Things To Do
in Carice

Carice is a small coastal commune in southern Haiti, where the sea meets a resilient community of fishermen and market vendors. The town radiates warmth, color, and a rhythm shaped by boat horns, market chatter, and daily sea voyages. Visitors will find simple guesthouses, open-air eateries, and dramatic ocean views just steps from the streets.

Expect genuine hospitality, tropical heat, and roads that remind you you’re in a rural Caribbean setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Village Orientation
morning
:

Touch down at Carice’s small airstrip and meet your local guide. Wander through the village center to absorb first glimpses of everyday life among clay-roofed huts. Listen to conversation in Haitian Creole as bakers prepare fresh bread.

afternoon
:

Share a traditional griot lunch at a family-run eatery overlooking verdant fields. Learn basic Creole phrases as locals invite you to taste pikliz and fried plantains. Observe craftsmen weaving baskets by hand at the central plaza.

evening
:

Walk along the riverbank at sunset and hear the rhythmic croaking of frogs. Engage in an informal welcome circle with elders sharing folklore and song. Rest in a simple guesthouse and enjoy a bowl of legim to end the day.

day 2
Market Exploration
morning
:

Head to the bustling open-air market at dawn while locals haggle over colorful produce. Taste sweet papaya and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice from roadside vendors. Observe women in vibrant madras cloth selling handmade jewelry and spices.

afternoon
:

Attend a hands-on lesson in selecting ripe tropical fruits with a market elder. Sample salted fish and boiled yams served on banana leaves under a shaded stall. Chat with stallholders about seasonal harvests and local cooking traditions.

evening
:

Return to your guesthouse carrying baskets full of fresh ingredients. Join a family for a cooking demonstration of joumou soup, steeped in Haitian history. Wind down by a lantern-lit courtyard sharing stories with fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
🛏️Budget guesthouse (per night)$12-25
🚕Local taxi ride (short distance)$2-6
Coffee or snack$0.50-2
🎟️Entrance to site or market$1-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic cultural experiences and close-knit communities
  • Excellent value for money and straightforward travel experiences
  • Beautiful coastlines, sunsets, and seafood-focused cuisine
  • Limited healthcare facilities and infrastructure in rural areas
  • Variable road conditions and occasional power outages
  • Hurricane season and weather-related travel disruptions
  • "Bonjou" - Hello
  • "Kijan ou ye?" - How are you?
  • "Mwen rele..." - My name is...
  • "Mèsi" - Thank you
  • "Pale dousman tanpri" - Please speak slowly
  • "Kote twalèt la?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Carice

Visit one of these nice places.

Harbor at Sunrise

Golden light over fishing boats and a calm bay provides classic composition and color contrasts with the morning activity.

Market Dawn Portraits

Bustling market stalls, vendors arranging produce, and locals in bright clothing offer lively street photography opportunities.

Old Lighthouse Ruins

Weathered structure with sea spray and cliffside backdrops; dramatic silhouettes at sunset.

Colorful Boatyards

A row of docked boats painted in vivid hues creates strong lines and textures for detail shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Carice

In Carice, Haitian cuisine centers on rice and beans, seafood, and root vegetables. Fresh seafood is a highlight, seasoned with peppers, lime, and abundant herbs, while everyday meals balance hearty starches with vibrant sauces. Street food and small eateries offer approachable, flavorful options for budget travelers. Expect generous portions, bold flavors, and a friendly, shareable dining culture.

Carice Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Griot with Pikliz

Crispy fried pork served with spicy pickled vegetables; a staple at many family meals and casual eateries.

Must-Try!

Diri ak Pwa

Rice cooked with pigeon peas and seasoned beans; a comforting, filling accompaniment to stews and fried fish.

Poulet Boukan

Charcoal-grilled chicken marinated in citrus and herbs, often found at seaside grills.

Lambi Bouillon

Conch soup enriched with vegetables and lime, a popular starter in coastal towns.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de Carice

Vibrant morning market where you can taste fresh fruit, fried plantains, and grilled seafood, and watch locals haggle over produce.

