Aruba gay clubs

It is so highly ranked that in 2022 it was actually named the #2 best fine-dining restaurant in the entire Caribbean!

We dined here on our final night on the island, and had one of the best meals we have ever had. The lesson is taught by the expert who has over 35 years’ experience glass blowing!

Of course, I had to try this – I made a little glass bird of my own, currently displayed on my living room windowsill!

Address: Ayo 22, Aruba

Get Up Close with Flamingos on Renaissance Island

Do a Google image search for ‘Aruba’ and it’s guaranteed that over half of the top results will be from Flamingo Beach, on Renaissance Island – showing the graceful pink birds walking on the powdery white sands, with the backdrop of palm trees and blue sea.

Visiting these residents of Renaissance Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions for many people, and after experiencing it for ourselves we can see why.

Unlike its neighbours Bonaire and Curaçao, Aruba has no wild flamingos, and so the flamingos that are resident on Renaissance Island are captive flamingos from Bonaire – although they have the run of the entire island and are very much at home with the tourists visiting each day!

You can even purchase flamingo food on the island, the best way to coax the birds to come up close and personal with you to grab that perfect Instagram shot.

I spoke to many locals whilst on the island, and the general consensus was that whilst still safe, and whilst crimes towards local LGBTQ+ people are unheard of, public opinion regarding LGBTQ+ people does vary – particularly amongst the older generation.

That being said, great progress is being made in Aruba when it comes to making the island more LGBTQ+ friendly…see the next section for more details!

Gay Rights in Aruba

LGBTQ+ rights have progressed a lot in the past few decades – although there is still a lot to be done.

Whilst both male and female same-s3x activity is legal, same-s3x marriage is still to be legalised.

Check rates and book!

And there is no shortage of natural wonders either – a natural pool, caves containing original Indian drawings, stunning beaches, – you could easily spend a whole day here seeing something different every hour!

Visitors to the park do need to purchase a ticket to enter Arikok National Park, the cost of which goes towards the preservation of the park as well as various educational programs that the park runs.

Once inside the park, visitors can freely explore, either driving through the park, or you can explore on foot on one of the many hiking trails.

However, for the best experience I strongly recommend booking a guided tour, escorted by a Park Ranger who will point out many things you will likely miss otherwise.

I hiked through the park for about 90 minutes with one of the rangers and was so grateful for all the in-depth information I received about the things I was seeing.

Key areas of interest within the park:

• Quadirikiri and Fontein Caves: Both of these caves have beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, some of which have formed pillars.

  The hotel also provides a shuttle service to nearby Palm Beach, where there is a dedicated section with sun loungers and umbrellas for hotel guests.

  There is also a 24-hour fitness gym onsite, which I made good use of everyday thanks to the jetlag causing me to wake at 5am! I knew I wanted to return so jumped at the chance for a longer visit later that same year.

  Our cruise included:

  • 5-hour cruise to the Spanish Lagoon
  • Open bar onboard including hand-crafted cocktails
  • Lunch grilled onboard
  • Snorkelling the Spanish Lagoon Barrier Reef
  • Rope swinging from the boat out to sea

  Book your own tour with Pelican Adventures here.

  Try glass blowing at Studio Murano Art

  Studio Murano Art is a family run glass-blowing studio – in fact, their current master artisan is the third generation!

  Every day they offer a free glass blowing demonstration from 10:00 – 13:00, so visitors in the area who may have just stopped for a bite to eat at the onsite bar and restaurant, or to browse the store can actually enjoy the glass-blowing process from start to finish.

  However, should you actually wish to try this for yourself, Studio Murano Art offer workshops – a hands on experience where you can make your own one-of-a-kind glass item.

  I spent a very lazy afternoon at the man-made beach lagoon drinking cocktails!

  However, whilst both properties are beautiful in their own right, the main highlight of the Renaissance Aruba Resort has to be Renaissance Island – the 40-acre private island, home to the amazing Flamingo Beach, as mentioned above.

  Address: L.G. Smith Blvd 82, Oranjestad, Aruba

  Check rates and book!

  In November 2023, the legalisation of same-s3x marriage in both Aruba and Curaçao went to a hearing at the Supreme Court in the Netherlands, with a decision due to be made around June this year. Fingers crossed!

