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Gay Aruba Guide

Gay Aruba, Holiday Destination Guide

Gay Aruba is “One Happy Island”, a place where the weather is always warm and sunny and the people are friendly and welcoming. In fact, Aruba one of the most gay friendly places to visit in the Caribbean, complete with its own gay district.

Discover Gay Aruba

Aruba’s Gay Scene

Gay Aruba is a beautiful tiny Dutch Caribbean Island just 70 square miles. It is part of the chain of ABC Islands, Bonaire and Curaçao and home to white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious, yet down-to-earth resorts and hotels. Home to just 100,000 inhabitants, Aruba sees almost 2 million visitors per year. Despite this, the island remains relatively untouched and is filled with surprises. This is “One Happy Island”.

Great Weather Year Round

  • Aruba is a perfect gay holiday destination with 82 degree Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) beach weather year-round. If it gets too hot, don’t worry. You can rely on the famous trade winds to keep you cool. Another plus, Aruba lies outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt.

Visit the Gay Neighbourhood

  • Aruba is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The local community speak Dutch and Papiamento, the Aruban language. Most locals also speak English and Spanish. As a dutch outpost, LGBT travelers are welcome and visible across the island. You will find the gay scene located on the coastal city of Oranjestad. Here you will find Aruba’s own gay neighbourhood, District 7. It is the Caribbean’s first dedicated gay entertainment district.
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Gay Aruba
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Aruba is very gay-friendly and the perfect place for a romantic escape, with plenty of things to see and do, including great water sports, diving, snorkeling and more.

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The island is home to idyllic beaches, great restaurants and wish-you-were-here, picture perfect places to escape.

Where to Stay?

Most of the high rise resorts and low rise boutique hotels are found along Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. The resort area is home to some of the world’s finest hotels.

The Aruba Marriott Resort

“Location was exceptional. The staff were friendly. Great views, great beach, amazing food. Will definitely stay again.”

Hotel Highlights

  • Discover the Aruba Marriott Resort on Palm Beach with 411 rooms and 23 suites.
  • The resort has a luxurious pool, an adults only pool, nine bars and a casino.
  • The “Tradewinds Club” is a hotel within a hotel. It offers a boutique experience, top floor restaurant, private beach and wait for it, a pillow menu! It is one of the most popular hotels in gay Aruba.
Get the Best Rate!

Other Top Hotel Choices

Poolside Rooms

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino

  • Stay at the Hyatt Regency Aruba, an elegant Caribbean resort with traditional Spanish influenced architecture.
  • The hotel has a stunning open-air lobby, 336 guest rooms and 24 suites.
  • A three-level pool complex is connected by cascading waterfalls, set amongst a beautiful garden with iguanas and tropical birds.
Check Rates on the Hyatt Regency
Manchebo Beach Resort

Manchebo Beach Resort

  • Those seeking a more intimate and quieter experience on gay Aruba should consider the Manchebo beach resort. 
  • It has just 70 rooms and 40 beachside cabanas. It is right on Eagle Beach.
  • Their Spa del Sol offers some of the best treatments on the island. The eco conscious boutique resort promotes a healthier lifestyle.
Check Rates on Manchebo Beach

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

  • An adults-only boutique property located on the island’s famous Eagle Beach.
  • Named TripAdvisor’s #1 Hotel for Romance in the Caribbean in 2019.
  • Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is known for being a perfect spot for a secluded, romantic getaway as well as being known for its eco-friendly efforts on the beach.
Check Rates on Bucuti & Tara

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel

  • Just 200 m from the famous Palm Beach, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is a former coconut plantation offering landscaped tropical gardens and an outdoor pool.
  • Each charming air-conditioned cottage has a patio with a BBQ and hammock.
  • It also has a beautiful beach area with complimentary use of beach huts and chairs.
Check Rates on Boardwalk Hotel

How to get to Aruba & Getting around the Island

  • The Airport

    At the Queen Beatrix International Airport, you’ll find frequent nonstop, or convenient single-connection flights from most major U.S. cities, as well as daily flights from all major hubs, around the world. American, Canadian, Caribbean, European and most South American citizens don’t require visas to enter Aruba. You can complete your Embarkation-Disembarkation Card online before you leave. The airport is 12 miles from the resort area and you can pre-book your transfer from USD 30.

