Gay Curacao Guide

Gay Curaçao, Holiday Destination Guide

Gay Curaçao is one of the tiny “Abc” Islands. Along with Aruba and Bonaire, it is a secluded slice of paradise. Welcome to one of the Caribbean’s most gay friendly destination. Or as they say in Curaçao, “Bon Bini”.

Discover Gay Curaçao

Curaçao’s Gay Scene

A stunning island off the coast of Venezuela, Curaçao offers everything you need for a perfect holiday; friendly locals, crystal clear waters and pristine sandy beaches. Add in the island’s delicious cuisine, glorious hidden beaches, unique Dutch colonial architecture and world class resorts and hotels and you have all the magic you need for the perfect island escape. Above all, you will feel welcome no matter where you visit.

A Warm Gay Welcome in Curaçao

Curaçao is home to just over 160,000 residents. The island attracts almost 1.3 million visitors each year. The gay scene on Curaçao is small, with just one gay bar. The Rainbow Lounge is a traveling happy hour. It is hosted at various hotel bars across the island., but don’t let that put you off. Venues across the island are more than gay friendly with a “biba i laga biba”, live and let live philosophy. It’s easy to spot your fellow gay visitors enjoying the beach club scene on the island, out and in the open.

Curaçao is a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Curaçao. For instance, the age age of consent is 16 and is equal for both heterosexual and homosexual intercourse. In addition, gay honeymoons are commonplace and an entire industry is focused on helping you plan and experience your dream island escape.

Residents speak Dutch, Spanish and English as well as the local language, Papiamentu, a colorful Creole dialect that includes a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, with some African and Arawak Indian influences.

Perfect Tropical Island Weather

In Curaçao, the climate is tropical, hot all year round, with daytime temperatures ranging from around 28/29 degrees Celsius (82/84 °F) between December and February to around 31 °C (88 °F) between May and October. The period from May to October is the most sultry, but the trade winds blow constantly, tempering the heat.

Where to Stay?

Curaçao is home to some world class beachfront hotels, charming boutique properties and luxury villas, condos and apartments. Here is our selection of the most gay-friendly places to stay on the island.

Curaçao Avila Beach Hotel

“Queens beach is rejuvenating. The hotel employs locals and from all ages. Location is perfect in walking distance from historic city”

Hotel Highlights

Curaçao Avila Hotel is situated on the beach, just 5 minutes’ drive from central Willemstad. There is a Free shuttle service to the town center.
The hotel is housed in a Restored 18th-century mansion, retaining the history and culture of Curacao.
Rooms are modern, with streamlined, airy style, some with great ocean views.

Get the Best Rate!

Other Top Hotel Choices

Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort

Located in Willemstad, 80 m from Parasasa Beach, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is right on the beach with turquoise clear waters.
The Hotel has 237 rooms and 10 suites with a first class fitness center and a 5 star PADI dive shop.
Relax all day by the pool, complete with a swim-up bar for day drinks! Enjoy laid back luxury with a beautiful spa in the afternoon and visit the Emerald Lounge in the evening for one of the best Mojitos on the island.

Check Rates on the Marriott Beach Resort

The Beach House Curaçao

The Beach House is set at the Sea Aquarium Beach and 10 minutes’ drive from Willemstad Historic City
The apartments offer contemporary, French-Caribbean style décor with a fully equipped kitchen, seating area, sofa, flat-screen TV and balcony with sea views.
The apartments have a great pool with backdoor access to Mambo beach.

Check Rates on Beach House Curaçao

Dolphin Suites Curaçao

The Dolphin Suites offer stylish rooms and suites in Willemstad, within walking distance of the famous Sea Aquarium Beach and the Curacao Sea-Aquarium.
The hotel features an outdoor pool, which is surrounded by lounge chairs and tropical vegetation and offers guests great views.
Twice a day a free shuttle service to a supermarket is available.

Check Rates on Dolphin Suites Curaçao

How to get to Gay Curaçao & getting around the island’s neighbourhoods.

The Airport
Curaçao International Airport is painted a sunny yellow. During the season, Westjet runs Sunday weekly nonstop flights from Toronto’s Pearson Airport. JetBlue has Monday, Wednesday and Saturday flights from JFK New York City to Curaçao, and there are two daily direct flights from Miami to Curaçao with American Airlines. Generally tourists holding a valid passport may enter Curaçao without a written permit and remain with for a period of up to 90 days.
Taxis
The airport is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the main town of Willemstad. Taxis are readily available at the airport or you can pre-book our airport transfer in advance. Alternatively you can rent a car quite easily.
Buses
Public transportation is limited Curaçao. Large yellow or blue ‘Konvooi’ busses will take you to most parts of the island, from Punda and Otrobanda to the beaches, shopping areas, and parks. If you want to get about in the towns, look for collective cars or vans with ‘bus’ on their registration plates.
Buggies, Scooters & Bikes
You can explore the Island on a half day ATV guided tour or rent a scooter to get around the Island. Scooters can be useful, especially for those hard-to-reach no-car places along back-country trails.

