Featured Gay Friendly Hotels in Belize

Gay Belize

Gay Scene in Belize

Owing in part to the many varied cultures that have settled this Central American country, Belize, for the most part, is a religiously conservative nation. (There's even a significant population of Prussian Mennonites who are among the most traditional and conservative of all on the mainland of Belize.) The majority is Roman Catholics, though, as would be expected for the region. There is not much of a local gay scene, which means there are no advertised gay venues, clubs, or events. Front desk personnel at hotels will certainly have suggestions for you to do, but there will be no explicitly-gay options in general.

That being said, Ambergris Caye is the most populated area for tourists in the country. Ambergris Caye is a romantic and adventuresome destination where you can lounge in luxurious accommodations with a lover, relax by a gorgeous swimming pool, go diving every day with adrenaline-junky friends.  You can also sail, snorkel, and dive on privately chartered catamarans in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and the Cayes and Atolls of Belize.

Public displays of affection are not frowned upon for couples, however not encouraged, straights included, so keep your hands to yourself and avoid the conspicuous in favor of the generic. The solitude and tranquility of the natural Belizean geographical features will leave you breathless, so don't let that small setback keep you from visiting this amazing place.

When to Visit

There is no  "best time to visit Belize" other than North American's prefer during winter months, usually from November through mid-May. This is considered the "Dry Season"; however, you should still expect rain throughout the year in different areas, more in the South than in the North, because of Belize's tropical climate. The weather is warm all year, with stable temperatures in the upper 70s/low 80s.  From June to September, summertime is a beautiful time to visit with the calmer weather and "still" being warmer than the winter months reaching the 90s.  Also during this time, typically everything from Hotels to Activities being are offered more affordable with some discounts.

Belizeans were granted their Independence as a country on September 21, 1981. The whole month of September is considered a time of celebration "The September Celebrations" due to other national holidays and many other festivals & events taking place concurrently during the same month.  Another "newer" attraction on Ambergris Caye is Lobster Fest on June 15th, when lobster season opens.  Everything from lobster pizza to lobster ice cream.

Gay-Friendly Activities & Attractions

One of Belize's best attractions is its spectacular natural beauty. From The Blue Hole, the Turneffe Atolls, and many Cayes (islands and pronounced keys), to the Caribbean beaches or hiking in the jungles to hidden waterfalls, zip-lining through the jungle canopies, there are plenty of great outdoor activities to take in while visiting Belize.

The Blue Hole is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World; it's a large underwater sinkhole near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small Atoll about 2 hours off the mainland or 2 1/2 from Ambergris Caye. There are many diving and snorkeling expeditions off the coast of Belize, and divers describe The Blue Hole as a unique experience.  Diving in Belize is considered some of the best globally, with the longest living Barrier Reef in the World.  The Turneffe Atolls are breathtaking.  One way to experience The Blue Hole could be by a sailing Catamaran Charter for a few days and take it all in.

For those wanting more water sports and activities, visit Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker— the most popular Cayes off the North Coast of Belize. The Belize Barrier Reef is located less than one-quarter mile off the Cayes; San Pedro it is five minutes away.  You'll find Tour Operators offering diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing expeditions, along with some different ideas with swimming with manatees or even beach BBQs. 

For activities on the mainland,  there are daily trips available by boat or plane for the day, or you can spend a few days inland and do a "Surf & Turf".  Most people interested in the history of Central America flock to the Ancient Mayan archaeological site at Xunantunich in western Belize, near the border to Guatemala. The ruins sit on a flattened hilltop overlooking the Mopan River, but the most impressive is the towering El Castillo (The Castle) complex part of the ruins.  It is incredible to see how things were built and constructed back in those days and the skills they had to complete the unthinkable of projects and buildings.

Gay-Friendly Nightlife

Most of the gay-friendly nightlife is in San Pedro's tourist areas, Ambergris Caye, the largest of the Cayes, and/or in Caye Caulker, a bit further South of Ambergris Caye.

Ambergris Caye and the town of San Pedro has everything you can want or need for a fantastic vacation from start to finish.  From budget-friendly hostels to high-end boutique resorts. Belize is known to not have so-called "chains" in either hotels or food.  Street park food stands, as we call it, in Central Park or higher-end restaurants and bars that "dot" the beach up and down the coast and interior restaurants with more of a local "flair".  Most bars and restaurants are located in the area known as Boca Del Rio, creating a busier atmosphere to walk from one end to the other and "bar hop."  Or head downtown where the beach is lovely and quieter with Central Park and even just a bit further south where it is foot traffic only and great spots to dine and relax on a nice stretch of beach.  

Caye Caulker is a bit more budget-friendly and caters more to backpackers and the younger generation, so you'll find fewer nightlife options.  It's a quaint, sleepy fishing village and a great spot to visit you don't want to miss.  

If you head South of the country, visit Placencia and walk the Boardwalk and the shop along the way to experience the other end of the country.  Any public displays of affection here are not recommended.

Safety

Belize still does not recognize same-sex marriages, but the country made headlines in 2016 when it was the first former British colony in the Caribbean to overturn its anti-sodomy law. Belize's tourism has made the country more accepting, but it's best still to avoid public displays of over affection. Some people will be shocked by gay PDA, so be discreet and mindful of the country's attitudes. Belize is still very much a conservative country, but a must place to visit.  Once you do, you will see why.

Just be respectful of the local culture and enjoy the natural scenery; you're sure to have a wonderful time.

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