  • Taxis

    The best way to get around gay Aruba is by bus. Although, many visitors stay close to their resorts and respective beaches along the northwest coast. Fixed-rate Aruban cabs are another hassle-free way of getting around. Uber and other rideshare companies do not operate on the island. It's fairly easy to call or flag down a taxi, especially in popular tourist areas.

  • Trolleys

    The trolleys offer free transportation to and from the main street downtown area in a loop with the cruise ship terminal. The streetcars can be boarded at various stops. The Double Decker will allow passengers to experience the downtown area with 360 degree views.

  • Rent a Scooter

    Driving on the island is safe and the island is small enough to explore on a bike. Rent a scooter and take in the island at your own pace.

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Getting around Aruba
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The Trolley is a fun way to explore downtown. It is also a good way to cool down between shopping and lunch!

Gay and gay-friendly bars in Aruba

  • Cage Night Club – Cage Dolls is a revolutionary Drag Show that combines the allure of theater, the energy of dance, and the unparalleled talent of drag performers.  Located at King Plaza Mall , Oranjestad, Aruba, Aruba.
  • For something truly memorable, head to the Divi Bar & Lounge at the Ritz Carlton Aruba for spectacular views of Palm Beach. They also serve some of the best
    sushi and a unique aloe infused ritz cocktail.

Chapel Restaurant

Great cocktails, friendly staff.

Divi Bar & Lounge

Amazing views, Stylish and Special

MooMba Beach Bar

Gay Friendly, amazing views.

Aruba Lounge

Enjoy the outdoor terrace

Where to dine in Aruba

In Aruba, the melting pot of cultures has contributed to a menu influenced by Holland, South America, and the Caribbean.

Aruba's home-cooked food has flavours inspired by Amerindians, merchants, pirates, colonial powers of the Netherlands and Spain, African slaves, Eastern and Asian immigrants.

The local culinary scene offers Asian-influenced dishes such as bami and nasi goreng rice, or saté with peanut sauce; Dutch traditional dishes like pea soup and thin pancakes served with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. Johnnycakes (fried, puffy biscuits) and pan bati (Aruban pancake) replace traditional bread.

A quick snack, breakfast or lunch

Authentic Aruban Fish Restaurants

  • Head to MooMba Beach bar and restaurant, a great spot for lunch with elegant snacks served under two huge palapas. Discover some local flavours such as Aruban fish chowder and Cajun tuna tataki. Pair your mean with a an Aruba Ariba, the signature drink on the Caribbean island of Aruba.
  • Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill is located right on the water of Palm Beach. It serves great tacos, burgers and comfort food. Bugaloe also hosts popular happy hours with live entertainment.
  • Zeerover, in Savaneta is an oceanside restaurant that sits on a dock jetting out over the shoreline. Fishermen bring the daily catch straight to the restaurant. There is no better way to experience the freshest of dishes on the island. This no frills restaurant has amazing views of the Caribbean sea.

Something Special

  • Dinner at Papiamento Restaurant is an experience no one will ever forget. The setting is magical. The restaurant is surrounded by a lush garden. Tables are set around a turquoise, sparkling pool with twinkling lights in the tree branches. The 126 year old Arubian “cunucu” house next to the pool is filled with gorgeous antiques from Europe. The oldest items date back to the early 1800’s. Highly recommended for a special gay Aruba occasion.
  • Visit Ceviches Poolbar & Restaurant in the Caribbean Palm Village. It has an extensive wine list in a beautiful location. They serve delicious fish dishes and host a daily Happy Hour from 12 – 1 pm & 4 – 6 pm.
  • Book a table at Faro Blanco Restaurant and relax in the shade of their historic lighthouse and enjoy an eclectic menu of fresh seafood creations at Marathon Key’s bayside restaurant ,The Lighthouse Grill. Stop in for appetizers, drinks, or one of their chef-created daily dinner specials.

Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill

Great views, party atmosphere.

Papiamento Restaurant

Sophisticated dining

MooMba Beach

Dine right on the beach.

Patio 15

Superb tapas plates

Zeerover

The freshest fish dishes

Chapel Restaurant

Authentic Aruban cuisine

Aruba Beaches

Aruba is blessed with several beaches, but there are two stand-out beaches not to be missed, including a beach with its own gay section!

