AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Raymond Les Bains is a public beach on Haiti's southern coast, about eight miles east of Jacmel along the road toward Marigot. Known for its mile-long stretch of soft white sand, a gentle entry into turquoise water, and a vibrant food scene of freshly grilled seafood, it is one of the most beloved weekend escapes for locals and a rewarding stop for travelers exploring the Sud-Est.↗↗
What sets Raymond Les Bains apart from a typical Caribbean resort beach is its unpolished energy. Plastic tables line the sand, drum circles break out after sunset, and fishermen haul their morning catch just steps from where you sit. It is a beach where the local Haitian experience is the main attraction — raw, social, and delicious.↗↗
The Beach
Framed by palm trees with mountains rising in the distance, Raymond Les Bains offers a textbook Caribbean setting: a gradual slope into clear water, soft sand underfoot, and roughly 230 days of sunshine a year in this corner of Jacmel. The shoreline is irregular, with rocky outcrops and small tidal coves that make it more interesting to explore than a flat, featureless stretch. On calm mornings the water is pleasant for casual swimming; on days when the swell picks up, surfers take advantage of the breaking waves. The beach is considered safe and is heavily frequented by families on weekends, which gives it a warm, communal feel rather than a deserted-island one.