Sailing in Haiti
Including Cap-Haïtien Northern Coast, Les Cayes and Southern Cays, and Port-au-Prince Bay and Coastal Waters. On the map.
The vibe
Navigating these coastal waters offers an authentic passage among working wooden cargo sloops rather than a fleet of leisure charters. The trade winds blow most reliably through the winter months, making coastal hops brisk and exhilarating. You must bring a spirit of total self-reliance, as marinas and yacht infrastructure are practically nonexistent.
Cap-Haïtien Northern Coast
Département du Nord
Rémi Kaupp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The rugged northern coast of Haiti near Cap-Haïtien provides challenging coastal sailing waters facing the Atlantic Ocean. The area features historical coastal approaches and open-water passages.
Access. Accessed via coastal anchorages and local maritime support near Cap-Haïtien.
Notes. Atlantic swells and trade winds require experienced coastal navigation.
Les Cayes and Southern Cays
Sud Department
The southern coast of Haiti near Les Cayes and offshore cays like Île à Vache offers scenic tropical cruising grounds. Sailors enjoy island-hopping among the southern barrier reefs and sheltered anchorages.
Access. Reachable via local maritime transport and anchorages based out of Les Cayes and Île à Vache.
Port-au-Prince Bay and Coastal Waters
Carrefour
USCG Press / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Port-au-Prince Bay offers coastal cruising grounds across the Gulf of Gonâve, featuring traditional local sailing vessels and occasional cruising traffic. Passages traverse open gulf waters sheltered somewhat by Île de la Gonâve.
Access. Accessible via local maritime facilities and coastal moorings around Port-au-Prince.
Île de la Gonâve Archipelago Waters
West
NASA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
The waters surrounding Île de la Gonâve provide island-hopping routes and coastal cruising in the middle of the Gulf of Gonâve. Sailors navigate passages between the mainland and the island's secluded bays.
Access. Accessible via charter or private boat transit from the mainland coast of Haiti.