A waterfall in Bassin Bleu Protected Area, near Jacmel, Haiti

Getty Images

Bassin Bleu

Top choice


Tucked into the mountains 12km northwest of Jacmel, Bassin Bleu is a series of three cobalt-blue pools linked by waterfalls that make up one of the prettiest swimming holes in Haiti. Experience Jacmel will take you to a hamlet close to the pools via moto-taxi, then a local guide will escort you down an uneven path (at one point you'll rappel down a rock face) to the gorgeous pools, where kids often jump from high rocks.

The three pools are Bassin Clair, Bassin Bleu and Bassin Palmiste. Bassin Clair is the most beautiful of the three, deep into the mountain at the bottom of the waterfall, sheltered and surrounded by smooth rocks draped with maidenhair and creeper ferns.You’re sadly less likely to see the nymphs that, according to legend, live in the grottoes, although be warned that they’ve been known to grab divers attempting to discover the true depth of the pool.

While the mineral-rich waters of Bassin Bleu are a delight at most times of the year, they turn a muddy brown after heavy rainfall.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Maison Cadet

1.08 MILES

A key building to look out for is the grand Maison Cadet, with its red-iron ‘witch’s hat' roof topper.

3. Promenade du Bord de Mer

1.27 MILES

Installed by ex-President Michel Martelly, this kilometer-long boardwalk along Jacmel's waterfront has become popular with locals as a spot to socialize…

4. Cyvadier Plage

5.14 MILES

This beach is about 10km east of Jacmel, down a small track leading from the Cayes Jacmel road. The beach is part of the Cyvadier Plage Hôtel. The small…

5. Plage Raymond-les-Bains

8.38 MILES

About 13km from Jacmel this popular beach is a long stretch of sand with palm trees and mountains as a backdrop.

6. Cayes Jacmel

9.56 MILES

From the small fishing village of Cayes Jacmel, about 14km east of Jacmel, the beach spreads a further 3km to Plage Ti Mouillage, a gorgeous white-sand…

7. Museum of the People

22.04 MILES

This small jumble of a museum attached to the mission is worth a stop on your way up to Kenscoff. There are taxidermied specimens of Haitian fauna …

8. Fort Jacques

23.49 MILES

Fort Jacques was erected during the burst of fort-building following independence in 1804. It was built by Alexandre Pétion and named after Jean-Jacques…