Gay Curacao Travel Guide: When it comes to gay travel in the Caribbean, Curaçao is leaps and bounds ahead of many other islands and has become one of the most popular destinations for gay travellers.
Part of the “ABC Islands,” along with neighbouring Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is everything you’d expect from a southern Caribbean paradise—white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and some of the friendliest people I’ve met. But it also has something extra. Curaçao is full of charm, character, culture and colour; it’s so much more than just a beautiful beach escape.
But what about gay Curaçao? Why do so many LGBTQ+ travellers visit, and what exactly makes Curaçao gay friendly? In this gay Curacao travel guide I’ll share everything you need to know.
Gay Curaçao Travel Guide
In this Gay Curaçao Travel Guide, I’ll share my personal experience visiting as a gay traveller, highlight the best things to do, and explore the gay bars and top gay-friendly hotels.
Is Curaçao Gay Friendly?
Is Curaçao gay friendly? In short—yes, for tourists!
Curaçao welcomed me with open arms as a gay traveller, and I felt very safe throughout my stay. It’s the most popular of the ABC islands for LGBTQ+ visitors, and it’s no surprise that it’s often included as a stop on some of the biggest gay cruises in the world.
It’s worth noting that, as with many destinations, the experience of LGBTQ+ tourists and LGBTQ+ locals can be different. While Curaçao is generally safe, public opinion locally can be more mixed. That said, the island is making huge steps toward greater LGBTQ+ acceptance—more on that below.
Curaçao Gay Rights: Is Equal Marriage Legal in Curaçao?
As of December 2022, there have been exciting developments in LGBTQ+ rights.
Although same-sex couples technically couldn’t marry at that time, the court ruled that excluding same-sex marriage violates the constitutional prohibition of discrimination, meaning same-sex couples should be able to marry.
This ruling would take effect as long as the Curaçaoan government didn’t appeal it.
UPDATE July 2024: The High Council has officially announced that same-sex marriage is now legal in both Aruba and Curaçao!
Things to do in Curaçao for Gay Travellers
Scuba Diving with Ocean Encounters Curaçao
This is an absolute must if you already dive, and if not, it’s a fantastic place to give it a try!
Curaçao has some spectacular diving spots, and this was number one on my list of things to do during my visit.
The coral reefs around the island are some of the healthiest and most bio-diverse in the entire Caribbean—Curaçao often ranks in the top ten places to dive (or snorkel) globally.
Expect to see an incredible array of marine life and vibrant colour, including sea turtles, rays, dolphins, sharks, eels, lionfish, and even species of fish exclusive to Curaçao.
Bonus points to Ocean Encounters for flying a huge Pride flag off the boat during Pride Week (and during my dive).
More at Ocean Encounters.
Otrobanda Walking Tour
When asked to describe Curaçao, the first thing that comes to mind is colour!
The island is famous for its brightly coloured houses and vibrant artwork, and one of the most beautiful areas to explore—either on your own or with a guide—is Otrobanda.
Otrobanda is one of the historically significant quarters of Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. The streets and walls are adorned with immersive murals, artwork, and graffiti—all created by local artists.
One of the most popular spots (on Instagram at least) is the multi-coloured steps painted by local artist Avantia Damberg.
Snorkelling and Beach Excursion
A quick search of Curaçao will show you clear blue waters and pristine beaches. Most of these beaches are small coves scattered around the island and are best reached by car.
You can hire a car and plan your own trip, or book an organised tour that includes snorkelling.
As recommended by local lesbian travel blogger @itsvabene, check out Playa Porto Marie, Playa Hunku, Cas Abao, Playa Kenepa, and Playa Jeremi to get started.
Cooking Workshop with Kris from Vittle Art
If you enjoy unique, local experiences, don’t miss a cooking workshop with Kris from Vittle Art.
Everything used in the class is either grown in their garden or sourced locally on the island. The workshop is a lot of fun, and once you’ve prepared each course, you’ll enjoy your meal in the beautiful garden setting.
The food is incredible, with flavours as intense and refined as any fine dining restaurant.
“They offer a taste of Curaçao’s enlightenment. A culinary experience of local vegetation in a unique and illuminated way. Experiencing and tasting the unique local vegetation provides a direct connection to the unique environment. Feel the uniqueness of the island.” – Curaçao Tourism Board
See more at Vittle Art.