Eagle Beach

  • Consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the world, Eagle beach is the happy home of many of Aruba's low rise boutique hotels and resorts. Just stroll across the beach and you are there! Easy.
  • Eagle beach is made up of a long stretch of seemingly never-ending powdery white sand, so you will never have a problem finding a spot to sunbathe.
  • Several beach side cafes serve delicious snacks and terrific cocktails. You can also rent jet skis and arrange other water sports activity

Flamingo Beach

  • Flamingo beach is a privately owned beach and part of the Renaissance Aruba Resort.
  • The beach has become instafamous due to the fact you can get up close and personal with the beautiful flamingos on the beach.
  • Visitors can enjoy an adults only section and day passes are available for non-residents of the hotel. Just ask at the concierge desk. The island is just a short boat ride from the Renaissance Aruba Resort.
See the top 10 Hotels on Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach

With its own gay section

Eagle Beach

One of the top 10 beaches in the world.

Palm Beach

Where you will find the best hotels.

Flamingo Beach

Get up close with the Flamingos.

Beach Cocktails

Beach side bars have great drinks.

Adults Only

Flamingo Beach has an adult section.

Things to see and do in Gay Aruba

  • Explore Oranjestad, the charming capital and home to some stunning Dutch colonial architecture, museums, galleries and a vibrant gay scene. Enjoy great shopping with luxury stores straddled across the downtown area including Cartier, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton.
  • Visit Paseo Herencia and Palm Beach Plaza for a shopping treat closer to Palm Beach.
  • T.H. Palm & Company is one of the most enchanting and unforgettable boutiques in the entire Caribbean. Each nook and cranny holds an unexpected treasure, promising you a completely original shopping experience, with an impressive selection of upscale resort wear, casual island clothing, and shoes for men.
  • For a unique experience just steps from Palm Beach, visit the charming Butterfly Farm for an unforgettable encounter with nature in all its beauty and diversity.

The National Park

  • Visit Wilhelmina Park and experience the stunning floral displays in one of Oranjestad’s most popular attractions.
  • Take a trip to the King Willem tower at Fort Zoutman and learn about the rich history of gay Aruba.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Arikok National Park where you can explore stunning rock formations known as Ayó via a UTV. Discover the Natural Bridge at Anicouri and the Bushiribana Ruins. Visit the Natural Pool and the Guadirikiri Cave, known for its massive chambers where the sun beams down through holes in the rock ceiling.
  • Boca Prins near the blue Lagoon and Fontein Cave is also in the National Park and is home to some of the island’s most amazing sand dunes. The Fontein cave is filled with ancient paintings from the Arawak people, an indigenous group from the Caribbean and South America.

Amazing Views

  • No trip to the island is complete without a visit to the Alto Vista Chapel, the Spanish Missionary chapel with breathtaking views.
  • Visit one of the island’s most famous instagram spots, the California Dunes and Lighthouse. It is also the perfect spot for a romantic sunset.
  • Charter your own yacht and explore the best of the island at your own pace. Discover hidden and less well known parts of the Island.

Diving and Snorkeling

  • Go on a private snorkeling adventure and discover Aruba’s most pristine coral reef. A favorite of Aruba locals, Tres Trapi Beach is a tiny, secluded spot known for its clear waters and great for snorkeling. Here, you’ll not only see fish but also a plethora of brilliantly colored sea stars! This shallow-water cove is accessible by a three-step staircase carved into the rocks leading to the water (hence the “Tres Trapi” name).
  • Explore the underwater world off Aruba's North Coast with the aid of an underwater scooter. The Seabob F5 S jet allows you to dive deeper and faster underwater without putting forth extra effort. As the scooter jets propel you along, take in the views of the coral reefs and the marine inhabitants.
  • Go night diving and discover local shipwrecks, coral reefs and a variety of sea life that comes out when the sun goes down. Truly a magical and once in a lifetime experience.

Oranjestad

Explore the pretty capital.

Diving

Experience Crystal Clear Waters

Guadirikiri Cave

Famous Sun beams

Alto Vista Chapel

The islands most instagrammed spot.

Charter a Yacht

Explore the island in style

Aruba lighthouse

Breathtaking views await

Aruba Events

Aruba Carnival

  • Officially starting in November, the majority of events for Aruba Carnival, including the parades ,are held in January and February until the Burning of King Momo, marking the end of Carnival Season.

