With so many places to chose from, picking the right sun destination for you can sometimes be pretty challenging. Is price more important or gay friendliness? Nightlife or quiet, relaxing beaches?
No gay beach, but there are a number of nice, clean beaches with excellent swimming.
Nighlife
No gay bars. There are a number of smaller beachfront bars in addition to what's available at your resort.
Best For
Those looking for a destination that is not overly developed, has mostly European and South American visitors and is good value.
Tips
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While not dangerous or homophobic, the island definitely has a very straight vibe.
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Most visitors are from other parts of Latin America, drawn by the good beaches and relatively low prices.
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Although part of Colombia, San Andres is off the coast of Nicaragua and doesn't have the safety issues common to mainland Colombia.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Decameron properties: All the available resorts are Decamerons, a decent, mid-range chain. The quality of the resorts is acceptable but don't expect top notch luxury, food or service.
As San Jose is not on the coast there are no beaches.
Nighlife
There are a number of gay bars in San Jose.
Best For
Those looking either a gay friendly city vacation or a package to the southwest coast, close to Manuel Antonio.
Tips
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San Jose is used primarily as a jumping off point to resorts on the Pacific coast. However, some packages are available to San Jose itself as are week long tours emphasizing the natural beauties of Costa Rica.
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Although no package vacations are available to Manuel Antonio (the very gay friendly beach resort), packages are available to Jaco Beach, about 45 minutes away.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Costa Rica Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott and Best Western Irazu: The best choices in San Jose itself.
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Best Western Jaco Beach: Best available choice near Manuel Antonio.
Those looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway where you spend all your time on the resort.
Tips
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There is only one resort offered here, about 90 minutes from San Salvador. This is a great choice if you're looking for a quiet escape and want to just sit in the sun or get some serious reading done.
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The beach here is small but with nice, fine sand.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Royal Decameron Salinitas: A 4 star resort, often available at an excellent price.
There are a number of clubs and bars in Santo Domingo itself.
Best For
Those who will be satisfied with ok beaches and who are looking for a good value vacation with some gay nightlife.
Tips
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Santo Domingo has a surprisingly active gay community with some decent clubs.
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All the resorts offered are not in Santo Domingo itself but along the coast to Boca Chica.
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Because the airport at Santo Domingo is also relatively close to the resort areas at La Romana and Punta Cana, tour companies that fly into Santo Domingo offer resorts in all three locations. So if you want to be in Santo Domingo, check to ensure your resort is actually located there rather than La Romana or Punta Cana.
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If you want excellent beaches, consider Punta Cana as an alternative.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Don Juan Beach Resort: A cheap and cheerful 3 star property.
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Oasis Hamaca and Coral Costa Caribe: Two solid 4 star resorts.
