Gay bar in california lighthouse, aruba

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Sergio and I just returned from a vacation to the Caribbean island of Aruba, and I wanted to share some of our photos and impressions while we still have the tan lines to prove we were there. We spent five nights in Aruba exploring parts of the island, checking out different beaches, and eating. The island has many reefs and the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean make it ideal for snorkeling and SCUBA, but Sergio and I opted to forgo such activities. However, we did spot and chat with a few gay travelers, and we never felt uncomfortable or unwelcome.

Its close ties with the Dutch has given the island of , people a cosmopolitan worldview. The country does not prohibit same-gender sexual activity and in passed anti-discrimination laws. Though it has not legalized same-gender marriage, it recognizes marriages performed in the Netherlands and in legalized civil partnerships that include same-gender couples. The result is that Aruba is commonly referred to as one of the most queer-friendly and progressive islands in the Caribbean.

When it comes to travelling to the Caribbean as a gay couple, it can be a bit of a challenge given the overall regions conservative views, and even anti-gay laws on some islands. But the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of the Caribbean and as a result are some of the most popular choices of Caribbean islands for gay travellers. We first visited Aruba for a day during our last Atlantis gay cruise and immediately fell in love with the island vibe, the white beaches, crystal clear sea and colourful houses. We knew we wanted to return so jumped at the chance for a longer visit later that same year.