 Haiti : Profile
Haiti, which makes up the western third of the island of Hispaniola, is largely off the cruising track; those few who visit by yacht find the experience either appalling or delightful. While people eventually get used to the poverty of most Haitians, it is the exasperating bureaucracy that turns most cruisers off. The presence of a UN stabilisation force is intended to strengthen Haiti's longterm security. However, the security situation is still volatile and Haiti remains largely an unsafe place to visit. Cruising is best done from east to west as particularly during winter the strong trade winds make eastbound passages difficult. The capital Port-au-Prince lies on the southern cruising route. Beyond Cape Tiburon at Haiti's SW extremity, there are several attractive anchorages with the most scenic surroundings in the Baie des Cayes, with facilities available at Port Morgan Marina, located on Ile a Vache a few miles from the mainland city of Cayes. Otherwise facilities in Haiti are generally poor, although it is possible to have some work done in the commercial harbours. If planning to cruise in Haiti one should carry all essential spares as practically nothing is available locally.
The climate is tropical. It is cooler and drier from December to March, and on the coast, which is cooled by sea breezes. The hurricane season lasts from June to November.
Port Morgan
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, Port-au-Prince
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*Indicates a port of entry.
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