Our top 5 favorite LGBTQ+ Caribbean Islands

🏝️🏳️‍🌈 Five of the most LGBTQ+ friendly Caribbean destinations

The Caribbean might seem like the perfect tropical escape, but unfortunately, many islands in the region still have discriminatory laws and attitudes that make them unsafe for LGBTQ+ travelers. Countries like Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada maintain anti-gay legislation and hostile cultural climates.

But don't write off the entire Caribbean—here are our five favorite islands that roll out the rainbow carpet for Queer visitors.

Curaçao

This Dutch Caribbean gem stands out as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the region, boasting progressive laws, an annual Pride festival, and a vibrant queer community. Same-sex relationships are fully legal, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is banned by law.

• Gay Scene: GAZE bar and lounge serves as the island's premier LGBTQ+ venue, hosting drag pageants and karaoke nights

• Attractions: Explore UNESCO World Heritage site Willemstad with its colorful colonial architecture

• Beaches: Relax at Cabana Beach, which hosts regular LGBTQ+ parties

• Dining: Number 10 restaurant serves rainbow cake during Pride celebrations

👉 For our complete guide to gay Curaçao, click here.

Puerto Rico

As a U.S. territory with full marriage equality since 2015, Puerto Rico offers the perfect blend of Caribbean vibes and American legal protections. No passport required for U.S. citizens!

• Gay Quarter: San Juan's neighborhoods overflow with queer bars like El Cojo, SX, A Pedir de Boca, and La Sombrilla Rosa

• Double Pride: Cabo Rojo celebrates Pride twice yearly—summer and winter festivals

• History: Wander Old San Juan's cobblestone streets and 500-year-old forts

• Dining: Support LGBTQ+-owned Mangia Mi Italian restaurant in surfer town Rincón

👉 For our complete guide to gay Puerto Rico, click here.

Aruba

Aruba takes inclusivity seriously with legal same-sex marriage and annual Pride celebrations (June 28 this year). The island's Dutch colonial heritage creates a surprisingly European atmosphere in the heart of the Caribbean.

• Nightlife: Party at Jimmy's Place for drag shows and bingo nights, or catch "Cage Dolls" drag productions at Cage nightclub every Thursday

• Capital: Explore Oranjestad's Dutch-style architecture and gay-friendly venues

• Accommodations: Stay at the LGBTQ+-certified Bucuti resort for a romantic getaway

Where to stay: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, from $350/night

St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands)

With 100 miles of pristine beaches and full U.S. legal protections, St. Croix ranks among the Caribbean's most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations. Anti-discrimination laws have been in place since 2022.

• Pride: Annual June celebrations with local businesses like Sion Farm Distillery participating

• Activities: Book LGBTQ+-owned Mermaid Adventures snorkel tours

• Beaches: Enjoy some of the Caribbean's most beautiful white sand beaches

• Accommodations: Stay at the gay-owned Sand Castle on the Beach Resort

Where to stay: Sand Castle on the Beach Resort, from $195/night

St. Maarten

This unique half-French, half-Dutch island creates a cosmopolitan party atmosphere just hours from Florida. While same-sex marriage isn't legal, discrimination is prohibited and the vibe is thoroughly welcoming.

• Beaches: Cupecoy beach serves as the island's unofficial gay beach

• Dining: Grab drinks at Tree Lounge at Loterie Farm (famous for hot waiters) or Rainbow Cafe in Grand Case

• Culture: Experience the fascinating blend of French and Dutch influences

Where to stay: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, from $280/night

The Caribbean doesn't have to be off-limits for queer travelers. With a little research, you can find your perfect tropical paradise where love is celebrated, not criminalized.

🗞️ Travel News for Gays on the Go

What’s worth knowing in queer travel this week — from major headlines to the best finds worth your clicks.

• Trump was humiliated as a 'disappointing' crowd turned out for his $45M flop military parade

• Watch this drag queen give a master class on dealing with anti-LGBTQ+ protesters

• Caitlyn Jenner was set to be the guest of honor at Tel Aviv Pride. She got trapped in a bomb shelter instead—and they just canceled Pride

• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis failed to mention the LGBTQ+ identities of Pulse victims on the shooting anniversary

• The Trans-inclusive Vagina Museum smashed its crowdfunding target following negative JK Rowling tweet

• A Gay London couple was killed in that horrific Air India crash after posting a heartbreaking video just hours before the crash

• Sarah McBride admits her ‘life is at risk’ as a trans congresswoman

• ‘I was hesitant to visit Orlando, Florida – but I was surprised by what I found’

• Subscribe to our favorite newsletter for independent news: the must-read news brief for progressives
  

  NOTICE NewsNews for the Resistance ✊ Subscribe

☀️ Palate Cleansers + Must-Clicks

• The AIDS quilt is being put on display in London for first time in 30 years – but only for a few days

• Portland’s trans business owners are crushing it—one cappuccino, taco & strap-on at a time

• I mean, why not: How to get laid on an Atlantis Cruise

• Here are the best Gay beaches in the northeast

• And the best nude beaches in the world

• And for good measure: the world’s best gay saunas

• How the graves of a legendary outlaw and his sexy soulmate became a heritage site

• Was Anne Frank lesbian or bisexual? Her diary certainly proves she was attracted to girls

• And just for fun: every celebrity who has come out as LGBTQ+ in 2025 (so far)

⚖️ Q&A Time:

Last Week’s Results:
We asked: Are the Pride month vibes off this year?

• 55% said “Yes”

   

• 45% said “No”

Verdict:
Readers had a lot to say—this was our most commented poll ever.

• “I attended world pride in DC and I felt the pride energy everywhere I went, even though there fewer people and we had this dark cloud (DJT) hanging over us, people were joyful and full of pride. I really had a great time just being there and representing my SF community!”

• “It’s different! We are back to the fight for equality. And we are good to go! ”

• “Not as many sponsors nor people in general excited about Pride this year.”

• “I would not feel safe, the current administration has made it seem OK to hate, and to be violent. I do not trust law enforcement to be as protective of us. I sincerely hope all goes well.”

• “Myself as well as many of my friends, no longer go to pride events because we are scared of the violence and I really do not like that.”

• “I am in Canada. I am lucky, for now. The vibe for Pride is on. The vibe for traveling is off.”

• “In Europe, specially in Sitges it has been a blast!!!!!”

• “Not as many sponsors nor people in general excited about Pride this year.”

• “I'm not going to let the bastards spoil our celebration and fun!”

• “Pride month is an abomination. Gay people should not celebrate our sexuality, but celebrate God and our humanity.” — huh.

This Week’s Question:

That’s a wrap for this week. ✈️ Safe travels — and we’ll see you next time.
— The GoQueer Team

Popular Posts

• ✅ Our guide to Gay Key West

• ✅ Our guide to Gay Curaçao

• ✅ 12 Gay Resorts to Put on Your Bucket List

• ✅ 15 Must-Read Gay Travel Books and Guides

• ✅ 7 Free & Cheap LGBTQ+ Travel Experiences You Need to Try