Exploring Belize's Underground Gay Club Scene

Belize is a small country in Central America, boasting one of the world's finest barrier reefs and many Mayan ruins. While it is a relatively conservative country, it has become an increasingly popular destination for LGBTQ+ travellers in recent years. So, are there gay clubs in Belize?

Gay-friendly nightlife in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is the most gay-friendly destination in Belize. While there are no venues specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, the town is known for its liberal attitudes and party-like atmosphere, with bars, restaurants, and clubs catering to everybody.

Where to go

Most of the gay-friendly nightlife is found in the tourist areas of San Pedro. The area known as Boca Del Rio has a busy atmosphere, with a selection of bars and restaurants within walking distance of each other. Downtown, you'll find a quieter scene, with a lovely beach, Central Park, and a stretch of beach that's foot traffic only.

When to go

If you want to experience the thriving gay nightlife scene in San Pedro, visit during the high season.

LGBTQ+ life in Belize

Belize is a religiously conservative country, and there is not much of a local gay scene. There are no advertised gay venues, clubs, or events. However, this has been slowly but surely improving, and LGBTQ+ expats are welcome. In 2016, Belize became the first former British colony in the Caribbean to overturn its anti-sodomy law, and many LGBTQ+ organisations have since become more visible and active.

LGBTQ+ tourism in Belize

Belize has a significant number of LGBTQ+ service providers, and many resorts host LGBTQ+ events and market specifically to LGBTQ+ visitors. While LGBTQ+ tourists should not face discrimination, public displays of affection are discouraged for all couples in Belize, regardless of sexual orientation.

Gay-friendly resorts in Belize

Belize is a religiously conservative nation, with the majority of the population being Roman Catholics, and a significant population of Prussian Mennonites, who are among the most traditional and conservative people in the country. There is no local gay scene, with no advertised gay venues, clubs, or events. However, Belize does offer a range of gay-friendly resorts and hotels. Here are some options for gay-friendly resorts in Belize:

Itzana Resort and Residences

Itzana Resort and Residences is a luxury gay-friendly resort nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Mayan Jungle on the paradise island of Belize. The resort offers beachfront luxury villas with kitchens, decking, multiple rooms, and plunge pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Guests can also opt for rooms and suites with sea views, penthouses, pool views, and beachfront suites with living areas and deluxe options. All rooms and villas come with king-sized beds, a safe, and free WiFi. The resort also features a large outdoor pool with lounge chairs and poolside service, a private beach with food and drink services, a spa, an on-site shop, and a yoga deck. Itzana Resort is pet-friendly and offers a range of activities such as hair braiding, cooking classes, local culture drumming lessons, and rum-tasting sessions.

Ka'ana Resort

Ka'ana Resort is a gay-friendly luxury oasis nestled in the heart of the tropical jungle of western Belize, inspired by its name, which means "heavenly place." The resort features a picturesque outdoor pool with a sunbathing terrace and a spa offering a variety of treatments, including the local Mayan Abdominal massage. Accommodations include private villas with private outdoor terraces, plunge pools, gardens, complimentary WiFi, robes, hairdryers, and large flat-screen TVs. The on-site La Ceiba restaurant offers local and international cuisine, with most ingredients sourced from the resort's organic garden. The Wallace bar provides a courtyard setting to relax and enjoy cocktails in a jungle-casual atmosphere. Ka'ana Resort is a perfect paired stay with its sister resort, the Itzana Resort, offering both tropical coastline and jungle adventure options.

Mahogany Hall Resort

Mahogany Hall Resort is a gay-friendly resort located in Bullet Tree Falls, Belize. The resort offers private luxury accommodations with free WiFi, free parking, and stunning views.

GumboLimbo Jungle Resort

GumboLimbo Jungle Resort is a gay-friendly resort located in Georgeville, Belize. The resort offers Maya Mountain views with large private cabanas and natural beauty and exciting adventures. Guests can relax by the pool or explore the surrounding tropical rainforests. The resort provides breakfast and welcomes children.

Chabil Mar

Chabil Mar is a gay-friendly luxury boutique resort in Placencia, Belize, inspired by the natural beauty of the country. The villas feature local art, Belize hardwoods, and décor, immersed in a lush landscape of exquisite flora and fauna on the Caribbean. Chabil Mar offers a full-service experience with dining options and a private village location.

While there may not be a dedicated gay scene in Belize, these resorts offer welcoming and safe environments for LGBTQ+ travellers. It is important to note that, according to human rights and LGBTQ+ organisations, sexual orientation and gender identity are criminalised or marginalised in Belize, so LGBTQ+ travellers are advised to refrain from public displays of affection and remain cautious.

