Gay Cancun – Ultimate Travel Guide, Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Activities (Updated 2024)

Gay Cancun – a city universally known for its breathtaking white sandy beaches and ever-so-captivating azure blue water. Aquatic activities, Mayan culture, natural wonders, and a lot of fantastic adventures await you.

This city offers a legendary nightlife with its international delicacies, traditional handicraft markets, spas, exclusive shops, shows, bars, nightclubs, and a lot more. 

This popular Mexican city is located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Quintana Roo. It is one of the cities in Mexico that is located on the country’s easternmost point, the Caribbean Sea.

Gay Cancun has a generally warm semi-tropical climate and, as a tourist destination, offers resorts, gay nightlife, and Spring break parties.

The city has everything you’re looking for to have an unforgettable experience.

If you are thinking about going somewhere else you can try other Gay Travel Guides.

Remember to always check out the latest rules and restrictions before you leave.

Gay Scene in Gay Cancun

Cancun’s LGBTQ+ scene is centered in El Centro, the city’s central district.

Each evening tourists and locals alike are entertained by amazing acrobatic acts, exclusive shows, and concerts with special artists, entertainers, and drag queen performers, while street entertainers take their talents to the streets.

As the sun goes down, Gay Cancun’s fantastic gay bars take centre stage as locals and travelers flock to nightclubs, dance clubs, pubs, and festivals to hear music, eat, drink, and socialize.

Huge clubs like Coco Bongo surround the hotel zone, and it’s little wonder why Gay Cancun has a reputation as one of the best party places in the world for Spring Break and beyond.

Gay Cancun is truly a city where you can party until the sun comes up!

The two most popular gay-friendly beaches in Gay Cancun are Playa Mamitas and Playa Delfines. To keep up with the daily migration through the gay beach scene, watch the beach crowds – they’ll guide you.

If they’re not dancing, dining, or shopping, LGBTQ+ travelers can be found taking in the rays found where the ocean is a blue-green color, and the sand is warm.

Cancun Safety

Gay Cancun is unlikely to provide many difficulties to LGBTQ+ guests.

Despite Mexico’s high crime rate, the beaches of Gay Cancun can be considered safe as its resorts, major tourist cities, and attractions are protected by the Police.

There is still a risk of petty crime in this area, just as there is in any other part of the world, therefore precautions should be made to avoid unpleasant situations.

With the ongoing pandemic, you might also want to check out Mexico’s latest travel advisory. Click this link to view the latest travel guidelines.

Best Time to Visit Gay Cancun

Ideally, the best time to visit Gay Cancun is from December to April.

Despite the increased crowds, you’ll enjoy near-perfect weather. As it is the peak season, flights and hotel accommodation rates are more expensive though so you may need to spend extra time to look for some of the more affordable travel and hotel rates for a winter beach vacation.

If you want to keep a lower cost for your travel, the best time to visit is the rainy season from May to October.

Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Gay Cancun

Secrets The Vine Cancun

Secrets The Vine Cancun is a luxurious resort located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, offering Unlimited-Luxury, where everything is included in the stay.

The resort boasts world-class service, gourmet restaurants, top-shelf drinks, and endless day and nighttime activities.

Guests can indulge in their passion for wine, relax by the ocean, and enjoy a romantic getaway. Secrets The Vine provides the perfect setting for pampering, romantic experiences, and unforgettable memories.

Activities	Spa Fitness Center Restaurant Bar Swimming Pool Fireplace
Price	$$$-$$$$
Location	Secrets The Vine Cancun Blvd. Kukulcan km. 14.5 Retorno Del Rey, 77500 Cancun
Contact	Call +52 998 848 9400 No Email
Website	Secrets the Vine Resort Getaway | Secrets The Vine, Cancun Mexico

Grand Oasis Cancun

Grand Oasis Cancun is a great all-inclusive resort in Cancun, offering a wide range of entertainment, shows, and activities for all ages.

Guests can enjoy international culinary options throughout the day and night, and the resort offers adult-exclusive areas for couples or groups of friends to enjoy.

The rooms provide a comfortable place to rest with beautiful decor and breathtaking views of the ocean and sunset.

Activities	Restaurant Bar Fitness Center Pool Golf Course
Price	$$$-$$$$
Location	Grand Oasis Cancun Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 16.5, Cancun 77500 Mexico
Contact	Call   +52 55 4170 925 Contact – Information · Oasis Hotels & Resorts (oasishoteles.com)
Website	Grand Oasis Cancun all inclusive · Oasis Hotels & Resorts (oasishoteles.com)

Kempinski Hotel Cancun (former The Ritz-Carlton)

Kempinski is a renowned luxury hotel brand with a rich history of welcoming guests to the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip, Kempinski Hotels offer a range of experiences to suit every need.

