Things To Do
in Pointe à Raquettes
Pointe à Raquettes sits along Haiti's northern coast where turquoise waters meet palm-fringed shores. The town centers on a working harbor, colorful markets, and a welcoming community that blends resilience with hospitality. Rugged hills cradle the coastline, offering viewpoints over sea cliffs and small fishing villages.
Visitors should expect a relaxed pace, vibrant everyday life, and warm conversations inspired by the sea and the land.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Jérémie Airport and feel the warm Caribbean breeze as you transfer by boat to the secluded shores of Pointe à Raquettes. A local guide welcomes you with floral leis and shares stories of the area’s history and legends. Take a gentle stroll along the shoreline to acquaint yourself with the powdery white sand and crystal-clear water.
Settle into your beachfront bungalow and savor a light Creole lunch prepared with freshly caught fish and tropical fruits. Attend an orientation session where you learn about safety, environmental guidelines, and daily rhythms of island life. By the end of the session, you’ll have mapped out optional activities for the days ahead.
Gather around a flickering bonfire on the beach as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. Enjoy a cultural drumming performance accompanied by traditional Haitian folk songs. End the night under a canopy of stars, sipping coconut water as the waves lull you to sleep.
Set off on foot along the undeveloped coast to discover hidden coves and untouched stretches of sand. Scour tide pools for colorful shells and tiny marine creatures as seabirds circle overhead. Feel the soft sea breeze and listen to the rhythmic pulse of the waves.
Hop into a kayak to paddle around limestone formations and mangrove-lined waterways. Pause at a secret inlet for a refreshing swim in the aquamarine lagoon. Photograph the jagged coral structures and darting tropical fish beneath the surface.
Join a seaside yoga session during golden hour to stretch with the sound of ocean waves. Retreat to a shaded cabana for a candlelit seafood feast featuring lobster tails and conch fritters. Wind down with reggae tunes and local rum cocktails by lantern light.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (1 night) | $25-60 |
| 🚕Local taxi (short trip) | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming communities with rich coastal culture
- Accessible seafood-focused cuisine and affordable travel costs
- Limited infrastructure in some areas and variable internet access
- Occasional safety and weather considerations require planning
- "Bonjou" - Hello
- "Bonswa" - Good evening
- "Mèsi" - Thank you
- "Souple" - Please
- "Kijan ou rele? / Koman ou ye?" - What is your name? / How are you?
- "Ki kote twalèt la?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Pointe à Raquettes
Visit one of these nice places.
Early light over the fishing boats and calm water creates reflections and vivid colors along the quay.
Colorful boats, white sand, and palm silhouettes make for classic seascape photos, especially at sunset.
Weathered structures and dramatic sea views provide a moody, historical backdrop for photography.
Panoramic views of the coastline and villages below, perfect for wide-angle shots.
Close-ups of fruits, spices, textiles, and local faces capture daily life and color.
Food in Pointe à Raquettes
Pointe à Raquettes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy fried marinated pork served with rice and beans, a staple at roadside stands and family meals.
Must-Try!
A thick, flavorful meat stew with vegetables and root starches, perfect for dipping with bread or rice.
Conch simmered in a spicy broth with herbs and peppers, often served with lime and hot sauce.
Fried plantains mashed into patties and fried again, typically served with a garlicky sauce or dipping stew.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh catch, smoked fish, tropical fruits, and spicy sauces sold directly by local fishermen and vendors.
Weekly stalls with root vegetables, legumes, spices, and prepared snacks to eat on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Bonjou' or 'Bonswa' and a handshake; maintain eye contact and use polite language.
Show deference to elders in conversation and social settings; avoid interrupting and speak calmly.
Dress modestly in public spaces; ask before photographing people and seek permission for intimate photos.
Eat with the right hand when possible; expect shared dishes in many family-style meals.
Safety
Tipping in Pointe à Raquettes
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary for good service; 5-10% in smaller cafes and 10-15% in restaurants. Small tips for hotel staff and guide services are appreciated.
Cash in Haitian gourde or USD is commonly accepted; some places may take cards, but cash is safer in smaller towns. ATMs are less common outside major cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; chance of tropical storms and hurricanes, so carry lightweight rain gear and water. Sea breezes can be strong; stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Warm days with cooler evenings; rainfall declines in early autumn. Great for outdoor activities, but occasional showers may occur after storms.
Pleasant daytime temperatures with cooler nights; dryer conditions overall, though humidity remains. Ideal for walking tours and coastal photography.
Warm and increasingly humid; sea remains calm with beautiful light for photography and outdoor exploration.
Pointe à Raquettes at Night
Hiking in Pointe à Raquettes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate coastal loop offering sea views, rocky coves, and opportunities to observe seabirds.
Airports
How to reach Pointe à Raquettes by plane.
Regional and international flights; transfer to Pointe à Raquettes typically by car or motorbike taxi within a few hours.
Major international hub; longer drive to the north coast but provides broader flight options and connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents who rely on the sea for livelihood; meaningfully connected through markets, boats, and family networks.
Crafters, shopkeepers, and cooks who contribute to foodways, crafts, and culture.
People with family or work connections abroad, influencing remittances, culture, and language use.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, seen in informal matches and local leagues.
Common in schools and community courts; informal games frequently played in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pointe à Raquettes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on rice with beans, plantain dishes, vegetable stews, fruit, and bread; ask for sauces without lard or meat stock and confirm ingredients when ordering.