Caribbean Islands Gay-Friendly: Discover the 10 LGBT-Friendly Caribbean Islands

Which are the Caribbean islands gay-friendly considering the proximity of the Caribbean islands to Mexico (which is queer-friendly)? This closeness makes most people believe that almost every Caribbean island welcomes the LGBT community.

While there may be some gay-friendly Caribbean islands, others are stringent and do not welcome the LGBT community. In this piece, I shall highlight the LGBT-friendly Caribbean islands as well as islands with anti-gay sex laws.

Let us not waste any time and jump straight into my first gay-friendly Caribbean destination, St. Martin.

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1. St. Martin: The Best Caribbean Gay-Friendly Island and The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean

It is located in the northeastern section of the Caribbean between the Netherlands and France.

This Caribbean island is referred to as:

• Sint Maarten for the Dutch side;
• Saint Martin for the French side.

From my recent vacation here, I observed that this Caribbean/Dutch Island is safe for lesbian and gay travelers. Why am I saying this? Consider the following.

Notable Features

St.Martin is an interesting island that makes the gay community feel safe while providing many entertainment venues. During my vacation here, I got to meet gay travelers, and we had quite a lot of fun on the beaches, restaurants, and clubs like:

• L’Escargot;
• Bliss nightclub;
• Eros Club is the best gay club in the region.

Let’s know some St. Martin features:

2. St. Barts: A French-Speaking Gay-Friendly Caribbean Island

It is the only Caribbean island that was a Swedish colony for any significant length of time, and its capital is Gustavia.

Most gay travelers term St Barts as the best gay-friendly Caribbean destination. And well, they are not wrong. Same-sex marriage is common here, and the locals do not meddle in your private life.

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Notable Features

St Barts is a popular destination for gay celebs, with several luxury hotels that are very welcoming to gay couples. If you are not partying all day at Le Ti St Barth, you will be sunbathing all nude at Saline Beach. Pool parties are also popular, so wear your swimsuit and be ready to receive an invitation.

Here is what you should know:

3. Puerto Rico: Largest Shopping Center and Many Beautiful Beaches

It is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. Puerto Rico’s northern shore faces the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest and among the best compared to other friendly gay Caribbean islands.

Notable Features

Puerto Rico is a shelter for the LGBTQ community in the Caribbean because, being a US territory, its laws regarding LGBTQ people are generally consistent with those of the United States. The same federal anti-discrimination laws that protect the LGBTQ population in the United States apply in Puerto Rico.

Here is a summary of Puerto Rico.

4. Curaçao: Most Welcoming Compared to Other Gay-Friendly Caribbean Islands

Curacao has been more open than other Caribbean destinations in welcoming gay tourists: It is a Dutch Caribbean Island located 37 miles north of Venezuela’s coast.

The board promotes the island to the LGBT community and lists accommodations and establishments that are friendly to the LGBTQ on its website. There is no restriction on same-sex marriages.

Notable Features

One notable aspect of Curacao that first caught my attention is its vibrant and vivid architectural style. When observing the island from an aerial perspective at a specific angle, one may likely discern the presence of the Pride flag.

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This visual representation can be interpreted as a significant gesture of inclusivity towards the LGBTQ+ community, creating a welcoming atmosphere. There are several restaurants and beach clubs which I enjoyed their services include:

• Mambo Beach Club;
• Wet & Wild Beach Club;

• Café 40 B;
• Bonita Beach Club is famous for its cocktails, coffee, and cuisine;

• Cabana Beach Club. Don’t miss the parties every Wednesday and Friday as they are the best.

These are the things I noticed during my visit to this island.

5. Martinique: LGBT-Friendly Caribbean Island and Perfect Rum

It is a windward island and is part of France. Martinique’s culture is a reflection of a distinctive combination of West Indian and French influences. Being a part of France, it followed suit in decriminalizing anti-gay discrimination in 1791 and legalizing same-sex marriage in 2013.

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Notable Features

From my experience the last time I was there, I would advise you to stay at either:

• Le Carbet Gay;

• La Kalenda Gay.

Martinique also has several restaurants that serve food from various parts of the world, such as France, Africa, and South Asia. Make sure you ask for the rum because it is unique, and you will love it.

Here is a summary of this beautiful island.

6. US Virgin Islands: The Famous St. Croix

US Virgin Islands comprises three main islands – St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John – and several other islands which are rather small. Asking the age-old question, “Which is the gayest of the Virgin Islands?” Saint Croix in the US Virgin Islands, my darling!