The Grand Parade

  • On the Sunday before Ash Wednesday the highlight of the Carnival is the  Grand Carnival Parade in Oranjestad. Eye-popping costumes, body pieces, road pieces and floats in a very luxurious version go through the streets of Oranjestad and get lots of applause from the spectators. This parade is led by the Carnival Queen. The parade starts at 10 o'clock in the morning and ends at sunset.
  • After the Burning of King Momo the entire island goes on hiatus, known as Carnival Monday (official day of rest).
  • Carnival means weeks of events that bring you colorfully decorated floats, contagiously throbbing music, luxuriously designed costumed groups of celebrants of all ages, King & Queen elections, electrifying Jump Ups, Torch Light Parades that wind their way through the streets at night, the Jouvert Morning Pajama Parade, the Children's Parades and finally the Grand Parade!

The Aruba Summer Festival

  •  The festival showcases the best in Latin beats and soca music for three nights at the end of June. The Aruba Summer festival attracts both national and international bands.

Aruba Symphony Festival

  •  For 10 summer days in July , more than 100 musicians and conductors hailing from over 15 countries convene in lovely Aruba to study, tutor, and perform. Most events take place at Cas di Cultura, a performing arts center in Oranjestad.

When to visit Aruba?

  • Most Popular Time

    The most popular time to visit Aruba is from December to April, however you will find some great deals on the shoulder months when life on the island runs at a lower pace.

  • Best Time

    For the best time to visit Aruba, consider a stay between April to August – a huge window of time when the island’s high prices take a holiday.

  • Year Round Sunshine

    Since the island sits well outside the hurricane belt, there’s very little threat of tropical storms, unlike other Caribbean Islands.

Aruba Gay Map

Address: Bakval 20, Noord, Aruba

  • Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is an adults-only retreat just off Palm Beach, featuring private casitas set in lush gardens.
  • It offers a peaceful, stylish escape with two pools, a café, and a private beach area.
  • Ideal for travelers seeking quiet, comfort, and a laid-back atmosphere close to the island’s main attractions. Website

Address: L.G. Smith Boulevard 55B, Oranjestad, Aruba

  • Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is an adults-only, eco-luxury hotel on Aruba’s Eagle Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and romantic setting.
  • It offers elegant suites, beachfront dining, a wellness-focused vibe, and top-tier service.
  • Ideal for a quiet, upscale escape with a strong focus on sustainability.
  • Website

Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 55, Oranjestad, Aruba

  • Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa is a quiet, boutique hotel on Eagle Beach, perfect for those seeking peace and wellness.
  • It offers stylish rooms, a serene spa, beachfront yoga, and healthy dining in a relaxed, uncrowded setting. Best suited for travelers looking to unwind in a low-key, elegant atmosphere. Website

Address: L.G. Smith Blvd 101, Noord, Aruba

  • Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a luxury beachfront resort on Palm Beach with spacious rooms, large balconies, two pools (including an adults-only area), multiple dining options, and a lively 24-hour casino.
  • Guests enjoy direct beach access, a full-service spa, and upscale extras like the Tradewinds Club for added privacy. Ideal for both relaxing getaways and vibrant island escapes. Website

Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 85, Noord, Aruba

  • Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino is a stylish beachfront resort on Palm Beach, offering modern rooms, multiple pools, direct beach access, and a lively casino.
  • With a mix of family-friendly and adults-only spaces, diverse dining, and a spa, it’s ideal for both relaxation and entertainment in a prime Aruba location. Website

Address: Eagle Beach

  • Eagle Beach in Aruba is a wide, peaceful stretch of soft white sand, known for its calm waters, iconic divi-divi trees, and laid-back atmosphere.
  • Ideal for couples and families, it offers basic amenities and plenty of space to relax without the crowds or party scene.
  • A top spot for quiet beach days and sunset views.

Address: calla harmonia 10, Oranjestad, Aruba

  • Cage Night Club in Aruba is the island’s main LGBTQ+ nightlife spot, known for its high-energy drag shows every Thursday and Saturday.
  • The atmosphere is fun, inclusive, and interactive, with standout performances from the “Cage Dolls.”
  • Expect a cover charge, a lively crowd, and a safe, welcoming space to celebrate queer culture on the island.
  • Open: Saturday 10 pm–3 am & Thursday 8:30 am–1 am

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