal town of Anse-a-Pirogue.
Stay at: Ocean Breeze Hotel & Restaurant
9- Cayes-Jacmel
A small beachside town, Jacmel is the place to head for an authentic local experience and a few of the best beaches around.
The whole coastline here is beach, but there are three main ones you should visit.
Jacmel beach is shallow and clear, making it an excellent place for families or those just wanting to paddle.
It also has the best bars and cafes in the area.
Ti Mouillage is a larger and far quieter nearby beach that has a beachfront restaurant and bungalow.
It’s popular with local kids playing football in the surf.
Finally, Raymond-les-Bains beach has spectacular sunsets and super fresh seafood.
It’s well-known for its weekend parties and festivals.
Stay at: Maxanika
10- Cote des Arcadins
Cote des Arcadins sits within a 135-acre (55 ha) stretch of tropical reserve.
With its endless stretch of sand and clear water, there is something on offer for everyone who visits, whether you want to try out some water sports or stay on land and enjoy some beautiful hikes in nature.
The beach is covered in thatched beach umbrellas and mats to keep you cool for the day.
The coastline of Arcadin is home to some of the top Haiti beaches, including Kaliko and Montrouis, which is its central hub and a beach unto itself.
However, there is plenty of beach to go around and several laid-back hotels to stay in where you can take advantage of quieter stretches of beach, boat excursions and fresh local cuisine.
11- Port Salut
Port Salut is a coastal resort town on the southwest corner of Haiti, famous for being the birthplace of Haiti’s former president.
It is the most popular weekend break destination for locals from Port-au-Prince, and although you will find some tourists here, it hasn’t been developed very much yet.
Many hotels dot the beachfront, but you will have the place to yourself on most days.
The beach at Point Sable is the most loved area and a true postcard-perfect stretch of sugary sand and palm trees.
Although most people come here to kick back in the sun with a chilled rum cocktail, another fun activity is hiking to the nearby Cascade Touyac waterfall, where you can swim in the crystal-clear pools.
If you visit in August, you may catch one of Haiti’s local traditions – the yearly Christian feast celebrating the island’s patron saints.
Stay at: Residences Sommet Port Salut
12- Abaka Bay
Abaka Bay is a resort area in the Ile a Vache stretch of coastline, seldom trodden by tourists.
The beach here was voted 57th most beautiful in the world, and its swaying palm trees, beachfront cabanas and warm shallow waters will make you never want to leave.
The resort is the main place to stay in the area and has a monopoly on this stretch of beach, which means it is kept in perfect untouched condition.
Whether you want to sit back in a hammock while someone brings you fresh coconuts or snorkel and spot tropical fish in the clear blue waters, you’ll find it here.
Other activities to enjoy are kayaking, beach volleyball, nature walks and hikes, deep-sea fishing, and cave exploring.
Go horseback riding on the beach for the best sunsets and an authentic Caribbean experience.
Stay at: Suites la Colline
13- Chouchou Bay
Another beach near Jacmel, Chouchou Bay Beach, is one of the country’s most stunning beaches due to the rugged mountain backdrop.
The beach does not have many amenities such as food and drink, so it is good to pack both drinks and snacks if you’re visiting for the day.
It’s a popular spot for snorkelling, fishing, hiking and scuba diving if you’re tired of simply relaxing on the sand.
Chouchou Bay is only a short drive from Cap-Haitien, making it a great spot to check out even for half a day, particularly if you’re an avid diver.
Stay at: La Difference Guest House
14- Grann Do
Close to the seaside town of Cotes de Fer in Commune Aquin, Grann Do beach is the full package.
Encompassing panoramic views, white sand and blue waters, and a mountain backdrop and nearby rivers, you won’t be running out of places to explore.
It features a beachfront gazebo for visitors to eat and socialise in and a stage where locals frequently put on live music and performances.
There are many food options, and the beach’s owners have been working hard to attract local talent and turn it into a lively local hub for parties, dancing, and fun.
15- Anse a Raisins
A pretty pink-tinged beach located in La Gonave, Anse a Raisins, has extremely flat and clear waters, making it ideal for exploring the plentiful coral reefs just offshore.
The beach itself is pretty deserted, sheltered by lots of palm trees, and you will probably only spot a few locals due to it being slightly remote.
The best way of seeing the area is through a boat trip, of which many are offered by local companies, where you will get to visit the crystal waters for a few hours and relax on the beach.
These tours will usually provide drinks and food included, which is ideal on this secluded stretch of the island.
16- Ile des Arcadins
Ile des Arcadins is a tiny remote island off Haiti’s coast, just off the previously mentioned Cote des Arcadins, a national park.
Getting here can usually be arranged by boat tour, where you’ll get to spend the day enjoying the spectacular reefs that surround this island.
You’ll be able to see a variety of coral and tropical fish, and if you’re lucky, you might also spot some playful dolphins in the waves.
Again, since this island is remote and uninhabited, there are no food and drink options available, which is why boat trips will provide some great local food and fresh drinks for you including Haiti’s famous rum punch!
17- Kaliko Beach
The trendy Kaliko Beach Club resort owns Kaliko Beach.
Aside from its lovely pools, the beach club provides exclusive access to this beautifully peaceful beach and provides a wealth of activities for enjoying the water.
This is ideal for relaxing and enjoying some Caribbean fun, from jetskiing to flyboarding, scuba diving and snorkelling.
They also have fresh gourmet dining and a poolside bar where you can have a sundowner while watching a breathtaking sunset.
If you’d rather stay elsewhere and just want to visit for the day, it is only 55 minutes from Port au Prince and you can get a day pass, which includes access to the beach, restaurant and bar.
18- Montrouis Beach
Montrouis is a popular stopping point en route to other Arcadins resorts such as Kaliko, however, it is worth spending time here as there is a lot on offer.
It is the country’s main hub for seafood exports, and the waters are teeming with marine life, making it popular with visitors for leisure fishing.
This also makes it an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving, and there are a few different dive companies that can take both beginners and pros out on some spectacular dives.
If you have some time and want to do something active, hiking to the hidden gem of Kay Piat is highly recommended.
It’s a lush spot in the nearby mountains surrounded by jungle and has crystal-clear pools for swimming.
19- Moulin sur Mer
Moulin sur Mer is a private beach resort that was once an 18th-century sugar plantation.
The beach here has a jetty where you can go out on numerous fishing and boat trips to outlying islands.
Snorkelling and diving are also on the cards, along with jet-skiing, paddle-boarding and sunset cruises.
The hotel itself has bars and restaurants right on the beach.
If you feel the need to escape the beach, you can get a guide to take you on a walking or hiking tour before coming back and strolling in the shady gardens, playing a game of volleyball or ping pong, or simply sitting under a beach umbrella with a drink.
20- Ouanga Bay Beach
Ouanga Bay sits slightly northwest of Port au Prince and is a small sandy beach that isn’t often visited by day-trippers, which means you’ll have a stretch to yourself.
There is however one main hotel here, the Ouanga Bay Hotel which dominates most of the beach, providing loungers and umbrellas for guests and visitors.
This is where you can also book activities such as snorkelling, windsurfing, pedalos and glass-bottomed boat trips.
The resort can also arrange diving excursions, and after an exhausting day of sun and sand, the over-water restaurant is the best place in the area to taste the locally caught seafood.
For more beaches in North America and Caribbean read:
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