LGBTQ in Aruba: Is Aruba gay friendly?

Welcome to Aruba, one of the Caribbean’s more progressive destinations. Aruba offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all visitors – no matter your sexual orientation. That’s right – Aruba is gay friendly!

While the island has limited dedicated gay bars, clubs, or hotels, its inclusive nature and open minded residents provide a perfect setting for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to relax and enjoy a vacation. In fact, all of the resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs are LGBTQ friendly in Aruba. Here you’ll be able to enjoy an amazing beach paradise with the one you love, without judgement or concern.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Aruba gay friendly to ensure your experience on the island is as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible.

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Gay Rights in Aruba

Aruba stands out as one of the Caribbean’s more progressive and LGBTQ friendly destinations. In fact, I’d go so far as to say homosexuality is a nonissue on the island. There’s been a big push in recent years to bring equal rights to everyone on the island, including the LGBTQ community in Aruba. The island’s government has actually put nondiscrimination laws in place for fair and equal treatment of everyone.

Additionally, same-sex relationships and relations are legal on the island, but the legalization of same-sex marriage in Aruba has not yet passed. Despite the fact that same-sex couples cannot legally marry in Aruba, same-sex marriages performed in other parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are recognized on the island. This includes same-sex marriages from the Netherlands, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. (Curacao also has not legalized same-sex marriages yet.)

Another option for those in committed same-sex relationships in Aruba is to become a “registered partnership”. This option came about on September 1, 2021 when it was put into law as an option for opposite-sex couples and same-sex couples.

If you’re looking for a LGBTQ vacation destination, Aruba may be it! It offers a safe and open environment for gay individuals and couples alike. Everyone can enjoy the island’s judgment-free space to celebrate love and personal choices.

While Aruba is generally widely accepting of everyone, there are a few hotels better known for being gay friendly and a few that are even TAG approved (Travel Advocacy Group). This means they have undergone a qualification process by IGLTA, one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ travel networks, that reviews their employment policies and how they support the LGBTQ community in Aruba.

(As the TAG Approval is an annual subscription, we have also included hotels who have been TAG approved in recent years even though they may currently have let their membership lapse.)

If you want to ensure you have a great time, check out these LGBTQ friendly hotels in Aruba.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort (Adult-Only)

Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Ritz-Carlton Aruba

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resorts

Gay Bars in Aruba

A few years ago, you would have found multiple gay bars in Aruba, however many did not survive the COVID pandemic. Fortunately, there is still one gay club in Aruba, and when it is not open, you’ll be happy to know most bars around the island are LGBTQ friendly and welcoming to everyone.

Let’s take a deeper look at Aruba’s gay bar.

Cage Night Club

Located in Eagle Beach, Cage Night Club is considered the only gay club in Aruba. The club is known for being fun and accepting of everyone, no matter their gender or sexuality. For something extra fun, stop in on a Thursday night. Every Thursday, the “Cage Dolls” put on the best drag show in Aruba. It’s a great time for all with amazing performers and costumes making it one of the most unique things to do on the island.

Fair warning, this Aruba gay bar is only open a couple nights per week, currently Thursdays and Saturdays. Other days it is available for private parties, weddings, birthdays, etc. Make sure to check their Facebook page for other special events like latin nights and Pride celebrations in Aruba.

@7 Club Lounge (Permanently Closed)

Once a LQBTQ+ hotspot supported by Aruba’s gay community, @7 Club (formerly Jimmy’s Place) was a symbol of inclusivity and celebration on the island. Known for its motto celebrating the “Beauty of Diversity,” the club welcomed everyone to come together in a space built on tolerance and unity. It was the center of what was known as District 7 Aruba, the home of Aruba’s gay scene.

This multi-area venue featured something for every mood:

• Le Club: The main dance floor pulsing with world-class DJs and light shows
• Gin & Olive Garden: Serving creative gin cocktails inspired by fresh herbs
• La Terrasse: The outdoor lounge under the stars
• VIP rooms: Perfect for private parties with stocked bars and personalized service

@7 Club Aruba was also famous for its community events, such as Queen’s Bingo Night and Karaoke Night, which made it a great gathering place. Though the club has since closed, it remains an important part of Aruba’s LGBTQ nightlife history, remembered fondly for its energy, inclusivity, and unforgettable nights.

Does District 7 still exist in Aruba? The area is still there, but it has changed quite a bit over the years since @7 Club closed. It is no longer considered the epicenter of Aruba’s gay community.