Relax at 8th Experience Spa Curaçao (at Coral Estate)
As you approach your final few days, check yourself in to this luxurious spa. Spending the day at 8th Experience Spa Curaçao was the perfect end to the trip.
The spa offers all the usual treatments with the wow factor of the massage rooms looking out from atop a cliff, with the most beautiful ocean view.
Following your treatments there are lots of pools and hot tubs to relax in, or alternatively you can head down to the beautiful beach, complete with snorkelling areas and a diving platform.
Attend a Vogue Class or Vogue Ball
A recent addition to the island, last year they had their first Vogue Ball and have since been running Vogue classes that continue to grow!
The classes are run by Maikel-Angelo Stokkel known as Boots (IG: maikelangelo.s) who is here to bring ballroom to Curacao!
Normally hosted at Gaze Bar, follow @kasdimasriku to see what is coming up.
Seabob with the Bearded Butlers
The “SeaBob” is the latest and greatest technology that serves as your own personal water sled. A great way to explore the crystal clear waters of Curaçao – you can simply speed up on the surface of the water or dive like a dolphin and admire colourful coral reefs, sponges, fish, turtles or shipwrecks.
Lunch at Lionfish Caribbean
Again, I love a unique foodie experience and this was certainly something new for me – from both a learning and culinary perspective.
I met Lisette who runs Lionfish Caribbean and who is very passionate about diving and preserving the local environment. Lionfish are a beautiful but invasive species found around Curaçao, and if left unattended can cause severe damage to the reef. Lisette hunts lionfish and sources them to her quaint café where she will (sometimes) show you how they are prepared before serving you up a treat.
I had never tried this fish before so this was something new and exciting, and I highly recommend! Also make sure to check out her handmade jewellery made from other parts of the fish too – Lisette aims to ensure that no part of the fish is wasted!
Gay Bars in Curaçao
Is there a gay bar in Curaçao? Yes! The name of the gay bar is Gaze Bar & Lounge.
Gaze Bar is relatively small but with a lot of character; expect karaoke nights, local drag performances and music to take you into the early hours.
Well worth a visit and like I always say, please support small local LGBTQ businesses!
Find out more information here: Gay Bars in Curacao.
Curacao Gay Beach
Is there a gay beach in Curaçao? Unfortunately the answer is no.
One of the hotels (mentioned below) tried to encourage San Juan beach to be the gay beach in Curacao but that is a work in progress.
However, how does a gay beach come to be in the first place? Maybe you should just head to San Juan beach and start calling it the gay beach in Curacao and other will eventually follow! Let us know how that goes!
Curaçao Gay Pride
Wow, just wow. Curaçao Pride was beautiful.
Curaçao Pride is celebrated with different events across the week. You can expect pool parties, boat trips, drag shows and of course a pride parade where all the local LGBTQ people and allies come together to celebrate and dance the night away. Outside of the Pride parade our favourite event was the NaviGAYtion Sea Parade with Blue Finn Charters, a full day out with an open bar, BBQ and DJ.
A small celebration is held in June for the official Pride Month and the Curacao Pride itself is usually held in September/October and is one of the biggest (if not the biggest!) in the Caribbean.
See what is coming up at curacaopride.com and watch our vlog below:
Gay Hotels in Curaçao
Like many tourist destinations, you are always going to find hotels that welcome you as a gay traveller. However there was one hotel that is classed as a gay hotel in Curaçao but has since rebranded to be an adults only (not exclusively gay) (see below, also check out my full Curacao Gay Hotel Guide for more options).
[THUIS]HAVEN
[THUIS]HAVEN is a small-scale adults-only hotel on Curaçao situated nearby some of the island’s most gorgeous beaches and within a short drive to the tourist hotspots in Willemstad. They offer the luxury of your own studio or apartment alongside some social elements of staying in a guest house.
There are six [THUIS]HAVEN studios and two off-site apartments, all of which include access to the colourful, artfully lit private garden, as well as the large pool with attached bar and lounge areas.
