You've probably seen the photos of the bright blue water and the overwater cabanas. It looks like a postcard. But honestly, Labadee is a bit of a weird place if you really think about it. It’s a private peninsula on the northern coast of Haiti, leased by Royal Caribbean since the 1980s. It’s not an island, despite what some brochures might accidentally imply, and you can’t just wander off into the rest of the country. It’s a gated paradise.
When your ship anchors, you’re basically stepping into a curated playground. The Royal Caribbean Labadee excursions are the main event here because, while the beach is free, the real adrenaline (and the best views) will cost you.
Some people think Labadee is a "throwaway" port. They’re wrong. It’s one of the few places where you can go from a 500-foot high zipline to a quiet snorkeling reef in about twenty minutes. But you have to know which excursions are worth the cash and which ones are just expensive ways to get a sunburn.
The Dragon’s Tail Coaster vs. The Flight Line
If you like heights, you’re going to be looking at the mountain.
The Dragon’s Tail Coaster is a gravity-driven alpine coaster. It’s about 3,000 feet of twists and turns. You control the speed with a manual brake, which is great because some people want to fly and others want to creep along and look at the trees. It’s fun. It’s fast. But it's over quickly. If you have kids, they’ll probably beg to do it five times.
Then there’s the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line. This is the one you see in all the commercials. It is officially one of the longest over-water ziplines in the world, dropping you from 500 feet above sea level.
Here is the thing most people don’t tell you: the "practice" line takes up a chunk of your time. You don’t just jump off the mountain. You do a small test run first to make sure you know how to sit in the harness. Is it worth the $100+ price tag? If you want the "I did that" photo, yes. The view from the takeoff point is arguably the best on the entire peninsula. You can see your ship looking like a toy boat in the harbor.
Getting Into the Water (Without the Crowds)
Most people just head to Adrenaline Beach or Nellie’s Beach and plop down. That’s fine. It’s free. But if you actually want to see something under the surface, the Marine Life Kayak Guide or the Labadee Snorkel Safari are better bets.
The water right off the main beaches can get cloudy because of all the people kicking up sand. When you take the snorkel excursion, they boat you out to a reef. It’s not the Great Barrier Reef—let's be real—but you’ll see plenty of purple sea fans, parrotfish, and maybe a nervous stingray.
Why the Kayaking is Underrated
The kayak tour is actually surprisingly educational. You’re paddling along the coast, and the guides usually talk about the local history and the ecology of the area. It’s a workout. Your arms will be sore. But it gets you away from the music and the "Labadoozie" (the signature frozen drink) fueled crowds for an hour.
Luxury and the Cabana Situation
Labadee has a hierarchy. It’s just the way it is.
If you are staying in a Grand Suite or above, you get access to Barefoot Beach. It’s private. It’s quieter. It has upgraded lunch options. For everyone else, there are cabanas for rent at Nellie’s Beach and Columbus Cove.
Are they worth $600 to $1,000?
📖 Related: Paris Las Vegas: Why the Eiffel Tower Still Wins on the Strip
It depends on your group size. If you’re a family of six, having a dedicated spot with shade, floating mats, and a dedicated attendant who brings you drinks means you don't have to play the "find a chair" game at 10:00 AM. If you’re a couple? Probably a waste of money. Just find a tree for shade.
The Overwater Cabana Hype
The overwater cabanas at Nellie’s Beach are the most requested Royal Caribbean Labadee excursions "add-on" even though they aren't technically an excursion. They sell out months in advance. They have ladders that go straight into the water. It feels very Maldives, but remember, you are still surrounded by a few thousand of your closest shipmates just a few yards away.
The Cultural Aspect (And the Controversy)
You can't talk about Labadee without talking about the Haitian Market.
This is where the "real world" and the "cruise world" collide. Local artisans sell wood carvings, paintings, and jewelry. Be prepared: the vendors are persistent. It’s a different vibe than the rest of the peninsula. Royal Caribbean brings these vendors in to provide local economic support, but for some travelers, the "hard sell" can be overwhelming.
- Tip: Bring small bills ($1s and $5s).
- Tip: If you aren't interested, a polite but firm "No, thank you" and keeping your walk moving is the best way to handle it.
- Reality Check: The paintings are often incredible and much better than the mass-produced art you find in the ship's gallery.
What Most People Get Wrong About Labadee
A huge misconception is that you need to book an excursion to have fun. You don’t.
The BBQ lunch is included in your cruise fare. The tram that runs around the island is free. The beaches are free. You can spend $0 here and have a perfectly good day.
But if you’re looking for something specific, like the Arawak Aqua Park, keep in mind it’s timed. You get an hour. It’s basically a giant inflatable obstacle course in the water. It is exhausting. Adults usually last about 20 minutes before they realize they aren't 12 years old anymore and need a nap.
Practical Logistics You Need to Know
The sun in Haiti is brutal. It’s not like Florida sun; it’s "I will burn through my T-shirt" sun. Apply sunscreen twice as often as you think you should.
Also, the ground can be rocky. Even in the water at Columbus Cove, there are patches of coral and stone. A pair of cheap water shoes will save your day.
- Book early: The zipline and the cabanas disappear from the Cruise Planner weeks before sailing.
- Watch the weather: If it’s too windy, the zipline shuts down. They’ll refund you, but your "big plan" for the day might evaporate.
- Check the ship's time: Labadee operates on ship time. Don't look at your phone if it automatically switches to a local carrier, or you might find yourself sprinting for the last tender boat.
Is it worth it?
The Royal Caribbean Labadee excursions offer a safe, managed way to experience a very beautiful part of the Caribbean. It’s not "authentic" Haiti—you’d need to go to Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien for that—but it is a world-class beach day.
If you want the best experience, mix one high-energy activity (like the coaster or zipline) in the morning with a lazy afternoon at Columbus Cove. Columbus Cove is further from the pier, so it tends to be slightly less packed than the beaches right next to the ship.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Audit your gear: Buy water shoes and a waterproof phone pouch before you leave home. They are double the price in the ship's gift shop.
- Check the Cruise Planner daily: Royal Caribbean often runs "Pre-Cruise" sales where excursions are 10% to 30% off. Never pay the "onboard" price if you can avoid it.
- Plan your morning: Get off the ship early. The heat peaks at 1:00 PM, and the lines for the Dragon's Tail Coaster get longer as the day goes on. By 2:00 PM, most people are tired and heading back, which is actually the best time to find a quiet chair.
- Pack cash: Even though your SeaPass card works for drinks, the local craft market only takes cash. Support the local artists; their work is the most "real" thing you’ll find on the peninsula.
The reality is that Labadee is what you make of it. Whether you're flying down a mountain at 30 miles per hour or just sitting under a palm tree with a book, it’s hard to have a bad day when the water is that shade of blue.