With a focus on creating unforgettable moments, Kempinski is dedicated to crafting unique and personalized experiences that exceed expectations.

From breathtaking locations to world-class amenities and facilities, Kempinski hotels are designed to inspire and delight guests at every turn.

Activities	Swimming Pool Spa and Wellness Centre Sauna Jacuzzi Massage Fitness Centre Tennis Court Golf Course
Price	$$$-$$$$
Location	Kempinski Hotel Cancun (former The Ritz-Carlton) Retorno Del Rey #36, Zona Hotelera, Cancun
Contact	Call    +52 998 881 0808 info.cancun@kempinski.com
Website	5 Star Luxury Hotel in Cancún, Mexico | Kempinski Hotel Cancún

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Gay-Friendly Dining in Gay Cancun

The food of Gay Cancun, on the Yucatán Peninsula, has significant Spanish and Aztec influences, although its origins may be traced back 9,000 years to the Mayans.

Gay Cancun offers a selection of superb restaurants and a wide range of culinary pleasures.

Here are some of the lists of gay-friendly dining options that you might want to check out during your stay in the city:

1. Thai Lounge

Thai Lounge is all about unwinding, having a good time, having a laid-back design, and being in a tropical setting. It’s the ideal getaway from Cancun’s usual nightlife.

The entire concept is focused on a relaxed, almost homey style with lounge sections that imitate living rooms and provide a comfortable experience.

This lounge bar, in addition to wonderful cocktails, serves fantastic Thai cuisine, as the name implies. Their chef is a native of Bangkok, and he produces traditional Thai dishes that are occasionally infused with Mexican flavors.

Types of Food	Traditional Thai Foods
Price	$-$$
Location	BLVD KUKULCAN KM 12.5 ZONA HOTELERA,, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo
More Information	Thai Restaurant Cancun | Thai Restaurant Cancun

2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Cancun, Mexico, offers the greatest steakhouse experience. Their signature 500° sizzling plates and award-winning wine list are the ideal complements to any event.

Whether you’re coming for a romantic dinner, a business meeting, a private party, or just a drink at the bar, their Cancun steak restaurant will provide exceptional service and a memorable dining experience.

Types of Food	Steaks & Chops, Seafood, Soups and Salads
Price	$$$-$$$$
Location	KM. 13.5, Blvd. Kukulcan Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo
More Information	Ruth’s Chris Steak House (ruthschris.com)

3. Restaurante Benazuza

At Benazuza restaurant, you’ll find innovative recipes. Throughout Cancun’s large restaurant alternatives, they’ll surprise you with a new style.

You’ll be able to locate one-of-a-kind menus available only at this restaurant.

You’ll find modern Mexican-influenced food and pure and refined flavors served in a degustation menu comprised of a series of dishes that will provide you with a thorough overview of this unique and entertaining cuisine. 

Types of Food	Fish, Meat, Corn, Cheese, Mexican Cuisine
Price	$$$-$$$$
Location	Km 16.5 Blvd Kukulcan, 77500 Cancun
More Information	Benazuza – Techno-emotional cuisine · Oasis Hotels & Resorts (oasishoteles.com)

4. La Habichuela

Since 1977, La Habichuela has pleased the palates of locals and travelers alike and has become a Cancun legend.

They have worked hard to offer real and excellent dishes as heirs to the famous gastronomic traditions of Mexico and the Caribbean, without forgetting Mexican cuisine’s preferences and the Caribbean Sea’s delicious flavor.

Types of Food	Salads, Shrimp, Soft-shell Crabs, Desserts
Price	$$$
Location	Margaritas Street # 25 Downtown, In the Heart of Downtown. Palapas Park Main Plaza, 77500 Cancun
More Information	▷ A Cancun Classic for more than 45 years / La Habichuela

5. Cocina de autor en Cancun – Chef Cristian Morales

Chef Cristian Morales opened his restaurant in Cancun, delivering a one-of-a-kind dining experience for 38 guests in two sittings, midday and night.

The restaurant specializes in fusion signature cuisines, allowing you to sample delectable dishes that are only available at this location.

Types of Food	Salads, Soups, Desserts, Ravioli, Vegetables, Pork
Price	$$$
Location	Avenida Xpuhil, Av. Xpuhil 20 Lote 20 S.M. 17 M. 10, Cancun 77500, Mexico, 77500 Cancun
More Information	Cocina de autor en Cancún – Chef Cristian Morales

Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Gay Cancun

Gay Cancun is well-known for its vibrant nightlife. Punta Cancun, also known as the ‘Party Zone’, is the centre hub of Cancun’s nightlife.