Gay Friendly Hotels Curaçao
Avila Beach Hotel
Avila Beach Hotel is leading the way when it comes to gay friendly hotels in Curaçao. They are a proud member of IGLTA, offer same-sex ceremonies (hopefully weddings soon) and make sure that they get involved in pride – they also hosted our dinner on the beach on our first night, very romantic!
This is a beach-front hotel with two of its own private white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. You will also find plenty of dining options and an infinity pool on site.
Boutique Hotel ‘T Klooster
Boutique Hotel ‘t Klooster is a small-scale city hotel found in the colourful Pietermaai District. They offer a good breakfast (the pancakes are incredible) and a small pool to cool off in during the day.
It is a great location for walking into Willemstad and exploring attractions like Otrobanda.
Bohemian Boutique Hotel
In the heart of the popular Pietermaai district of Willemstad, the Boho Bohemian Boutique Hotel offers a quiet and beautiful retreat, again with a great central location.
Kura Botanica Hotel
The renewed boutique hotel, Kura Botanica Hotel is located in the Kura Hulanda Village, which is pinpointed in the downtown area of Curacao, offering a historic village experience of the 17 & 18 centuries in the centre of Willemstad. Spread over an eight- block area, this property offers a unique luxury experience in a botanical and tranquil retreat, which provides complete privacy and intimacy.
Places to Eat in Curaçao
Food is at the heart of any trip we go on and Curaçao did not disappoint. We spent 7 days in Curaçao and recommend you head to:
The Pen – Avila Beach Hotel
Our first meal was on the beach at The Pen and it was incredible – we highly recommend the tuna steak. The Pen is an exclusive semi-open-air restaurant with an exceptional menu offering ingredients and dishes from the region complemented by a stunning ocean view.
Restaurant & Café Gouverneur de Rouville
With great cocktails and a varied menu, this was a great stop for lunch. Located in the heart of Willemstad in an authentic Curaçao building with lots of character and a stunning view over Sint Anna Bay and the famous “Handelskade”, Gouverneur’s Restaurant & Café is one of the most picturesque places you will find in the island.
Bario Urban Street Food.
Lunch or dinner, this was a winner. Barrio Urban Street Food is a market style eatery with lots of different food windows, each with its own speciality.
We feasted on a range of tapas because we could not decide on one dish. We were also lucky enough to be there during the live entertainment featuring local singers who were excellent!
Blue View Sunset Terrace
If you are looking for a casual lunch with a view this is the perfect lunch stop.
Choose from fresh fish, local specialties such as stewed goat meat, grilled iguana and a variety of seafood. For the less adventurous, they also offers burgers and sandwiches.
To finish off we enjoyed a Baileys ice cream sundae!
Karakter
Perhaps our favourite place for lunch, Karakter is a beach front restaurant offering a delicious selection of tapas and sandwiches. After we had enjoyed lunch we relaxed on the hammocks and cushions, and jumped into the sea.
Koraal Rooftop Terrace
Our final meal in Curaçao was at the Koraal Rooftop Terrace.
This is open all day but was ideal for a sunset cocktail and an evening meal.
Practical tips for visiting Curaçao
- Curaçao is warm all year round, rarely dropping below 80°F so pack accordingly.
- There are a LOT of mosquitos on the island so some long sleeve options and bug spray are a must.
- The standard plug type is a two-pin ‘Type A’ power plug as used in the US. Some hotels and apartments do have 220V outlets. These outlets are easily identified, as they require the standard European plug
- The local currency is the Antillean guilder (ANG), the US Dollar is also widely accepted and you can withdraw either at most ATMs.
- Tap water is drinkable.
- Whilst there are a number of local dialects spoken on the island, both English and Dutch are very widely spoken.
Traveling to Curaçao
Curaçao has one airport called Curaçao International Airport. It receives flights internationally with the main airline carrier being KLM (a Dutch airline).
Curaçao is also a popular cruise stop so if you are looking at testing out the island for the day, take a look at what Royal Caribbean have on offer.
Other Gay Friendly Island Destinations
If you are looking for other gay friendly islands akin to Curaçao or in the wider Caribbean, the check out these guides:
Gay Curaçao: Wrap up
Gay travel in the Caribbean can be tricky in some places, however when it comes to Curaçao you can leave the guesswork at home and enjoy the island whilst being your authentic self!