Unfortunately, the Caribbean region isn’t exactly famous for being the most tolerant towards the LGBT community.
While in some Caribbean islands, same-sex relationships and even marriage are recognized by the law, in others more culturally conservative islands, both are still prohibited.
To help you select your destination with as little risk of encountering homophobia as possible, here is a list that highlights the top 7 lesbian and gay friendly Caribbean destinations.
Summary of the most LGBT-friendly destinations in the Caribbean
| Destination | Highlights | LGBT Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Saba | – Eco-tourism hotspot – Open-minded local attitude | Legal same-sex relationships and marriage |
| Puerto Rico | – Vibrant gay and lesbian nightlife – Rich cultural scene | Legal same-sex marriage and adoption since 2002 |
| Saint Barts | – Luxury destination with scenic beaches – Known for its upscale vibe | Same-sex practices legal since 1791 |
| Saint Martin/Sint Maarten | – Gay-friendly hotels and beaches – Notable gay beach: Bay Rouge | Anti-discrimination laws in place |
| US Virgin Islands (USVI) | – Particularly welcoming in St. Croix – Beautiful beaches and vibrant culture | Legal recognition of same-sex relationships |
| Guadeloupe | – Known for nude and gay beaches – Rich in natural beauty | Same-sex marriage legal since 2012 |
| Martinique | – Beautiful beaches and culinary delights – Naturist beaches available | Same-sex relationships decriminalized |
Saba: a dutch island tolerant with the LGBT community
Saba is very popular for eco-tourism, hiking, climbing, scuba diving and snorkelling. This unspoiled volcanic island is one of the most amazing Caribbean spots that are worth to be visited in the region.
Locals here are reputed for having an open-minded spirit and attitude towards gays and lesbians, something that will make you feel absolutely safe and comfortable with your partner.
Same-sex sexual activity, as well as, same-sex marriage are recognized as legal, on this island, and all forms of sexual orientation discrimination are officially banned.
Puerto Rico: a Caribbean island with great gay and lesbian nightlife
Puerto Rico is probably the most convenient Caribbean destinations for gay and lesbian couples who are looking for the best of the gay nightlife scene of the Caribbean.
Sexuality is not at all a problem on this island whose population knows well how to peacefully coexist with one another regardless of any kind of difference.
Being one of the five inhabited unincorporated territories of the US, Puerto Rico bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity since 2002. It also allows same-sex marriage and even adoption by same-sex couples.
Saint Barts: a secluded island that is also LGBT-friendly
Described by many gays as the most lesbian and gay-friendly island in the Caribbean, Saint Barts is without any shadow of a doubt, an extremely fantastic escape for an unforgettable romantic vacation or a fabulous honeymoon with your honey.
Thanks to its scenic beaches as well as to its luxury hotels and villas, Saint Barts is considered one of the finest islands of the French West Indies that draw high-end tourists and internationally famous celebrities.
Same-sex sexual practices are legal since 1791 and, according to the law, all kinds of anti-gay discrimination are banned. So, you have nothing to worry about if you want to plan a trip to this fascinating island!
Saint Martin/Sint Maarten: a luxurious and LGBT-friendly island
Situated in the northeastern part of the Caribbean, this charming Caribbean island is shared by both France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the French part called Saint Martin and the Dutch one Sint Maarten.
The island is truly a wonderful vacation spot for lesbian and gay travellers. It has some of the most excellent gay-friendly hotels as well as gorgeous private villas that offer astonishing views over some of the most pristine sandy beaches.
One of the loveliest gay beaches in Saint Martin is Bay Rouge beach, a sun-drenched spot with a nice restaurant and a beautiful beach bar where you can have a couple of drinks with your sweetheart.
You can also get the opportunity to meet other gay vacationers coming from all over the world at Eros Club, an easy going gay bar, close to the Marina Port La Royale, in Marigot.
US Virgin Islands: a convenient Caribbean island for American from the LGBT community
The US Virgin Islands (USVI), and more particularly the district of St. Croix, is widely regarded as the ultimate tropical getaway where gay couples can enjoy spending an exciting and romantic vacation without being forced to be discrete about showing affection in public.
This marvellous beauty has too much to offer, from national historic parks to diverse water sport activities and large carnivals. You will certainly enjoy the welcoming atmosphere there as well as the great charm of the mixed culture of the island.
Dorsch Beach sandy beach in the south of Frederiksted is one of the most-visited beaches by both gay locals and vacationers. It is within a short walking distance from the town, where you can find good restaurants and several bars and shops.
Read also: USVI vs BVI: which is best for you?
Guadeloupe: a french oversea department where same-sex marriage is legal
Guadeloupe is a marvelous Caribbean escape that is located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles chain. Being a region of France, just like Saint Barts, Saint Martin, and Martinique, Guadeloupe legalized homosexuality, in 1791. Like mainland France, same-sex marriage is also legal in Guadeloupe since 2012.
The island holds some of the most captivating nude and gay beaches such as Anse Tarare and Plage gay naturiste de Sainte Rose.
Martinique: another LGBT-friendly french island
Martinique is one of the Windward islands and an overseas region of France that is best known for its gorgeous white-sand beaches and mountainous landscape.
The food, which is influenced by African, French, Carib Amerindian and South Asian Cuisine, is truly delicious, there, and the rum is unique.
If you are looking for the best beaches where you can be at liberty to be nude, we highly recommend you the Plage de la Petite Anse des Salines, a naturist beach with crystal clear waters, which is also much frequented by gays.
Other Lesbian and Gay Friendly Caribbean Destinations to Consider
Homosexuality is also legal in the Bahamas (since 1991), Bermuda (since 1994), the BVI (since 2000), the Cayman Islands (since 2000), Cuba (since 1979), the Dominican Republic (since 1822), Montserrat (since 2000), Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Eustatius, Haiti (since 1986), Turks and Caicos (since 2000), and the US Virgin Islands (since 1985).
Caribbean Destinations that LGBT community should probably avoid
Homosexuality is criminalized in the Caribbean islands of Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados.
That doesn’t mean you should not visit them if you are gay or lesbian. But some discretion is advised if you don’t want to run into troubles.
LGBT friendly yacht charters: another great way to experience the Caribbean
Yacht charters are often forgotten when it comes to great LGBT friendly holidays in the Caribbean, which is a shame!
Yachts are actually the perfect tool to enjoy the Caribbean to their fullest with a lot of privacy. We can prepare a LGBT-friendly yacht charter in the Caribbean with boats and crews that are tolerant to the community.
Get in touch with our team to have a list of our LGBT friendly yacht charters in the Caribbean!
