The locals here are known for their laid-back charm, and you’ll find a welcoming vibe in many restaurants, bars, and cafes throughout the island. The island’s progressive laws and friendly locals make it a favorite among LGBTQ+ travelers.
Highlights: Enjoy the luxury resorts in Palm Beach, snorkel in the clear waters of Baby Beach, and dine at queer-friendly restaurants.
Whether you’re dancing at a pride festival in Curaçao, exploring the relaxing streets of Martinique, or relaxing on the serene beaches of Aruba, these gay-friendly Caribbean islands offer unforgettable experiences for all.
So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and explore the Caribbean with confidence. While some islands are known for their inclusivity and progressive attitudes, others may still hold conservative views.
All that being said, queer travelers should dig deeper to ensure that any destination, Caribbean or otherwise, is a place that allows us to be our authentic selves when exploring a new vacation destination.
Have a tip or experience you’d like to share? Engaging with local LGBTQ+ groups online can provide invaluable insights and tips on how to navigate the social landscape.
Top Gay-Friendly Caribbean Islands
Curaçao
Why It’s A Gay-Friendly Caribbean Island: Curaçao is known for its welcoming, progressive attitude and legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community, including laws protecting against discrimination.
Aruba’s serene atmosphere and stunning landscapes create the perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation.
Saint Barthélemy (St. And nature lovers will adore St. John, with its pristine beaches and lush national park.
Turks and Caicos
Why It’s A Gay-Friendly Caribbean Island: The islands have a reputation for being one of the more progressive and inclusive destinations in the Caribbean.
Windsurfing, paragliding, and deep-sea diving to explore shipwrecks and marine life are just a few fun activities for vacationers.
Oranjestad is probably where you want to be if you are a queer traveler who needs to be in a bustling resort area with LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Other Caribbean Islands
Gay sex is legal in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, but same-sex marriage is not.
The island hosts two Pride celebrations and has nearly a dozen clubs and bars, including Tía María’s Liquor Store, where you can mix and mingle with the local queer crowd.
US Virgin Islands (St. Before you book your trip, research the specific legal environment of your destination.
Many gay-friendly Caribbean islands have queer-friendly bars, restaurants, and cafes. Even if you miss the festivities, you can check into the Cabana Beach Club, known for its all-welcomed, fun parties on Wednesdays and Fridays. In this guide, I’ll share insights on the most gay-friendly Caribbean islands so you can plan your next LGBTQ+ adventure with confidence.
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Take a 20-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas (Red Hook) to St. John (Cruz Bay) for breathtakingly beautiful parks and beaches perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling.
Martinique
This Caribbean Island gets a 92 out of 100 when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, according to Equaldex. Changing gender, same-sex parents adopting children, gay marriage, and other anti-discrimination protections are all legal in Martinique!
Two of Kauai's popular LGBTQIA+ beaches — Lydgate Beach Park and Paliku Beach — can be found on the lush eastern (or windward) shore.
Centrally located Lydgate Beach Park draws more sizable and eclectic crowds and offers proximity to plenty of fun options for post-beachcombing cocktails.
Barts)
Why It’s A Gay-Friendly Caribbean Island: St. Barts is known for its exclusivity and privacy, making it a discreet and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Familiarize yourself with the local etiquette and be respectful of cultural norms.
Check for LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations and Services: Use resources like ILGA World and Equaldex to find queer-friendly hotels, resorts, and services.
With our community’s safety in mind, we wanted to compile a short list of Caribbean islands that you may want to consider when contemplating a warm-weather getaway to this sun-soaked region.
Puerto Rico
It’s been on our list of places to visit, especially with Discovery Puerto’s recent campaign, which includes our Vacationer contributor Barry Hoy and his boyfriend Vacationer cover star boyfriend, Teraj.
