As Caribbean Travel Specialists, one of our primary goals is to set accurate expectations of our clients’ experience on vacation. One thing we are sensitive to is that instances of discrimination based on sexual orientation do still occur on some Caribbean islands. I won’t go into theories of why that is but rather focus on the islands that do a wonderful job of welcoming ALL our clients.

It is of the utmost importance to Caribbean Journey that all our clients feel safe and can relax when they travel. While we honor the islands that celebrate Pride Month, we want our LGBTQ clients to feel welcome all year round. We work closely with our hotel partners to ensure we match each client to the best possible destination and hotel. Here are 5 gay-friendly islands in the Caribbean:

CURACAO  |  ST. BARTHS   |   PUERTO RICO  |  US VIRGIN ISLANDS   |  CANCUN (THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN)

IS CURACAO GAY-FRIENDLY //

Curaçao’s reputation as a gay-friendly destination is attributed to its progressive approach to LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Curaçao, as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has been impacted by the Dutch’s liberal stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The Netherlands’ progressive outlook was exemplified when it became the first country worldwide to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, an attitude that has shaped Curaçao’s approach to sexual orientation and gender identity. Curaçao’s tourism sector has also played a crucial role. The island has been welcoming LGBTQ tourists since 2004, when the Curaçao Tourist Board partnered with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. This was followed by initiatives such as the annual Curaçao Pride Week, which celebrates and supports the LGBT+ community through various events. Curaçao’s societal acceptance of diversity contributes significantly to its gay-friendly reputation. The island’s motto, “Biba i laga biba” or “Live and let live,” encapsulates the tolerant, inclusive spirit that distinguishes Curaçao as an LGBTQ friendly destination in the Caribbean.

You’ll need a full week to really get a feel for this warm and friendly island. We’ve put together a suggested Curacao itinerary to ensure you hit all the hot spots! Our Curacao Travel Guide is full of pointers on how to make the most of your visit, including ideas about where to stay + play and what to eat. Read our Baoase Luxury Resort review to find out why this small boutique hotel is our favorite on the island. We suggest you work one-on-one with one of our specialists to plan your trip. Contact us to get started. 

IS ST. BARTHS GAY-FRIENDLY //

Saint Barthélemy, also known as St. Barths, is regarded as a gay-friendly destination due to several contributing factors that foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors, including those from the LGBTQ community. As an overseas collectivity of France, a country recognized for its progressive stance on LGBTQ rights, St. Barths inherits France’s liberal attitudes and legal frameworks, such as recognizing same-sex marriage.

The island is celebrated for respecting privacy, making it a favored retreat for celebrities and high-profile individuals. This culture of discretion extends to all travelers, establishing a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ tourists. The upscale, cosmopolitan environment characterized by St. Barths’s luxury resorts, exquisite restaurants, and designer boutiques often corresponds with a more open-minded acceptance of diverse lifestyles. Furthermore, while St. Barths does not have a typical gay nightlife scene, it lacks reports of targeted discrimination or violence towards the LGBTQ community. The island has also demonstrated its support for the LGBTQ community through participation in events promoting LGBTQ acceptance and visibility.

St. Barths is always a good idea… for any type of trip. One of my most memorable trips was a girlfriend’s getaway to St. Barths where we stayed in a gorgeous villa affording us a very private vacation. 

IS PUERTO RICO GAY-FRIENDLY //

Puerto Rico is recognized as a gay-friendly destination due to a combination of factors, each contributing to a climate of acceptance and inclusivity for the LGBTQ community. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory subject to the United States laws, including those designed to protect LGBTQ rights. The laws resulted from the landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2015 and gave the recognition of same-sex marriage. The capital city, San Juan, boasts a vibrant gay nightlife scene, with numerous gay bars, clubs, and inclusive events, and even hosts an annual Pride Parade, further promoting acceptance and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. In recent years, Puerto Rico has made significant strides towards greater LGBTQ+ rights, with measures such as banning conversion therapy for minors and implementing nondiscrimination policies for government employees. The island is also home to several organizations advocating for LGBTQ rights and offering support and resources to the community. Its natural beauty, warm Caribbean charm, and welcoming atmosphere make it an attractive destination for all tourists, including LGBTQ+ travelers. 

From exploring historic Old San Juan to partaking in a delicious foodie tour, there is plenty to do on this island – the 4th largest in the Caribbean. The accommodation offerings are about as diverse. Here’s our list of the best hotels in Puerto Rico.

ARE THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS GAY-FRIENDLY //

As a U.S. territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which include St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, are subject to U.S. federal laws, including those that protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage also applies to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as do federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The islands are generally considered to be gay-friendly and are popular destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, with St. Thomas often noted as being particularly welcoming. The island hosts an annual Pride celebration, and there are a number of LGBTQ-friendly resorts, bars, and restaurants in the territory. We suggest you work one-on-one with one of our specialists to plan your trip. Contact us to get started. 

CARIBBEAN COAST OF MEXICO //

Ok, not an island but no list of gay-friendly Caribbean destinations is complete without mentioning the Caribbean coast of Mexico. The Riviera Maya, a tourism and resort district in Mexico, is generally considered gay-friendly. This area includes popular tourist destinations such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, known for accepting and including the LGBTQ community. Homosexuality has been decriminalized in Mexico since 1871. The Mexican Constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Moreover, Mexico is home to several active LGBTQ+ rights organizations advocating for further legal protections and societal acceptance.

Cancun and Playa del Carmen have gay-friendly bars, clubs, hotels, and beaches known for their gay-friendly atmosphere. The area hosts various LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including Pride celebrations. This region of Mexico is popular with tourists worldwide, contributing to a cosmopolitan atmosphere that is generally more accepting of diversity.

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