Gay Puerto Rico

For a Caribbean vacation that doesn’t require you to bring a passport or grapple with the local language, consider Puerto Rico.  Though Spanish is the most widely spoken language on the island, many Puertoricans are bilingual in Spanish and English; you should have little trouble communicating—even if you don’t remember your high school Spanish lessons!    

Despite the infancy of the gay scene in Puerto Rico, you will find plenty of gay-friendly bars, restaurants, accommodations, and discos on this tropical island.  The cities of San Juan and Ponce offer exciting night and disco life, while various areas throughout the island and along the coast offer pristine beaches and once in a lifetime outdoor adventures. 

The center of nightlife on the island is focused around two districts in the capital, San Juan—Condado and Santurce.  While Condado is known as the place with the hottest nightlife, Santurce features the most gay and gay-friendly clubs and discos; give both districts a try and make your own decision.  Daytime in San Juan also offers a variety of activities and sites to see—check out the San Cristobal Fort, a World Heritage Site open to visitors in Old San Juan.  Or take a short ferry trip to the Bacardi Rum Distillery to pick up some souvenirs for folks back home. 

A Puerto Rico vacation offers a variety of beaches.  From “active” beaches with all the water sport/waterfront activities imaginable, to secluded, private beaches for just you and your heartthrob, you’ll find the perfect place to relax and take in some sun.  For the very best beaches on the mainland, head two hours west of San Juan to the town of Mayaguez; there you will find the sandy beaches of Joyuda and Cabo Rojo.  And for true seclusion, leave the mainland behind in favor of the smaller island of Culebra, where you’ll find a lover’s paradise on Flamenco Beach, which was recently named the Best Escape Beach by the Travel Channel. 

Only one hundred miles long and thirty-five miles wide, Puerto Rico features a surprisingly large variety of different ecosystems and outdoor adventure possibilities only a short drive apart from each other.  In other words, you will get a great deal out of a day trip!  Hiking, climbing, spelunking, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, and camping are just a few of the activities you can enjoy.  And, at the end of the day, relax on the shore while whale-watching or observing the mysterious beauty of the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico.  

You will find the local culture diverse and intriguing.  A convergence of three different cultures—African, Taino (Amerindian), and Spanish—the rich cultural history of Puerto Rico merits investigation.  Attend one of the many local festivals or visit the art and historic museums in San Juan to learn more about the contemporary and historic cultural influences on this small island.  Most importantly, loose yourself in the beauty and romance of this Caribbean getaway! 

For local info on gay and lesbian events, pick up a copy of Puerto Rico Breeze, the local gay information/travel newspaper.

Bienvenidos a Puerto Rico!