Travel Guide Labadie

In colonial times, the Labadie coast had a defensive role, as evidenced by the fortifications and many cannons that are still near the bay. It is now a private tourist area (Côte Labadee), rented exclusively by Royal Carribean to the Haitian state, moored by giant liners, which discharges their waves of "cruise cruises" eager to live a day in Haiti. The company has completely landscaped the coast into a real amusement park, employing 230 Haitians. A few walks are organised for a visit to the surrounding area, but these are mainly beaches, the Russian mountains (Dragon's Tail), the trampolines and sea slides, the games of snowshoes, the cafes and pubs… who have the coast with these ephemeral tourists. In the meantime, we take advantage of the deck chairs or the rental of a foot in the water. A market for craftsmen is held throughout the day, while the most sporty are engaged in water sports: kayaking, scuba diving, marine bikes… The lighthouse, for the brave, remains the Tyrolean offering a deep sea dive after flying over a vast expanse of virgin forest. This home site is an enclave in the region and is accessible to Aboriginal people only on the days when cruises are relâche. We almost forget the existence of Labadie, a small fishing village stuck along a narrow cove. It is only accessible by sea. Taxis are taken at the tourist centre pier for a 5-minute crossing. This Labadie-there has little to do with the places that are made available to passengers in passenger ships…