Hey there! Are you planning a cruise?
I'm Mandy from ACupful.com. My family LOVES cruises. One reason we love to cruise is the unique opportunities at each cruise port.
If you are like me, there is one special vacation experience you love to talk about. Mine is the Dragon's Breath Flight Line in Labadee, Haiti.
Dragon's Breath is the world's longest over-water zip line and can only be experienced if you cruise with Royal Caribbean to their private island of Labadee. This zip line is unlike any other zip line excursion I have done. From a platform 500 feet above the beach, you will zip down 2,600 carefree feet over the water while soaking in the view of your ship and the island.
Here are a few tips that will help you take full advantage of this exhilarating excursion.
Pay attention to your instructors
You will be given lots of instructions before taking flight. Listen to safety rules as you get harnessed up.
Next is a practice run on the low-height zip line where you will be shown how to brake.
Finally, you'll get final launch directions on the top platform telling you how to reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Listen carefully at each training spot to ensure you have a smooth flight.
Pack the right camera
Bring a GoPro or other camera with a secure strap if you want photos from the top. You are allowed to video and take photos on the excursion if you secure the camera on your wrist with a strap.
If all you have is your smartphone for photos you will need to lock it up in the island locker rentals.
See a video of my first time on the Labadee Zip Line on my website.
Book an early flight time
Book a morning flight so you will have plenty of time to explore all the activities on Labadee without feeling rushed. There are lots of other activities on the beach and you'll enjoy them more if you aren't worried about the time.
Related:
- Tips for Visiting Labadee – Royal Caribbean's Private Beach
- Tips for Booking Perfect Shore Excursions
- Tips for Your First Cruise
Try it even if you have a slight fear of heights
Ziplines are not as scary as they look! And you'll get everything you need to practice and feel secure before you take that exhilarating flight through the air.
There is a practice line that helps get you comfortable with the harness, the seated position, and braking. Being able to practice before the real thing can calm you down and give you feelings of being prepared. Just focus straight ahead at the top platform. They will hook you up to wires the moment you step on the platform. Once it is your turn, you will be harnessed into your lane and the time of your life will begin!
Conclusion
Dragon's Breath Flight Line was the highlight of my day on Labadee with Royal Caribbean! I hope that my experience will help you decide if it's right for you.
Either way, I hope you have a fantastic trip!
Happy travels!
Good To Know
Where: This excursion is only available through Royal Caribbean because it is located on their private island of Labadee in Haiti.
When: Available on any Royal Caribbean cruise that stops at Labadee.
How Much: Prices start at $99 per person.
Restrictions: Must be a minimum of 48 inches tall with a minimum weight of 75 pounds and not exceeding 275 pounds.
How Long: The excursion takes approximately 1 hour but you have all day to enjoy the island before or after your zip line adventure.
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Sofyana Bellaa
is that not scary?
Linda Clark
How long is it 5mile or more?
Allison
The Dragon’s Breath Zip Line is 500+ feet and you’ll reach 40-50 miles per hour. 🙂
Kathleen A Prion
I have COPD and cannot walk up a lot of stairs but once at the top I can zip line. Is this zip line handicap accessible?
Allison
Hi Kathleen, this writer is no longer with Tips for Family Trips, and I did not personally ride this zip line when we visited Labadee. Here’s what I’ve been able to find out.
The official Royal Caribbean website lists this activity as Strenuous. “Guests with pre-existing neck, back, knee and/or shoulder injuries, cardiac conditions, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, other heart or respiratory conditions or any other medical condition must take particular caution when selecting a tour – particularly tours categorized as ‘strenuous.’ Guests who have concerns must consult with their personal physician before engaging in any activity that may be strenuous for them.”
You do not have to climb all the way up to the launch tower. There is a short walk, a few stairs and a bumpy truck ride that some people describe as the scariest part of the excursion.
Hope that helps!
Carianne E
can 2 people zipline at the same time?
my son has special needs so curious if I can go or another instructor can go with him ..
Allison
I would contact the cruise line about this. This article was written by a contributor, so I didn’t ride Dragon’s Breath myself. But I’ve done other ziplines and the harness is always built for one person. I assume that the same is true for this one, but it never hurts to ask.
Kevin
Are there restrictions on wearing corrective lenses (glasses) on the zipline? I’m blind as a bat and if they make me remove them then I don’t want to waste my money on a blind excursion.
Allison
That’s a good question, Kevin. Unfortunately, I was not able to find the official answer on the Royal Caribbean website. You may be able to get it from Royal Caribbean or your travel agent directly. I did a general search for “can you wear glasses on a zipline” and corrective lenses and sunglasses are OK on most ziplines. In my personal experience on ziplines, the speed isn’t that intense. I would read the fine print very carefully before you book, but I’m guessing that glasses will be OK. I would also pack a strap (like Chums) to secure the glasses on your head. With that, I bet you will have no problems. Have a great trip!
Kevin Wayne Wilkes
Thank you for your reply! I will take your suggestion and take a strap along for my (spare) glasses. Kevin