Coastal Street Food

Small stalls offering fried fish, spiced stews, and warm patties. Try a plate with pikliz for a tangy finish.

Climate Guide

Weather

Carice experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season typically runs from November to April, while the wet season brings rain and higher humidity from May through October. Hurricane season can impact weather patterns in late summer and fall, so plan for variable conditions and monitor forecasts during those months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a warm 'Bonjou' in the morning and 'Bonswa' in the evening; a handshake or a nod is common among locals.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces; many locals appreciate a kind request and a smile.

Dress and Conduct

Dress modestly in markets and religious sites; avoid loud behavior, and be polite when bargaining. Show respect for elders and community leaders.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should stay aware of petty theft and uneven road conditions, especially at night. Use reputable transport, keep valuables secure, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Have travel insurance, carry a copy of important documents, and stay informed about local advisories and weather alerts.

Tipping in Carice

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is satisfactory. For informal services or guides, rounding up the fare is common. In markets, tipping small amounts for special help is customary but not mandatory.

Payment Methods

Cash is the most widely accepted method in Carice. Some larger establishments may take mobile money (MonCash) or card payments, but carry small denominations for markets and street stalls.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent short rain showers in late afternoon. Bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket; storm and hurricane season runs from May through November.

Autumn

Warm days with cooler evenings; humidity remains high. Good for coastal hikes and outdoor markets, but afternoon showers can occur.

Winter

Pleasantly warm days with cooler nights; sea breezes are noticeable. Excellent time for outdoor activities and photography with clearer skies.

Spring

Milder temperatures and generally dry conditions; a comfortable period for exploring villages and beaches with vibrant greenery.

Nightlife Guide

Carice at Night

Nightlife in Carice is intimate and community-driven, with small bars offering local music, occasional live compas or rara performances, and informal gatherings along the waterfront. Evenings are often social and relaxed, with neighbors sharing stories and dishes like grilled fish or stews. Expect a slower pace compared with larger cities, but warm hospitality and chances to connect with residents late into the night.

Hiking in Carice

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Boucan-Saunier Coastal Trail

A scenic hillside route offering ocean views, rugged terrain, and opportunities to observe local flora and occasional wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Carice by plane.

Toussaint Louverture International Airport (Port-au-Prince)

Major international hub about 230–250 km from Carice; often the starting point for trips to the southern coast; best access via domestic flights or long drives.

Les Cayes Airport

Smaller regional airport servicing domestic flights; closer to some southern towns and can be used to reduce travel time to the coast.

Getting Around

Walkability

Carice is compact and easy to explore on foot within town limits. Sidewalks and pedestrian paths can be uneven, and beyond the town center roads may be rough or unpaved. Taxis or moto-taxis are common for longer distances or challenging terrain.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A rural Haitian community with strong family networks, fishing families, and market traders; a mix of generations living in close-knit neighborhoods.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The dominant sport across Haiti; informal games and organized matches are common in towns like Carice.

Basketball

Popular in schools and community centers; casual pick-up games often occur in the evenings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light within Carice, but roads can be rough and vehicles move slowly during heat and rain. Tap-taps (shared minibuses) and motorcycle taxis are common for longer trips; plan for delays during storms or flooding and carry cash for fares.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Carice.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can enjoy dishes based on beans, cornmeal, plantains, rice, and local vegetables. Request vegetable stews or grilled corn and ask for dishes without meat or seafood; fruit and root veggies are widely available. In markets, look for legumes, tubers, and fresh fruit stands; confirm oil and stock ingredients if avoiding animal products.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare options in Carice are limited to small clinics and basic services. For more comprehensive care or emergencies, travel to larger towns such as Les Cayes or Port-au-Prince is common. Carry medical supplies, prescription meds, and travel insurance; know the location of nearby clinics and emergency numbers.

Discover Haiti

Read more in our Haiti 2025 Travel Guide.

Haiti Travel Guide