Gay Curaçao Districts

The Capital Willemstad

The best place to stay in Curaçao is the capital Willemstad. The town has an amazing history, reflected in its museums and art galleries. Willemstad architecture is stunning, with brightly colored buildings lining the seafront. The capital boasts an incredible beach perfect for unwinding on, after a long day of exploring!
The majority of the interesting historic neighborhoods are located in or around Willemstad. The two main neighborhoods (districts) of Willemstad are Punda and Otrobanda.
Just outside of Willemstad are two suburb-style neighborhoods: Pietermaai and Scharloo. Both are recognized for their historical residential mansions. Tourists often like to take a drive through these neighborhoods to get a sense of the old luxury life of Curacao.

Find a hotel in Willemstad

Punda

Punda is the neighborhood on the eastern side of St. Anna Bay in Willemstad. This neighborhood has remained pretty much unchanged over the years. Visitors to Punda feel as though they have stepped back in time.
Explore the narrow pedestrian-only streets and historic forts of the neighborhood. Punda’s quaint streets and alleys, full of life and color, lead you to some of the best shopping on the island.
Stay at the Blue Marlin Apartment in Punda.

Book the Blue Marlin Apartment

Otrobanda

Otrobanda, which translates literally to “the other side”, lies across the St. Anna Bay on the western side of Willemstad.
This neighborhood is more artistic, bohemian, and diverse than Punda.
If you are looking for a different kind of stay on the island, check out the Rembrandt Garden Studios.

Book the Rembrandt Garden Studios

Jan Thiel

Jan Thiel beach is especially popular for its soft sands, upscale condos and chic resorts.
Here you will find delicious seaside dining options. The vibe is grown-up but laid-back; tasteful but not fussy.
The Papagayo Beach Hotel is also home to one of the trendiest beach clubs. It hosts popular pool parties and events throughout the year.

Book the Papagayo Beach Hotel

Other Areas to explore

Piscadera

If you want to party, head to Piscadera, just outside the capital Willemstad. Piscadera is famous for its seaside themed bars, beach clubs and restaurants.

Westpunt

Westpunt is great for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts. Curacao’s northern west coast has beautiful reefs and fantastic wreck dives. They include a sunken airplane. You can loop through its submerged cabin.

Many of the areas outside of the capital offer beautiful private villa options, perfect for a large gathering of secluded escape.

Find your villa in Curaçao

Curaçao Gay Friendly Venues

The Rainbow Lounge – Gay Traveling Happy Hour

The Rainbow Lounge – Taking place on the last Friday of the month., Rainbow Lounge describes itself as a travelling Happy Hour concept, attracting an attitude-free, intergenerational mix of LGBTQ+ people and their friends. Enjoy several drinks and bite specials at the monthly changing location. Find yourself moving to whatever the DJ feels like spinning. The event has been hosted at the Floris Suite Hotel (now the renovated and renamed Dreams Curacao Resort) and the Landhuis Bona Vista.

Gay Friendly Venues

Socialising and nightlife tends to revolve around the beach clubs. Many host special parties and events throughout the week. Sunday’s are especially popular.

Cabana Beach – Located near the Seaquarium Beach, the beach club is very gay friendly and hosts popular parties on Wed and Fri nights. There’s something for every taste and staff and fellow guests are friendly and open minded. Whether you’d like a carefree beach day, a delectable dinner, a chill movie night or simply go wild with your friends, at Cabana Beach, it’s all possible. Note the venue is cashless so bring a credit card.
Wet & Wild Beach Club – Home to some of the most popular beach parties on the island, including Friday: Wild Wild Friday with free BBQ snacks from 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm (Party is until 2.00 am) Sunday the famous Happy Hour from 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm & 9.00 pm – 10.00 pm (Party is until 3.00 am).
St Tropez Ocean Club – Famous ocean front bar, restaurant, sports bar and a beautiful infinity pool. Gay Friendly. Daily guest pass available. Hotel is exclusive with just 20 suites.
Rendezvous bar at the Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino (formerly the Floris Suite, is also a popular meeting point.
Papagayo Beach Club – one of the trendiest hotspots on Curaçao in Jan Thiel, with a sparkling infinity pool and an enticing white sandy shoreline. From sleek lounge areas to colorful chairs, there are plenty of spots to bask in the sun. Day passes are available.