  Aruba also has anti-discrimination laws in place – both in employment, in the provision of goods, services, when it comes to LGBTQ+ persons serving in the military, as well as across other areas.

  UPDATE July 2024: The High Council has announced same-sex marriage is now legal in both Aruba and Curacao!

  Things to do in Aruba for Gay Travellers

  One of the first things that struck me about Aruba was that, whilst the island is the epitome of the iconic white sand, blue sea, palm tree lined beaches that spring to mind when you picture the Caribbean and it would be so easy to laze on the beach all day – there is SO much to do on the island!

  I spent 11 nights on the island, and had the perfect balance between taking part in activities and exploring, as well as relaxing and topping up my tan.

  Explore Arikok National Park

  The beautiful Arikok National Park in Aruba is located to the east of the island, and actually makes up around 20% of the island’s total land area.

  The park is an ideal location for seeing Aruba’s varying landscapes and natural wonders.

  It was just stunning – there was no other word to describe it!

  Baby Beach is a little out of the way, located in the very southern-most tip of the island, close to the quaint town of San Nicolas, and so is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel zone, however it is well worth the trip to get here.

  Baby Beach is a beautiful half-moon shaped sandy cove / lagoon, with crystal clear shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

  For a slower-paced evening, step into the Gin & Olive Garden, where we serve fine gins combined with unexpected flavors inspired by our herb garden.

  Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort

  Whilst I didn’t actually stay here, I have included Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort as a gay-friendly hotel due to the fact that it is an adult-only property – quite often a big selling point when gay travellers are looking for where to stay!

  Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort is located on the award-winning Eagle Beach, which also tends to be the most popular choice for gay travellers.

  This boutique resort is for guests aged 18+, and features an ocean-front restaurant with incredible sea views, as well as a fitness centre, spa and of course a beautiful pool area.

  The hotel also puts on a free movie night on the beach twice a week for hotel guests.

  Address: L.G.

  Smith Boulevard 55B, Oranjestad, Aruba

  Check rates and book! The restaurant serves a la carte, but is more widely known for their chefs table experience, consisting of eight courses along with a welcome glass of prosecco.

  Address:

  Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 97-A, Noord, Aruba

  Faro Blanco

  The food here was great – but what really sold this restaurant was the spectacular location!

  Faro Blanco Restaurant is located next to the lighthouse, in the former home of the lighthouse keeper, and being up on a cliff top we were dining with the most breath-taking sea views.

  We went for lunch, on a perfectly clear day and had views across both the island and out to sea, and almost couldn’t focus on eating as we just wanted to admire the scenery!

  Open for both lunch and dinner, the setting is everything – the restaurant itself is built on a large wooden deck over the beach itself, right by the waters edge and all tables have the most incredible sea views.

  This is a casual and informal venue – and whilst clearly a popular choice with both locals and tourists, the setting is very peaceful with its authentic Caribbean atmosphere.

  This is the perfect location to enjoy typical Caribbean cuisine, a local beer or rum cocktail and enjoy the views.

  Address: Lloyd G.

  Smith Blvd, Oranjestad, Aruba

  Huchada

  Huchada is a friendly neighbourhood bakery & lunchroom located in the centre of the island.

  We stopped off for a local breakfast here to fuel up before we went for our hike in Arikok National Park, and loved how local it was!

  Set inside a traditional Cunucu Aruban house, the vibe inside was very authentic.

  This bill was passed and came into effect in 2021. I was very excited to explore just how gay friendly Aruba was!

  Is Aruba Gay Friendly?

  Quite simply – when visiting the island of Aruba as a tourist, yes!

  Aruba welcomed me with open arms as a gay traveller when I visited, and I felt very safe and comfortable during my time there.

  Along with its neighbours Bonaire and Curaçao, Aruba is one of the most popular choices for gay travellers visiting the Caribbean – no wonder it was a stop during the biggest gay cruise in the world.

  However, it is worth noting that as with many other places around the globe, the experience of a gay tourist can be quite different to that of a gay local.

  However, as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba does recognise same-s3x marriages that are performed and registered in the Netherlands.