Even better, the nearby island of Saint Thomas is just 25 minutes away by seaplane and has a similar acceptance of the LGBT community. You do not fancy seaplanes? Worry not, as it is possible to travel to Saint Thomas without flying; the two-hour ferry journey is worth it.

Most people confuse the British Virgin Islands with the US ones in the Caribbean. These notable features will help you distinguish the two.

Notable Features

Most of Frederiksted’s eateries, pubs, and clubs proudly display the rainbow flag. Do not stay indoors on Friday and Saturday nights. Instead, be sure to visit The Palms at Pelican Cove. The restaurant is popular, and tables may fill quickly; thus, I recommend you make reservations.

7. Aruba: Spectacular White Beaches

It is situated in the mid-south of the sea of the Caribbean in the Netherlands. Aruba is one of the best gay-friendly destinations in the Dutch Caribbean. My trip to this Caribbean region did not disappoint, as the island has so much to offer both gay men and lesbians.

Notable Features

I can recommend some hotels and resorts that advertise themselves as being friendly to LGBTQ:

• The Tara and Bucuti Beach Resorts.

• The gay-owned Little David Guesthouse.

The best gay bar on the island is District 7 in Oranjestad. Overall, it’s an area that proudly displays its many cultural differences.

The following details caught my attention.

8. Saba: Netherland’s Gay-Friendly Caribbean Islands

This untouched volcano island is one of the most spectacular places in the Caribbean and draws tourists interested in:

• Hiking;
• Ecotourism;
• Scuba diving;
• Climbing;
• Snorkeling.

The locals have a well-deserved reputation for welcoming and accepting the LGBTQ community, so you and your significant other can relax and enjoy yourself without fear.

Notable Features

There is also a lot of LGBT excitement at the February Saba Carnival. If you’re looking for a resort that welcomes gays and lesbians, go no further than Queen’s Garden Resort.

This is among the islands that are friendly to gay people for good reasons.

9. Cuba: Second Most Populated Island

Situated in the south of the Bahamas and Florida, Cuba occupies a beautiful spot in the northern Caribbean Sea. Despite the presence of an authoritarian regime, Cuba has demonstrated a dynamic path in the development of LGBTQ legislation.

This is partly attributed to the influential endeavors of Mariela Castro, the daughter of Raul Castro and a prominent figure in the Cuban LGBTQ advocacy movement.

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Notable Features

Weekends are for partying, so do not lock yourself in the hotel. Wear your most fashionable outfit, go to Bar XY, and enjoy comedy drag shows while sipping cocktails. You can also head to Casa Particular Gayfriendly Casa Jorge Silvio for delicious Cuban cuisine.

While visiting this large island, it is important to know the following.

10. Dominican Republic: Popular Luxury Resorts and High-End Restaurants

The Dominican Republic is the last on my list of Caribbean destinations friendly to gays. However, keep in mind that same-sex marriage is not legal here, but the gay sex is legal. The Dominican Republic has so much to offer in terms of fun activities and all-inclusive resorts.

Notable Features

Punta Cana is famous for all-inclusive resorts beloved by LGBT travelers, while Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Santiago all offer much to see regarding culture and history. In general, gay tourists should feel safe seeing the country and participating in its many cultural events, including its wilder parties and festivals.

4 Caribbean Destinations That Are Not Friendly to the LGBTQ Community

As I had earlier stated, not all islands in the Caribbean welcome LGBTQ people with open arms. But do not get me wrong. I am not saying you should not visit the island if you are gay. All I’m saying is you should be cautious while on the islands.

Here are the destinations that are not friendly to LGBTQ communities.

• Barbados: There are anti-sodomy laws that punish buggery with life imprisonment.
• Grenada: Under section 431 of the Grenada Criminal Code, anal penetration is an unnatural crime and is punishable by law. (Ten years imprisonment).
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Buggery and ‘gross indecency’ is criminalized under the Criminal Code of 1988. The punishment is ten years imprisonment.
• Jamaica: Most locals here are Christians, and they claim their religion does not advocate for gay relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There you have it! The friendly and non-friendly Caribbean destinations for you and your partner to visit. You and your partner can still visit the non-friendly destinations provided you don’t go around displaying affection; be discreet.

Among the welcoming and gay-friendly islands in the Caribbean include Cuba, Curacao, Saint Croix, Martinique, St Barts, Aruba, Saint Martin, and Saba.

The unfriendly destinations where you have to be extra careful when visiting are Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, and Saint Vincent. Please share this article with your friends so they know the safe and unfriendly destinations in the Caribbean.

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