Late Night Clubbing

Club Vanilla – One of the busiest late night spots on the island. Host to some of the gay pride parties.
Mambo Beach Club – The Boulevard has more of the ambiance of a beach party than that of a conventional shopping mall. It features some 50 restaurants, bars and stores, including souvenir retailers and boutiques selling swimwear. There’s even a nightclub with a schedule of live performances that keeps the energy going into the afternoon and evening.

Where to dine in Curaçao, Gay Friendly Restaurants

Curacao cuisine celebrates the island’s history with a unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean inspired dishes. Seafood is the main staple in Curacao, and there’s no shortage of fresh seafood caught daily around the island.

Breakfast & Lunch

BijBlauw – If you are looking for a breakfast to remember, head to BijBlauw boutique hotel and take their ‘Breakfast for 2’ , a total fest.
Hofi Cas Cora – Hidden in Willemstad lies Hofi Cas Cora; a restaurant overlooking a big plantation where all the ingredients are grown. They also have a small farm. Fresh and local ingredients from farm to your table.
Number Ten – great coffee (also for take out), and the best lunch you can imagine, a hotspot in Landhuis Bloemhof. Open weekdays, reservations recommended.

Beach Club Dining

Karakter – Daytime Karakter is a perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing beach day with lounge chairs, cushions and a lot of shade. You can choose to have your breakfast and lunch in the comfort of your own lounge chair. During the night, the venue transforms into a cozy fine dining restaurant where you can enjoy culinary delights and beautiful sunsets.
Zanzibar – a tropical restaurant situated on Jan Thiel, the busiest beach on Curaçao. Lazy Sundays at Zanzibar are always jam-packed and there’s oodles of eye candy to take in. Pizza lover? Zanzibar is famous for its delicious pizzas. The pizzas are baked in the traditional stone oven with their own signature taste.
Mood Beach Curacao – part of the Kontiki Beach Resort. Combine a beach day with a long lunch by the sea. This luxurious beach restaurant does everything it can to make you feel comfortable. From the beautiful location oceanside, to the fresh food on your plate. The seafood platter for two is worth a try with fresh lobster, oysters, crab and shrimps.

Something Special

Fort Nassau – situated high upon a hill offering a beautiful 360º view over the city of Willemstad. A sea of lights stretches across the horizon at night offering the most spectacular view. The menu offers a delicious mix of meat and fish options. The historical character of the 18th century fort, the modern interior and the stunning view and tasty food, all make your visit worthwhile.
Kome – located in the Pietermaai District. Kome is the Papiamentu word for “Eat”. And at Kome on Curacao they really know how to let you enjoy your dinner to the max. Their tapas night is also definitely worth a try, not to mention the cocktails.
Omundo – Centrally located in the former plantation house Zuikertuintje, this trendy restaurant has quickly won the hearts of many locals. Enjoy a cocktail in the lounge area before feasting on smaller or larger bites of international dishes.
Hemingway – Enjoy four seaside covered and open air areas offering a typical Caribbean atmosphere. Enjoy the stunning ocean and beach view. Don’t worry about what to wear, just sit back and relax and enjoy the tasty food. The menu is internationally oriented and offers dishes to everyone’s taste.

Something Different

Willemstad’s Old Market (Plasa Bieu) – Experience a taste of local culture and cuisine. Several chefs specialize in a variety of dishes at individual food stalls. They have six different restaurants with unique menus that change daily.
A definite must-do when visiting Curaçao is to stop by a ‘trùk di pan’ (=food truck) at night to try the ‘pan ku stobá’ (=a sandwich filled with stewed beef) or any of the other meals on the menu.

Fort Nassau

Amazing views, sublime disnes

Hofi Cas Cora

The best coffee on the Island

Hemmingway

Surrounded by the sea

Kome

Great Tapas & Cocktails

Karakter

Amazing Day & Night Dining

Mood Beach

Great for Seafood

Gay Friendly Beaches in Curaçao

The best way to see all the beaches is to organise a private beach tour with a local guide. During your Private Trip we will provide a customised Relaxed Beach Hopping Tour based on all your needs and interests. Each trip is completely tailored to your choice of beaches. We recommend the following beaches.

Cas Abao Beach- about 20 miles northwest of Willemstad, near the town Fontein. The beach is only accessible by car, and there is a parking lot on site. The white-sand beach is surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery, and shaded by thatched palapas. The beach bar and restaurant are highly recommended as well as the full body massage. The beach is quite secure thanks to the USD 10 to access the road to get there.
Playa PortoMari – Near the town of St. Willibrordus – a 20-mile drive northwest of Willemstad. The beach features a beach bar and restaurant that serves up enough Indonesian satays and Dutch kroketten. Its rehabilitated double reef and on-site snorkel rentals make this beach a fun spot for undersea exploration. The beach gets busy, so arrive early.
Blauwbaai (Blue Bay) – Less than 10 miles northwest of Willemstad sits Blauwbaai, one of Curaçao’s most beloved beaches thanks to its an impressive coral reef, which is easily accessible from the beach. Go for the snorkeling and head on to the other beaches for lunch.
Mambo Beach – Also known as Seaquarium Beach, just 4 miles south of Willemstad, Mambo Beach features the bright white sands, crystal blue calm waters, and all the cocktails you could want for an afternoon of fun by the sea. The area also offers a boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and many bars, which become particularly lively on Sunday nights.