Gay Cancun is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches during the day, but at night it transforms into one giant nightclub. This lovely city is home to some of the finest nightclubs in the world.

With exceptional shows, acrobatic performances, and extraordinary live acts, different venues provide a unique experience.

Here are some of the lists of gay-friendly bars that you might want to check out and enjoy the night during your stay in the city: 

1. Laser Hot Bar

This is one of Gay Cancun’s most popular gay clubs. Bring your dancing heels to this gay bar in Gay Cancun’s downtown district, which features large drag shows.

If you’re looking for a spectacular gay night out in Gay Cancun, this is the place to go.

Price	$-$$
Food & Drinks	Both Offered
Location	Av Tulum 45, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico, 22
Contact	No Contact Number
Website	No Website

2. Coco Bongo

Coco Bongo is located in the Hotel Zone and is highly recommended by all travelers. Coco Bongo is a must-see nightclub because of its amazing, wild shows.

If you love the circus and acrobatic exhibitions, you will feel right at home at this nightclub. The DJs incorporate golden oldies from the 1970s and 1980s into the show, which you’ll enjoy and dance to the night out.

Price	$-$$
Food & Drinks	Both Offered
Location	Punta Nizuc – Cancún 210, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún
Contact	+52 998-883-2373
Website	Congo Bar (cocobongo.com)

3. 11:11 Club

The 11:11 club is Cancun’s latest gay bar. 11:11 Club comes highly recommended, whether you’re gay or lesbian and want to hang out, dance, or relax.

It boasts go-go dancers on stage and often attracts young customers because of its casual, laid-back atmosphere.

This club is a popular late-night hangout during the weekends, especially when the strip shows take place.

Price	$-$$
Food & Drinks	Both Offered
Location	Av Tulum, Corner with Calle Claveles in front of Bancomer, 77500 Cancun
Contact	+52 998 135 2243
Website	No Website

4. Mandala Cancun

Located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Mandala is a fashionable nightclub that caters to an upscale crowd looking for the fantastic music and a relaxed atmosphere.

The décor is Indian-inspired, with rich colours and luxuriant materials. Mandala’s open bar idea separates it from many other nightclubs.

Guests can drink as much domestic rum, tequila, vodka, beer, whisky, and cocktails as they want.

Price	$-$$$
Food & Drinks	Both Offered
Location	Blvd Kukulcan km 9.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancun
Contact	+52 998 883 3333
Website	Get your tickets, bottle service and VIP tables for Mandala Nightclub in Cancun. (mandalatickets.com)

5. The City

The club includes one of Cancun’s top lighting and laser systems, as well as an amazing mobile dance stage that extends from the third level to the club’s centre.

A VIP room with cozy sofas, rugs, and many luxuries is located on the third floor.

Price	$-$$$
Food & Drinks	Both Offered
Location	Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5, Hotel Zone, 77500 Cancun
Contact	+52 998 883 3333
Website	The City Cancun | The best nightclub in Cancun (mandalatickets.com)

Gay-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Gay Cancun

You’ll see lots of sun lovers in swimsuits and bikinis wherever you go in Gay Cancun, thanks to its beautiful coastline, making it a pure slice of paradise.

Here, you have access to a wide range of thrilling adventures. For many Gay Cancun travelers, the beaches and nightlife are the main attractions, however, cultural events such as Chichén Itzá and the underwater art museum on Isla Mujeres have also earned the area respect.

If you have time to spare, you can also go on a day trip to nearby Tulum to explore some of Mexico’s best-preserved Mayan ruins. Here are some of the lists of activities that you can do during your stay in Gay Cancun.

1. Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Valladolid Tour

On this full-day journey from Cancun or the Riviera Maya, you can learn about Yucatan’s cultural history while visiting Chichén Itzá, the Saamal, and Valladolid.

This tour will also allow you to explore the Maya ruins and colonial city before chilling in the cool waters of the cenote.

Activities	Sightseeing, Swimming, Snorkeling
Location	Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen
Price	$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	Chichen Itza Cenote & Valladolid Full-Day Tour with Hotel Pick Up – City Wonders

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2. Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran

On this catamaran cruise from Gay Cancun to Isla Mujeres, you can spend the day soaking in the sparkling Caribbean, as you sip cocktails from an open bar, and enjoy the lovely weather.

Get in the water and snorkel at a reef teeming with brightly colored fish. Enjoy some free time when you arrive in Isla Mujeres to explore and shop.

The cost begins at $69.

