Located on the second largest island in the Caribbean Sea, Haiti offers miles of pristine coastline with many unspoiled beaches to be admired and explored. The tranquil water can also be witnessed from above, by taking a walk around the headlands or a zip-line tour. Water sports such as windsurfing or kite-surfing are other favorite things to do since the bays (mainly in the north) provide perfect conditions. You can also go diving or snorkeling off the northern or southern shores of Haiti.

Labadee is a peninsula on the north coast of Haiti, and a privately owned resort that serves as a stopover for cruise ships, although it is possible for anyone to visit the area on a daytrip. Outside of admiring the breathtaking white sands, you can go on a zip-line tour. Offered by Dragons Breath Zipline, this fun-filled activity will give you a bird’s eye view of the landscape.

Snorkeling, kayaking and jet-skiing are also possible at Labadee; just ask the resort manager about equipment rental. Another great place for water sports is Jacmel, where you can safely roam around the bay. Many Haitian hotels have equipment rental or you can request gear from Le Village de Port-Jacmel.

For windsurfing and kite-surfing in Haiti, head to Moles-Saint-Nicholas a pleasantly sheltered bay between November and April. You can contact Boukan Guinguette to arrange rentals or instruction before hitting the water. However, seas can be rough and conditions unpredictable, so these activities are not recommended for beginners or non-strong swimmers.

The area around Moles-Saint-Nicholas is also a popular scuba diving spot, particularly off the island of Gonave where you can join an organized tour if you have a PADI license. Another popular dive site is around the beaches of Jacmel in the south of Haiti. Haiti Travels can provide information on local operators and instructors.