Labadee Peninsula

Labadee is a port located on the northern coast of Haiti. The location is named after Marquis de La Badie, a Frenchman who first settled the area in the 17th century. The peninsula and nearby village were named Labadie.

Labadee resort is a private peninsula leased to the Royal Caribbean Group for the exclusive use of passengers of its three cruise lines. The company spells the name “Labadee” to make it easier for American English-speakers to pronounce. The resort is completely tourist-oriented and is guarded by a private security force. The site is fenced off from the surrounding area and passengers are not allowed to leave the property.

On this hike, I hired a local guide to do a walking tour of Labadee. The two mile hike includes a loop around the island including a history recap of Christopher Columbus’s nearby landing in the late 1400’s. Local lifestyle before and after the resort is discussed – and it is interesting to hear how much the cruise industry has changed life here for the nearby villagers.