Many people have questioned how gay-friendly the Caribbean truly is. With recent concerts of Jamaican reggae stars being canceled due to their homophobic lyrics and a hate crime in St. Maarteen recently where a gay newscaster was brutally beaten, one wonders if the Caribbean is a safe and worthy destination for gay tourists to visit. But for all the negative publicity that some island nations have received there are many places where we are welcome and safe.

Beach Boy in San Juan

The gay-friendliest destination in the Caribbean is Puerto Rico. With gay clubs, bars, gay-friendly bed and breakfasts and restaurants and even a bath -house, San Juan, Puerto Rico has become the hub of gay culture in the Caribbean. Compared with other gay destinations, Puerto Rico may seem lacking in having a bustling gay culture. But it is there quite and obtuse waiting for you to join in the fun and festivities as sparse as they may be. Why come to San Juan if the gay community is not as happening as tropical areas such as South Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, or even Honolulu. We come there because of the beauty of the island, the beauty of the Puerto Rican men, and the richness of the Puerto Rican culture and history itself. Puerto Rico is a beautiful destination to visit and a wonderful place to begin a cruise or visit as one of your cruise destinations.

Old San Jaun Architecture

"Must Sees" in Puerto Rico

Old San Juan is a very charming colonial city complete with brightly painted buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and peek-a-boo views of the harbor and out to the Caribbean. The city offers fine dining, shopping, straight bars, and plenty of picture taking opportunities of some of the most interesting architecture in the Caribbean. At dusk the city takes on a very Pirates of the Caribbean-esque tone. El Morro Fort is a short walk from Old San Juan or taxi ride. This historical fortress dates back to the days of pirates and swashbucklers. The fort is an amazing place to take panoramic photos of Old San Juan and a great place to reprieve from the hot Caribbean sun as you explore the cool, dark rooms.

El Yunque National Rain Forest

The El Yunque National Rain Forest is an easy 30 -minute drive from San Juan. The 28,000-acre park includes hiking trails that travel through lushly forested hills, traversing mountain streams, and passing spectacular waterfalls.

Where The Boys Are

Bars & Discos

Eros - disco with strippers and entertainment
1257 Ponce de Leon, Santurce; 787/722-1131;
www.erostheclub.com

Junior's Bar- neighborhood bar with drag shows
602 Calle Condado;
787/723-9477

CUPS- Womens bar
1708 Calle San Mateo, Santurce;
787/268-3570

Atlantic Beach Bar - hotel beach bar with Tea Dance
Atlantic Beach Hotel, Calle Vendig #1, Condado;
787/721-6900

Kouros- New York style disco
1515 Ponce de Leon, Santurce;
787/977-0771

Vibrations - Bar with backroom
#51 Barranquitas Street, El Condado

Tia Maria's - Bar with pool tables
Jose de Diego Pda. 22 near Bellas Artes, Santurce

Bath Houses

Steamworks - San Juans only bath house. Old town close.
205 Calle Luna, Old San Juan;
787/725-4993

Gay Beaches

Atlantic Beach - in front of the Atlantic Beach Hotel Calle Vendig #1, Condado