The lagoon
Among mangroves.
Île-à-Vache is a quiet island off the southwest coast of Haiti. Low green hills and coconut palms rise above an inland lagoon ringed by mangroves, with turquoise water over the reefs around its beaches. Its French name means «Cow Island». It is about 13 km long and 3.2 km wide, covering 52 km². The west has hills up to 150 m high, and the east is swampy, with a lagoon holding one of the largest mangrove forests in Haiti. Reefs and rocks around it have wrecked many ships over the centuries. It is one of Haiti's best-known tourist spots and has two resorts. You walk island paths between villages and fields, swim at the beaches and take a boat into the lagoon among the mangroves. The island lies about 10.5 km off the coast, and its centre is about 20 km in a straight line southeast of Les Cayes, reached by boat from the town. Arrange the crossing and lodging ahead with the resorts. The UK advises against all travel to Haiti because of the security situation, so check current advice before you go.
Among mangroves.
Turquoise water.
Fields and palms.
Baie des Cayes, Sud department
By boat from Les Cayes.
At one of the two resorts, booked ahead.