Haiti
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
30
Coastline
1,771 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Port-au-Prince
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- North and south coast season
- Empty spots
- Morning offshores
- Tropical paradise
- Artistic cultural background
Negatives
- Small, shallow and inconsistent
- Wrecked infrastructure
- Chaotic Port-au-Prince
- Transport hassles
Where to surf in Haiti
Little known Haiti is the western end of the second largest Caribbean island, Hispaniola but is generally off most surfer’s lists. It is home to some fun and even challenging waves on its coral fringed north and south coasts. It takes real determination to check Haiti’s empty surf since multiple natural and political disasters have ravaged the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Along Haiti’s north coast shallow reefs greet the winter NE swells and there is plenty to explore for the curious trailblazers who fancy some empty Caribbean juice.
While cruise ships stop at the deep-water anchorage off the sugar sands of Labadi Beach, passengers who have been riding the Flow-Rider onboard could be getting the real thing just around the corner at Haiti’s best northern wave, Ginsu. Recent exploration has seen the country’s inventory of surf spots skyrocket from 6 to at least 36, with the south coast containing the lion’s share.
Surf spots in Haiti
Research the 30 surf breaks in Haiti and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 30 breaks in Haiti.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Haiti
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Haiti.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 447,000
- Population
- 11,402,528
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- HTG
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +509
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Creole and French (both official)
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
All nationalities can visit visa free for stays of up to 90 days. There is a US$10 fee to all visitors on arrival.
Getting There
American Airlines (New York, Miami), Air France and Air Canada offer regular, direct flights to Port-au-Prince (PAP). Overland Crossing in the north is convenient from Santiago to Cap-Haïtien - there is a direct 5h bus called Ayido. The Malpasse/Jimaní crossing in the south links Santo Domingo to Port-au-Prince.
Getting Around
Fly domestic (Tortug’Air, Caribintair) to Cap Haitien (CAP) to save an 8h drive or Jacmel (JAK) instead of a 4h drive. Boardbags may cause delays. Hotel can arrange pick-ups then organise local transport (4WD, taxi-boat). Road network is truly disastrous. Rental car start at $60/d but not recommended.
Accommodation
Only the main tourist beaches have good places to stay like Cormier Plage near Cap Haitien, Kayanol Village in Labadee or Hotel Florita And Hotel Cyvadier in Jacmel. Expect to pay $60, but there are local rooms for $10. Local meals can be anything from dirt cheap ($1-2) to $25 for international standard cuisines. Great coffee and Rhum Barbancourt is a fine cognac.
Activities
Mountainous and wild. Don't miss the Bassin Blue waterfalls near Jacmel. Visit Citadelle Lafériere from Cap Haitien. Artisan's Market, located near the beach has rich art and crafts. Play soccer or dominos with locals.
Hazards & hassles
Many travel warnings because of natural disasters and political protests. More local kids are riding broken boards and a few expats may appear. Beware of the staghorn coral, urchins and really shallow spots. Local transport can be tough over bad roads.
Handy Hints
Longboards and learning some Haitian creole (closest to French) are both useful. Rent local fishing boats to get to the islands and inaccessible spots. Get up early for morning mountain offshores. Earthquakes and hurricanes have left Haiti battered - donate some equipment to the local groms.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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