Gay-Friendly Travel: Belize And Costa Rica

Belize and Costa Rica have different reputations when it comes to LGBTQ+ friendliness. While Costa Rica is considered one of the most gay-friendly countries in Central America, Belize is not regarded as the most welcoming destination for gay travellers.

Gay-friendly nightlife in Belize

Belize is a religiously conservative nation, with a majority Roman Catholic population. While there is no local gay scene to speak of, with no advertised gay venues, clubs, or events, there are still some gay-friendly nightlife options in the country. Most of the gay-friendly nightlife is found in San Pedro's tourist areas on Ambergris Caye, the largest of the Cayes, and/or in Caye Caulker, a bit further south.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is considered the most gay-friendly destination in Belize. While there are no specific gay or lesbian locations, the bars, restaurants, and clubs cater to everybody. During the high season, a thriving gay nightlife scene emerges. LGBT Belizeans and expats own and run many businesses in San Pedro in the open. LGBT expats in other areas of Belize tend to live their lives more privately, being mindful of the religious and traditional values of their communities.

Ambergris Caye and the town of San Pedro offer everything from budget-friendly hostels to high-end boutique resorts, as well as street food stands and higher-end restaurants and bars. Most bars and restaurants are located in the area known as Boca Del Rio, creating a busy atmosphere for bar-hopping. Downtown, the beach is quieter, with Central Park offering a lovely stretch of beach for dining and relaxing.

Caye Caulker caters more to backpackers and the younger generation, so there are fewer nightlife options. It's a quaint, sleepy fishing village with a budget-friendly atmosphere.

While gay bars are essentially unheard of in Belize, there are a few lodges that are known to be especially gay-friendly. On Ambergris Caye in the city of San Pedro, there is a tiny resort called Changes in Latitude Bed and Breakfast, which is reportedly gay-owned. In the San Ignacio area, Kumquat Cottage and the Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge are also gay-friendly options.

Gay marriage in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the most gay-friendly Central American country, especially in the capital city of San Jose. There are several welcoming gay bars and discos, such as La Avispa, which has been open since the late 1970s. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Costa Rica since May 26, 2020, following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice. This made Costa Rica the first country in Central America to recognize and perform same-sex marriages.

The road to marriage equality in Costa Rica was long and challenging. In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled against recognizing same-sex marriage in family law. In 2013, a same-sex couple sought to have their union recognized under a new law, but it was unclear if this would survive a constitutional challenge. In 2015, two bills on the matter were prioritized by the Solís Government, and a partnership proposal was sent to the Legislative Assembly. That same year, Costa Rica saw its first same-sex marriage due to a clerical error.

In 2016, President Luis Guillermo Solís, who had not been a vocal supporter of equal marriage rights, consulted the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) on whether Costa Rica was obligated to offer LGBT people property and estate rights and allow transgender people to change their gender identity in national documents. In 2017, the IACHR issued a landmark ruling stating that all rights applicable to the family relationships of heterosexual couples should also extend to same-sex couples. This ruling set a binding precedent for 15 other American countries.

In 2018, the Supreme Court of Justice of Costa Rica declared the sections of the Family Code prohibiting same-sex marriage to be unconstitutional and gave the Legislative Assembly 18 months to reform the law. This followed a 2018 IACHR ruling that countries signatory to the American Convention on Human Rights are required to allow same-sex couples to marry. Despite attempts by conservative lawmakers to delay the deadline, same-sex marriage became legal in Costa Rica on May 26, 2020.

Gay travel in Belize

Belize is a socially conservative country with a strong Catholic influence, and public displays of same-sex affection are rare and generally frowned upon. Homosexuality was illegal until 2016, when the country's Supreme Court decriminalised same-sex sexual activity. While this was a huge step forward, Belize is still culturally and religiously opposed to homosexuality, and same-sex marriage is not recognised. As such, gay travellers should be discreet in most public areas to avoid potential issues.

