LGBTQ+ Aruba Travel Guide: Why the Dutch Caribbean island is an inclusive paradise
In partnership with Aruba Tourism Authority
The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba offers all the ingredients for a blissful escape: picture-perfect white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and year-round sunshine.
But for LGBTQ+ travellers, there is an extra element a destination requires: acceptance. And in a region that has historically not been progressive on this matter, Aruba has bucked the trend.
To get an insider’s look at the island’s evolving cultural landscape, Attitude spoke with Edjean Semeleer, local singer, wedding officiant, and co-founder of the Go Cultura Foundation, a non-profit which works to safeguard the island’s cultural heritage. Having grown up in Aruba, he has witnessed the island’s evolving relationship with the LGBTQ+ community firsthand.
“In my case, I didn’t just grow up on the island. The island saw me growing up,” Semeleer, who says his singing career began aged 10 when he appeared on local television, shares. “I also saw how much the island changed and now I can love openly and I can be myself openly as a public figure. So I think that also helps a lot when it comes to shifting consciousness and shifting attitudes on the island.”
Celebrating Marriage Equality in Paradise
For the local queer community, the mid-2024 marriage equality milestone was nothing short of transformative.
“For us, it felt extremely liberating,” he recalls. “I got married to my husband in February 2025. It was a very publicly celebrated one in the sense that we got married in the week that Aruba celebrated its biggest cultural event, which is Carnival. Two days after we got married, hundreds of people were hugging us and taking selfies. It helps in that process of people understanding even more that love is love.”
As a professional wedding officiant who has conducted over 120 ceremonies, he notes a steady rise in same-sex couples choosing Aruba to say “I do.” His biggest piece of advice for couples planning a destination wedding? Look beyond the pamphlets and embrace the island’s authentic cultural traditions including a unique connection to the surrounding sea.
“When I do the ceremonies, the ocean becomes a witness, like a living witness in my scripts,” he explains. “It comes natural as a local that when you are close to the ocean, you greet it. We just grow up doing that.”
A welcoming LGBTQ+ haven
Hesitation about visiting Caribbean destinations is common among queer travellers, but Aruba stands out for its deep-rooted multiculturalism and safety. Currently ranking as one of the Caribbean’s safest destinations, Aruba consistently reports crime rates of under one per cent. For many members of the LGBTQ+ community, having this level of reassurance can feel transformative.
“As a local, walking around with my husband, I don’t feel like I have to diminish myself or diminish ourselves.” Semeleer tells us. “Because Aruba has been exposed to the world, the door has always been open and we are a very multicultural society. You are exposed to different ways of thinking and living and dealing with people who live and people who visit. So because of that, I think it would feel very welcoming”
When asked, Semeleer’s response to queer hotspot is broad before he narrows it down.
“Basically, any place that you go, and a lot of them actually promote that they’re queer friendly, here. During Pride Month, you see so many companies and organisations posting the rainbow flag, for instance, on their profile, reassuring the community that you are welcome here,” he extolls. “However, there is Cage Nightclub, and their very popular drag shows every Thursday. Amazing performers, amazing artistry.”
The Best Time to Visit Aruba
Because Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, there is truly no bad time to visit.
“If you’re visiting from January to March, it’s a celebration. It’s carnival season and the weather is beautiful.” Semeleer proclaims. “From March to June, there are so many celebrations, and we have a reason to celebrate everything here. At the end of the year, I mean, the holiday celebrations on the island, it’s also quite spectacular. I think any time of year would be the best time to visit.”
Whether you are looking to tie the knot on powder-soft sands, immerse yourself in local arts through initiatives like the Go Cultura Foundation, or simply soak up the sun without hiding who you are, Aruba proves that its “One Happy Island” motto applies to everyone.
Start your journey via the official Aruba tourism website.