Activities	Sightseeing, Swimming, Snorkeling
Location	Cancun and Riviera Maya
Price	$$-$$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour – The Sailing Brothers

3. Day Trip to Tulum

Tulum, is noted for its Mayan ruins that overlook the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is accessible by regular buses, as well as group and private tours. 

Tulum’s ruins are one of Mexico’s most popular tourist attractions, and the town of Tulum has plenty of attractive cafes, restaurants, and shops, so a visit to Tulum can easily be turned into a full-day trip.

Activities	Sightseeing, Shopping
Location	Cancun and Riviera Maya
Price	$$-$$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	Tulum Activities – 973 Suggested Activities | Visit A City

4. ATV Tour, Ziplines and Cenote Swim

On this action-packed, all-day guided trip, you’ll journey into the Mayan jungle.

Hop on your own ATV, ride with your partner, and head to the cenote, an underwater pool, where you can enjoy and swim.

On a zip-lining course, soar above the treetops as you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Mayan jungle.

Activities	ATV Tour, Sightseeing, Swimming, Ziplining
Location	Cancun
Price	$$-$$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	Cancun ATV & Ziplining Outdoor Adventure Tour | Cancun Adventures (cancun-adventure.com)

5. Underwater Museum and Reef Dive

Enjoy your first dive into Manchones, an incredible museum gallery featuring hundreds of coral-covered statues that stand 30 feet below the surface.

On your second dive, you’ll see the stunning colors of a real coral reef, which is home to turtles and a variety of species.

Activities	Swimming, Diving, Sightseeing
Location	Boulevard Kukulcán & Carretera Punta Nizuc-Cancún Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo
Price	$$-$$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	MUSA (musamexico.org)

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Top 10 Things To Do in Cancun

• Check out Cancun’s best beaches – One of the best things to do in Cancun is to visit the white sand beaches. The good news is that most beaches are open to the public. The largest beach, Playa Delfines, is located near Cancun’s Hotel Zone. It’s also recognised for its bright Cancun sign, which is a popular Instagrammable destination. You can also head to Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, where you can rent a golf cart and go exploring. Playa Maroma is recognised for its blue ocean, while Playa X’cacel is known for being a great site to see sea turtles.
  
  
• Dive Close To The Amazing Underwater Carvings – In 2010, intending to protect the coral reefs, Jason deCaires Taylor, an artist, created an alternative diving location. 500 artworks were dragged into the ocean at depths of 3 to 10 meters, separated into three galleries. In addition to basic human miniatures, the Musa Underwater Museum also has whole scenes from normal life and a Volkswagen Battle automobile. This amazing underwater museum can be seen from a submarine with glass windows or during scuba diving tours that start at Nichupte Lagoon and end in the ocean.
  
  
• Go To Cancun And Experience Amazing Marine Life – The Mesoamerican Reef Barrier System includes the stunning coral reefs around Cancun. This is the world’s second-largest reef barrier, stretching from Isla Contoy to Honduras. The best way to see the reefs of Cancun is to join one of the snorkeling tours. Punta Nizuc, Puerto Morelos, and Cozumel are among the top snorkeling spots in Cancun, and English-speaking experts can take you there. Cancun’s coral reefs are a little out of the way from public beaches, but the magnificent marine life is well worth the trip.
  
  
• Visit The Magnificent Mayan Ruins – Chichen Itza, near Valladolid in the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of the most important Maya cities. A day trip from Cancun to Chichen Itza is an excellent way to learn about the Mayan civilisation. The Temple of the Warriors ruins, the Osario pyramid, stone carvings, and an old ball court can all be found on that UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo) is the archaeological site’s centrepiece and most famous structure, with over 2 million tourists each year.
  
  
• Tulum Ruins Exploration – Tulum’s ruins are one of Mexico’s most well-known ancient sites due to their spectacular position. The fortification is built on a high hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waters. The Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of the Frescoes, for example, are both old structures in Tulum. Be prepared to see enormous iguanas in the vicinity of the ruins.
  
  
• Attend A Mexican Festival Party -Visiting Xoximilco and taking an incredible gondola ride is a must for anybody interested in learning more about Mexican culture and folklore. That is one of the most enjoyable activities in Cancun, as well as a fantastic nightlife alternative. A local host will entertain you and your group with entertaining games and exciting stories. During the 3-hour party, musicians will create a wonderful atmosphere for you to dance and sing to the rhythms of various Mexican music genres.
  
  
• Swim In Mexican Cenotes’ Clear Waters – Cenotes are underground natural pools. For the ancient Mayans, underground rivers fed by the huge cave system were their only supply of clean water. Mayans also used cenotes as mystical sites. There are 142 cenotes to visit on the Yucatan Peninsula. They come in a variety of sizes and forms. 
  
  
• