⚡ Labadee with Kids — Quick Overview
- ✓Royal Caribbean’s private destination — fully enclosed, very safe, beautifully maintained
- ✓Columbus Cove is the best beach for young kids — calm, shallow, protected
- ✓Most beach access, kayaking, and floating mats are included in your cruise fare
- ✓Dragon’s Breath zip line and Dragon’s Tail roller coaster are paid add-ons worth it for older kids
- ✓The Labadee Water Park is excellent for kids 4–12
- ✓Food and drinks are not included — budget for lunch on the island or eat on the ship
Wait — isn’t Labadee in Haiti?
Yes, technically. Labadee is on the northern coast of Haiti, leased by Royal Caribbean since 1986. But guests never leave the private compound — it’s fully fenced, has its own security perimeter, its own medical staff, and no access to Haiti proper.
What you’re actually visiting: a beautiful, well-maintained Caribbean beach destination with multiple beaches, water activities, zip lines, a roller coaster, restaurants, and artisan markets. It has more in common with a resort island than a port stop.
The “but it’s Haiti” hesitation is understandable, but families who skip Labadee for that reason consistently regret it. It’s one of the most enjoyable days on any Royal Caribbean sailing.
6–8 hrsTypical Time Ashore
5 BeachesTo Choose From
IncludedBeach Access
Royal CaribbeanOnly Cruise Line
💰 Free vs. Paid — What’s Included in Labadee
Most of the best things in Labadee are included in your cruise fare. Here’s the full breakdown so you can budget before you go:
| Activity / Item | Free? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All beach access | ✓ Free | All 5 beaches included |
| Beach chairs & loungers | ✓ Free | First-come, first-served. Go early. |
| Columbus Cove water activities | ✓ Free | Kayaks, paddle boats, floating mats |
| Artisan market | ✓ Free | Entry free, purchases cost |
| Dragon’s Breath Flight Line | $ Paid | World’s longest over-water zip line |
| Dragon’s Tail Coaster | $ Paid | Alpine-style roller coaster |
| Labadee Water Park | $ Paid | Excellent for kids 4–12 |
| Jet skis & wave runners | $ Paid | Per session pricing |
| Cabana / upgraded loungers | $ Paid | Barefoot Beach cabanas especially |
| Food & drinks on island | $ Paid | Unless you have a drink package |
🏖️ Beach Guide — Which Beach Is Right for Your Family?
🌊 Columbus Cove
Best for young kids
The most sheltered and calm beach in Labadee. Shallow, protected water with minimal waves — ideal for toddlers and young children who aren’t confident swimmers. Free kayaks, paddle boats, and floating mats are based here.
Best for: Families with kids under 8, first-time beach goers
🏖️ Labadee Beach
Most popular — longest stretch
The main beach and the longest. Busier than Columbus Cove but has more amenities including nearby food and drink vendors. Good for families who want more action and don’t need the calmest water.
Best for: Families with older kids who want more going on around them
🌴 Barefoot Beach
Upgrade required — worth it
The most beautiful and least crowded beach in Labadee. Requires a day pass upgrade (purchased through Royal Caribbean before or onboard). Cabanas available. Quieter, more scenic, better for families who want space.
Best for: Families who want quiet and don’t mind paying for it
🏊️ Near the Water Park
Best if kids are doing the water park
The beach area adjacent to the Labadee Water Park is convenient for families who have paid for the water park. Kids can alternate between the park and the beach without walking far.
Best for: Families who have purchased the Labadee Water Park add-on
📋 Best Things to Do in Labadee with Kids
🌊
Columbus Cove — Free Water Activities
Columbus Cove is the activity hub for families with younger kids. The free kayaks, paddle boats, and floating water mats are based here and the calm, protected water makes it perfect for kids who aren’t confident swimmers. This area gets busy by mid-morning — head here first when you get off the ship to secure equipment and a good spot.
💡 Tip: The floating mats are extremely popular with kids and go fast. Get off the ship early and head straight to Columbus Cove to claim one.
🏊️
Labadee Water Park
The Labadee Water Park is a floating inflatable obstacle course in the ocean — slides, climbing walls, trampolines, and balance beams all anchored in the water. For kids ages 4–12 who are comfortable in the water with a life vest, it’s genuinely one of the best things to do in Labadee. Life vests are provided and required. Kids go absolutely wild for it.
💡 Tip: Book before you sail through the Royal Caribbean app or cruise planner — it’s cheaper than buying on the island. There are height and swimming requirements. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours.
🚡
Dragon’s Breath Flight Line
The Dragon’s Breath Flight Line is marketed as one of the longest over-water zip lines in the world. You launch from a hilltop and fly over the ocean before splashing down into the water below. For older kids and teens who love adventure, it’s a legitimate once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are weight and age requirements — check before booking.
💡 Tip: Book in the cruise planner before you sail. Morning slots have the best light for the views from the hilltop. The hike up to the launch point is part of the experience — scenic but warm.
🛹
Dragon’s Tail Coaster
The Dragon’s Tail is an alpine-style roller coaster that winds down the hillside of Labadee. Riders control their own speed using a hand brake. It’s more accessible than the zip line (lower height and age requirements) and a great option for families with kids who want some adventure but aren’t ready for the Flight Line. The views on the way down are spectacular.
💡 Tip: Adults and kids ride together in the same cart, which makes it perfect for mixed ages. Book in advance — it’s popular and time slots fill early in the morning.
🛍️
Haitian Artisan Market
The artisan market in Labadee is genuinely one of the best souvenir shopping experiences at any Royal Caribbean port. Local Haitian artisans sell wood carvings, paintings, jewelry, and handmade goods. The quality is high and prices are negotiable. It’s a meaningful cultural interaction that gives kids a window into Haitian craft tradition. Bring small USD bills.
💡 Tip: Bargaining is expected and normal. Start at about 60% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Have $1, $5, and $10 bills ready. The market is most active mid-morning.
Labadee on your itinerary? Get the Port Pack.
The Passport Pal Labadee Port Pack gives kids their own island facts, maps, drawing prompts, and memory pages for the port day. Under $4.
📌 Honest Tips for Families in Labadee
🕒
Get off the ship early.
The free floating mats and best beach chairs go fast. Being among the first off the ship in Labadee makes a significant difference to your day — especially if you have young kids who need the Columbus Cove equipment.
🍽️
Food and drinks cost money — plan accordingly.
Unlike CocoCay which has some included food options, Labadee’s food and drink are paid. Either bring snacks and water from the ship, have a drink package that covers the island, or budget $20–40 per family for lunch. The BBQ lunch buffet served mid-day is a popular and reasonably priced option.
🧴
Sunscreen matters — there’s limited shade.
Labadee is beautiful but exposed. The palm trees provide some shade but not enough for a full day in the Caribbean sun with kids. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply regularly. Rash guards for kids are a good call.
💵
Bring small USD bills for the artisan market.
The artisan market is one of the highlights of Labadee and bargaining is the norm. Have $1, $5, and $10 bills ready. USD is the currency here — no need for local currency.
💡 Book paid activities before you sail
The Dragon’s Breath zip line, Dragon’s Tail coaster, and Labadee Water Park are all bookable through the Royal Caribbean cruise planner before you board. Prices are lower than on the island and popular time slots sell out. If these are on your list, book them as soon as your cruise planner opens (usually 6 months out).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Labadee safe for families with kids?
Yes. Labadee is a fully enclosed private destination leased by Royal Caribbean. Guests never leave the fenced compound into Haiti proper. It has its own security, medical staff, and infrastructure. It’s one of the safest port stops on any Royal Caribbean itinerary.
What is included free in Labadee?
All beach access, beach chairs, Columbus Cove water activities (kayaks, paddle boats, floating mats), and the artisan market are included in your cruise fare. The Dragon’s Breath zip line, Dragon’s Tail coaster, Labadee Water Park, jet skis, cabana upgrades, and food and drinks cost extra.
Which beach in Labadee is best for families with young kids?
Columbus Cove is the best Labadee beach for families with young children. It’s the most sheltered and calm, with shallow water perfect for toddlers and young kids. The free kayaks, paddle boats, and floating mats are based here. Get there early to secure equipment.
Is the Labadee Water Park worth it for kids?
Yes for kids ages 4–12 who are comfortable in the water with a life vest. It’s a floating inflatable obstacle course with slides, climbing walls, and trampolines. Life vests are provided. Book before you sail through the cruise planner for the best price. Allow 1.5–2 hours minimum.
Is food included in Labadee?
No — food and drinks in Labadee are an additional cost unless you have a drink package that extends to the island. The mid-day BBQ buffet is a popular and reasonably priced option. Many families bring snacks and water from the ship to supplement.
Labadee on your itinerary? 🌴
The Passport Pal Labadee Port Pack gives kids their own island facts, maps, drawing prompts, and memory pages for the port day. Under $4.
Get the Labadee Port Pack 👉Labadee is one of those ports that families almost always put at or near the top of their Royal Caribbean sailing. The combination of genuinely beautiful beaches, included water activities, and excellent paid add-ons for older kids and teens covers every family type. Get off the ship early, head to Columbus Cove first, and let the day unfold from there.