Gay-Friendly Destinations

San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye is considered the most gay-friendly destination in Belize. While there are no openly gay bars, clubs or events, the bars, restaurants and clubs cater to everybody, and there is a thriving gay nightlife scene during the high season. LGBT people own and run many businesses in San Pedro, and LGBT expats come here for the more liberal attitudes. Ambergris Caye is also the country's most popular tourist destination, offering luxurious accommodations, gorgeous swimming pools, and adrenaline-pumping diving experiences.

Caye Caulker, a fishing village south of Ambergris Caye, is another option. It caters more to backpackers and the younger generation, so there are fewer nightlife options, but it is still a quaint and sleepy spot worth visiting.

Attractions and Activities

Belize boasts spectacular natural beauty, with uncrowded beaches, the Blue Hole, the Turneffe Atolls, and many Cayes (islands). There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including diving and snorkelling expeditions off the coast, zip-lining through jungle canopies, and sailing and fishing expeditions.

LGBT Tourism

Belize has a significant number of LGBT service providers in its tourism industry, and many resorts host LGBT events and market specifically to LGBT visitors. LGBT tourism has made the country more accepting, but public displays of affection, whether gay or straight, are still discouraged.

Legal Considerations

While same-sex sexual activity is now legal, LGBT persons in Belize still face some legal challenges. Same-sex marriage is not recognised, and same-sex couples do not have the same rights as heterosexual couples in terms of adoption and other areas. Additionally, under Section 5(1) of the Immigration Act, homosexuals are listed as "prohibited immigrants". However, Belize has taken steps to address discrimination, violence and hate crimes against LGBT people, and young LGBT Belizeans are feeling empowered to live openly.

Gay rights in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is considered the most gay-friendly country in Central America, with a thriving gay scene in the capital city of San Jose. San Jose is home to a number of gay bars and discos, including La Avispa, which has been open since the late 1970s. The city also boasts a gay, lesbian, and straight-friendly luxury boutique hotel called Colours Oasis Resort.

Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations, is also known for its sizeable and evolving gay scene. Several bars and hotels in Manuel Antonio are not just inclusive but also gay-owned, such as Café Agua Azul, a bar/restaurant with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

While Costa Rica is a leader in gay rights in Central America, same-sex marriage is not legal in the country. However, Costa Rica has made significant progress in recent years, and it continues to be a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers from around the world.

In contrast, Belize, another Central American country, has a less positive track record when it comes to gay rights. While same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 2016, and the country held its first Pride Week in 2017, Belize remains a religiously and socially conservative nation. Public displays of same-sex affection are rare and often frowned upon, and there is no dedicated gay bar or club scene in the country. However, Belize has a growing number of gay-friendly businesses and resorts, particularly in tourist areas like San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye.

Gay-friendly activities in Belize

Belize is a socially conservative country with a strong Catholic presence, and same-sex marriage is not recognised. However, same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 2016, and the country held its first Pride Week in 2017. While there is no specific gay scene in Belize, there are plenty of gay-friendly activities to enjoy.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro is considered the most gay-friendly destination in Belize. While there are no gay bars, the restaurants, clubs, and bars cater to everybody, and there is a thriving gay nightlife scene during the high season. Many businesses in San Pedro are openly owned and run by LGBT people.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a budget-friendly alternative to San Pedro, catering more to backpackers and the younger generation. It's a quaint, sleepy fishing village with fewer nightlife options but is still worth a visit.

Diving and snorkelling

Belize is known for its spectacular natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The Blue Hole, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, is a large underwater sinkhole located near the centre of Lighthouse Reef. There are many diving and snorkelling expeditions off the coast of Belize, and divers describe The Blue Hole as a unique experience. The Belize Barrier Reef is located less than a quarter of a mile off Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, with tour operators offering diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing expeditions.

Ancient Mayan archaeological site at Xunantunich

For activities on the mainland, a popular attraction is the Ancient Mayan archaeological site at Xunantunich in western Belize, near the border with Guatemala. The ruins sit on a flattened hilltop overlooking the Mopan River, and the most impressive is the towering El Castillo complex.

Lobster Fest

If you visit Belize in June, you can catch Lobster Fest on the 15th, when the lobster season opens. You can enjoy lobster pizza, lobster ice cream, and more!

Frequently asked questions