Haiti offers a unique Caribbean experience with stunning mountain fortresses, pristine beaches, and vibrant Creole culture. From the UNESCO World Heritage Citadelle Laferrière to the beautiful shores of Île-à-Vache, Haiti showcases resilience, natural beauty, and rich African-influenced traditions.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Horseback Ride to Citadelle Laferrière
Children 8 and older can ride hired Creole horses up the mountain trail to Haiti's most spectacular fortress. The adventure of the horse ride combined with the dramatic historical fortress appeals strongly to kids and teens. One of the Caribbean's great family adventure experiences.
Duration: Full day
Côte des Arcadins Beach Day
Haiti's safest and most family-friendly beach experience at established beach clubs like Wahoo Bay or Kyona. Calm Caribbean waters ideal for swimming, beach games, water sports, and fresh seafood lunch. Beach clubs provide security and facilities absent at natural beaches.
Duration: Full day
Bassin Bleu Natural Pools
A moderate hike through tropical vegetation to Haiti's extraordinary cobalt-blue natural pools near Jacmel. Older children and teens love swimming in the tiered pools and the mild adventure of the jungle trail. Local guide essential for navigation and safety.
Duration: Half day
Jacmel Carnival Mask Workshop
Visit a Jacmel artisan workshop to watch papier-mâché carnival masks being created and try making a small mask yourself. A hands-on creative activity giving children direct engagement with Haitian artistic tradition. Many workshops welcome family visitors.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Moulin Sur Mer Historical Beach Resort
A colonial-era sugar mill converted to a beach resort with its own small museum, multiple pools, beach access, and water sports. Children can explore the historic windmill, learn about Haitian history, and enjoy swimming — a rare combination of education and beach fun.
Duration: Full day/overnight
Snorkeling at Île-à-Vache
A boat trip to car-free Île-à-Vache for snorkeling over pristine coral reefs with sea turtles and tropical fish. The island's peaceful car-free environment, white beaches, and crystal waters create a magical Caribbean experience for families with older children.
Duration: Full day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Moulin Sur Mer Beach Resort
Haiti's best family beach resort built around a 17th-century sugar mill with private beach, multiple pools, water sports center, and on-site museum. The enclosed, secure resort environment with organized activities makes this the safest family stay in Haiti.
Family features: Kids can explore historic windmill, private beach, water sports, pool, restaurant with varied menu
Kaliko Beach Club
Good-value beach resort on Côte des Arcadins with direct Caribbean beach access, pool, water sports, and family-friendly atmosphere. More affordable than Moulin Sur Mer with similar beach access. Kid-friendly resort environment with organized activities.
Family features: Direct beach access, swimming pool, water sports, kids activities, secure resort grounds
Marriott Port-au-Prince
The capital's most internationally reliable hotel with 24-hour security, rooftop pool, children-friendly staff, and proximity to Pétionville's restaurants and shops. Best choice for families visiting Port-au-Prince itself who need the security of an international chain.
Family features: Rooftop pool, 24/7 security, international food standards, connecting rooms available, airport shuttle
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Hotel restaurants at Marriott, Montana, and Karibe offer the most reliable food safety standards for children — essential for young children
Kaliko Beach Club and Moulin Sur Mer restaurants welcome children and have varied menus including pizza, burgers, and grilled fish alongside Haitian dishes
Fresh tropical fruit (mango, banana, papaya, coconut) is widely available and safe for children — buy at Pétionville market from visible vendors
Pack familiar snacks from home for picky eaters — familiar comfort foods are limited outside Port-au-Prince and Pétionville
Never let children drink tap water or accept ice in drinks unless at an established hotel restaurant
Traditional Haitian food can be very spicy — pikliz and peppered dishes should be approached cautiously with children
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Travel advisories strongly discourage non-essential family travel to Haiti — carefully assess risk tolerance and ensure children are resilient and adaptable
Focus on secured beach resorts (Côte des Arcadins) or specific managed sites (Citadelle with guide) rather than open city exploration
Hire a private driver/guide for the entire trip — non-negotiable for family safety and logistics
Bring complete medical supplies from home including prescription medications, rehydration salts, and children's medications — local availability unreliable
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage for all family members is absolutely essential