Labadee?

[SDJEL]

We are doing an Anthem Cruise this summer. I was really looking forward to the redesigned Coco Cay, but our cruise won’t be going there. We do go to Labadee. I have done some research and seem to find a few common threads, even from people who enjoyed the island.

1. There are no shady spots unless you are willing to pay extra.
2. The sand is rocky and unpleasant without water shoes.
3. There are many extra fees/tips expected: getting a chair or using the bathroom for example.
4. There is very aggressive selling of local handcrafts.

I’m really not much of a beach person in the first place and I’m debating if it is even worth it to get off the ship at all there. I would appreciate feedback from anybody who has been there regarding these concerns. Thanks.

 

[tltay2005]

We got a shady spot in early in the morning on Adrenaline beach (under a palm tree) and I feel we got lucky as are not many there, and then had no problem finding another two chairs under palm trees down at Columbus Cove beach later around lunchtime. There are more shady areas there. We were there last June. The local craft area is on the way down to Columbus Cove area, so if you want to avoid them, just stay in the areas closer to the pier.

I had no issues being bare foot at either beach. There are a lot of rocks on Adrenaline beach closest to the pier, but as we walked down towards the end it was fine.

I did not have anyone help me set up a chair, as we picked two that were already set up under the trees, so I did not have to tip anyone.

As you can see in the first photo of Adrenaline beach, there is not much shade, but you can find some (especially if you set further back from the water) or you can purchase one of the clam shell shelters. The second photo is Columbus cove and we had plenty of shade there to chose from.

You can also see the beach is mostly sand, and you can easily avoid the rocks.

 

[Denise W]

I had no problem getting shade when we were there. There were hundreds of lounges under the trees.
Denise

 

[hdrolfe]

This is one of my son's favourite stops. It depends which beach you go to though. We first did the roller coaster, then went to the beach with the water toys and spent an hour there. The beach over there was soft and sandy from what I remember. I don't recall looking for shade though. We had lunch and then went to Adrenaline beach which was rockier but had some nice snorkeling (we bring our own gear) and I know I didn't bother looking for shade there. There were lots of chairs though as I think a lot of people had returned to the ship by that point.

 

[starvenger]

1. Shade is not super plentiful, but there is enough if you know where to look. When you get off the ship, take the water taxi and head right to Columbus Cove. There are less people here and therefore less competition for shade.

2. On the ocean side of Labadee it is pretty rocky. You'll find Columbus Cove to be much less so.

3. The guy getting you a chair is a local. He's trying to make a buck, so if you have him help, tip accordingly. Bear in mind that (assuming you are in good health) you can get the chairs and loungers yourself.

If someone is charging you to use the bathroom you're being scammed.

4. The vendors are aggressive but not confrontational. They definitely talk a good game and are quite vocal, but I've never been forced to buy anything or steered towards a stall.