Private Island Vacations: What to Do in Labadee

Plan a Vacation Package Escape to the Oasis of Labadee, Haiti.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on August 24, 2022

For those seeking beautiful beaches, quaint seaside towns, and endless outdoor adventures, the Caribbean offers plenty of gorgeous destinations to choose from. But if you're looking to experience the tropics like a true VIP, there's nothing like private island vacations. These wanderlust-worthy experiences are what travel dreams are made of.

Say "Yes" to Your Boldest Beach Day Yet

Labadee, Haiti, is home to five impressive stretches of shoreline. Each is covered with fine, sugar-white sand and dotted with gently swaying palm trees. Rolling emerald mountains provide a truly wow-worthy backdrop from every angle, and the crystal-clear turquoise waters that kiss the shore are perfect for snorkeling. Since it's a private destination, the only other people you'll see are locals, staff and other Royal Caribbean guests, creating a tropical atmosphere free of crowds.

Columbus Cove is great for swimming and water activities like kayaking and snorkeling. It's also home to the fun-filled Arawak Aqua Park (more on this later), a station offering floating mats for your lounging pleasure and the iconic Dragon's Splash water slide that's sure to satisfy thrill-chasers of all ages. You'll also find lunch served nearby in a convenient, shaded pavilion.

Nellie's Beach next door also boasts kayak rentals and floating mats, as well as a rich and colorful history. The beach itself is named for an Englishwoman who, according to legend, arrived on its shores during the years the area was frequented by buccaneers. She supposedly set up a trading post and tavern to serve visiting ships and their crews. You'll find homages to both — Nellie's Outpost and Nellie's Tavern — on-site during your visit.

At Barefoot Beach Club, it's all about bumping up the luxe factor. The gorgeous, tranquil area is exclusive to Pinnacle members and guests staying in Grand Suites or above. It's also a beautiful place to unwind with your special someone while taking in the stunning sea views. Cabanas here include dedicated butler service and a selection of delicious seaside snacks and sips.

Up the Adventure with Thrilling Rides and Slides

Labadee packs in plenty of opportunities for daredevils of all ages to chase thrills during their private island vacations. One guest favorite is the Dragon's Breath Flight Line, half a mile of exhilarating zip line over sea and jungle. And then there's its sister ride, the Dragon's Fire Flight Line, which lets you soar through the air headfirst like a superhero.

Dig into Delicious Eats and Vibrant Local Culture

In between underwater and on-shore adventures — or sun-soaked relaxation along Labadee's tranquil beaches — you'll be able to refuel with delicious eats and refreshing sips steps away from the private destination's shores and attractions. Head to Dragon's Rock Café, Labadee Café and Columbus Café for flavor-filled lunch buffets that offer all kinds of global dishes and easy-to-eat snacks. Every bite is complementary for cruise guests, so you can try a little bit of everything if you're in the mood for a round-the-world feast. Or drop by Nellie's Tavern for tasty fare and all your favorite beach-day brews and tropical cocktails in between dips in the calm, shallow waters of Nellie's Beach.

You can pair tasty drinks with beautiful views of the sea and the Dragon's Breath Flight Line at the Dragon's Pub. It's located at Dragon's Breath Rock, near the tip of the Labadee peninsula. Grab a seat on the pub's stone terrace and take in the island's rocky, windswept coast while enjoying some snacks and your favorite libations. This area is so pretty, it's sometimes used for spa treatments and even weddings.

If you're on an all-adults trip, make sure you stop by the Floating Bar at Adrenaline Beach for a signature Labadoozie frozen cocktail. This fruity and refreshing drink will be a treat for your senses. You can also opt for classic vacation cocktails made with authentic Caribbean rum.

After lunch, check out Le Village, an authentic Haitian teaching village suffused with the island's rich history and colorful culture. Here, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of everyday life on the island, listening to local music, savoring homemade coffee and peanut butter, and browsing locally made crafts, jewelry, and other beautiful keepsakes to take home and cherish forever.

Whether your ideal private island vacation getaway involves total relaxation, plenty of thrilling activities and excursions, or a balanced blend of both, Labadee, Haiti, will not disappoint. Labadee vacation packages feel exclusive and luxurious, but you won't break your budget. Once you've spent a day here, you'll see why it's considered a top-rated port among cruise guests.

At Labadee, adventure, tranquility and five-star service come together without the hassle, stress and crowds found at popular vacation destinations frequented by tourists. In fact, its exclusivity makes it something of a hidden gem waiting to be discovered on your next trip. There are so many ways to spend a day here that you may find the biggest challenge is fitting everything into your time onshore — but then again, that's all the more reason to plan a return visit. There are many of Royal Caribbean itineraries available that include stops at this one-of-a-kind tropical oasis pacgetaway. Spend some time during your visit conquering all of the destination's thrilling slides and rides, or just kick back and unwind shoreside — this is your vacation, and you can enjoy it any way you like.