Gay-friendly restaurants in Belize

Belize is a religiously conservative country, with the majority of the population being Roman Catholics. There are no advertised gay venues, clubs, or events, and public displays of affection are generally discouraged, regardless of sexual orientation. However, the country has been a popular destination for foreign LGBTQ+ travellers for a long time.

Belize is known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant nightlife, and is considered a safe and exciting destination for queer travellers. The country has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and organisations that support and promote the rights of LGBTQ+ people. While there are no restaurants specifically catering to LGBTQ+ individuals, there are several gay-friendly areas in the country, particularly in the small islands, or "Cayes".

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro is the most gay-friendly destination in Belize and has a thriving gay nightlife scene during the high season. The bars, restaurants, and clubs in this area cater to everyone. It is also a popular tourist area with luxurious accommodations, gorgeous swimming pools, and beautiful beaches.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker, located slightly south of Ambergris Caye, is a popular spot for LGBTQ+ travellers, especially those on a budget. The island caters to a younger population and offers numerous budget-friendly options. The beaches here are perfect for kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and other marine activities.

Placencia

Placencia is a safe and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ couples. The Belize Ocean Club in Placencia hosted a well-attended event during Pride Week, showing the area's support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Belmopan

Belmopan, the capital city of Belize, hosts the yearly Pride Belmopan event, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. This event is organised by young LGBTQ+ Belizeans and showcases the growing acceptance and relaxed attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

While there may not be any LGBTQ+-specific restaurants in Belize, the country is generally quite tolerant, and LGBTQ+ travellers can feel safe and comfortable dining at the restaurants in the above-mentioned areas. It is important to be mindful of local customs and avoid public displays of affection to avoid unwanted attention.

Gay-friendly activities in Belize

Belize is a religiously conservative nation with no specific gay venues, clubs, or events. However, it is a popular destination for foreign LGBTQ+ travellers, with a range of gay-friendly activities and attractions. Here are some suggestions for LGBTQ+ travellers looking to explore this beautiful country:

Explore the natural wonders

Belize boasts breathtaking natural beauty, from the Blue Hole, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, to the Turneffe Atolls and numerous Cayes (pronounced "keys"). The country's Caribbean beaches and lush jungles offer a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking to hidden waterfalls and zip-lining through the jungle canopies.

Dive into the underwater world

Belize is renowned for its scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. Explore the Blue Hole, a large underwater sinkhole near the centre of Lighthouse Reef, or venture to the Belize Barrier Reef, located just off the Cayes. Join diving and snorkelling expeditions to discover the vibrant marine life and pristine coral reefs.

Ancient Mayan ruins

For a glimpse into the past, visit the Ancient Mayan archaeological site at Xunantunich in western Belize, near the border with Guatemala. Marvel at the towering El Castillo complex and gain insights into the ancient construction techniques and skills of the Maya.

Island vibes on Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye, the largest of the Cayes, offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious boutique resorts. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, indulge in water sports, or simply relax on the breathtaking beaches. Ambergris Caye is known for its LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere, with clubs, bars, and restaurants welcoming everyone.

Caye Caulker for the adventurous

Located just south of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker caters to a younger crowd with budget-friendly options. It's a haven for marine activities such as kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing. Explore the island's quaint fishing village and immerse yourself in the local culture.

San Pedro, a gay-friendly hub

San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, is known for its liberal attitudes and vibrant gay-friendly nightlife. During the high season, you'll discover a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. San Pedro is also home to a diverse range of bars, restaurants, and clubs that cater to everyone.

While Belize may not have specific gay clubs, its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and welcoming atmosphere offer LGBTQ+ travellers a unique and memorable experience. Always remember to be mindful of local customs and avoid public displays of affection to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Gay pride events in Belize

While there are no gay clubs in Belize, there are plenty of gay-friendly venues and resorts, particularly in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. Belize is a religiously conservative country, and public displays of affection are generally discouraged, whether from straight or gay couples. However, the country has become an increasingly popular destination for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Belize held its first Pride Week in August 2017, with activities to raise awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community taking place across the country. This followed the decriminalisation of same-sex sexual activity in 2016, when the Supreme Court ruled that the country's anti-sodomy law was unconstitutional.

The organisation UNIBAM (United Belize Advocacy Movement) organises Pride Week events and advocates for greater understanding and integration of all people in Belize. The group's executive director, Caleb Orozco, played a key role in the legal challenge to the anti-sodomy law.

While there has never been an official Gay Pride parade in Belize, there have been a number of private functions, including a Pride Week held in San Pedro in 2015. San Pedro is known for its drag queens and other non-cisgender events throughout the year, demonstrating a widespread tolerance among Belizeans for people to act, dress, and behave as they wish.

Frequently asked questions