A Unique Beach Escape

Klein Beach – Klein Curaçao is about fifteen miles south of Curaçao. It’s totally uninhabited and the beach to end all beaches. Take an early boat and pack light (you’ll have to swim to shore). When you arrive you’ll see it’s worth the trip. Check out the lighthouse and shipwreck. Worth the day trip. Fantastic snorkeling and great sand.

PortoMari

Popular beach, arrive early

Playa Lagun

Secluded and free access

Jan Thiel Beach

Trendy with great restaurants

Mambo Beach

Amazing amenities & beach clubs

Klein Beach

Well worth the trip

Cas Abao Beach

Our favorite beach in Curacao

Things to see and do in Gay Curaçao

Discover the beautiful capital

Explore Historic Willemstad – A UNESCO World Heritage site, its oldest and most famous architectural strip is a saltwater-taffy-colored row of buildings along Handelskade Street, in the Punda neighborhood.
Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge – The best vantage point from which to view it is on the Queen Emma Bridge, which locals affectionately call the “Swinging Old Lady.” Built in 1888, it’s supported by 16 pontoon boats that allow the bridge to swing open and give ships access to the city’s port.

Stunning National Parks

Explore Christoffel National Park – Three plantations on the northern tip of the island are home to indigenous flora and fauna, such as barn owls, white-tailed deer and hundreds of plants, including wild orchids. You can take a scenic drive through the park , go hiking or mountain biking or take a Jeep Safari to experience Christoffel’s rugged landscape. Don’t miss the view from the top of Christoffel Mountain. The park is located about 25 miles northwest of Willemstad.
Shete Boka National Park – Just north of Christoffel National Park you will find Shete Boka National Park sprawls across more than 6 miles of Curacao’s north coast. It’s home to 10 pocket bays where various species of sea turtles are known to lay eggs. Hot spots within the park include Boka Tabla, which sees massive waves crashing into an underground cavern, and Boka Pistol, which offers panoramic views from limestone hills.

Museums & Culture

Kurá Hulanda Museum – Located in the home of a 19th-century merchant and slave owner, the Kurá Hulanda Museum traces the history of the African slave trade on Curaçao. It is an eye opening experience giving people a history lesson that should not be forgotten.
Visit the the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue – A bright-yellow synagogue dating back to 1651, when 12 Sephardic Jewish families migrated to Curaçao from Amsterdam. The synagogue’s sand floor is also distinctive; it’s one of just five remaining sand-floor synagogues in the world (four can be found in the Caribbean). The museum is also home to a copy of Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl that has been translated into Papiamentu. Organise a private tour of the island to include this amazing location.

Watersports Activities

Discover a fascinating world of delicate coral gardens, graceful stingrays, playful dolphins and even sunken ships in the depths of the Caribbean. If you’ve come to dive or snorkel, you’ll enjoy good visibility throughout the year. Because the island is located outside the hurricane belt, its marine life is unaffected by seasonal changes.

Scuba Diving

Many of Curaçao’s specified dive sites are accessible directly from the beach – try Porto Mari or Blauwbaai – while others must be reached by boat. The enormous star coral formations of the Mushroom Forest are a must-see; afterward, you can take a breather in the sapphire light of the nearby Blue Room cave. You can also explore the coral-encrusted remains of the Superior Producer, a cargo freighter that went down in 1977.

Snorkeling in Playa Lagun

Located in a narrow cove, the calm waters at Playa Lagun are perfect for snorkelers of any skill level, and there are facilities to rent snorkel and scuba gear. Recent travelers lauded the beach for its crystal clear waters and beautiful coral reef, with many saying they spotted colorful fish, schools of squid, sea turtles and more while snorkeling. For the best chance at spotting turtles, visit in the morning. Take a 2 hour high speed boat and snorkel tour and experience the best of the island.

Klein Curaçao (Little Curaçao)

A largely uninhabited island about 15 miles off the southeast coast of Curaçao, Klein Curaçao is the ideal day trip for snorkelers, scuba divers and sun-worshippers. The trip is often an all-day affair – the boat trip itself takes about two hours each way. Tour times and prices vary by provider. The ride can be a choppy affair, but worth it.

Willemstad

Explore the Capital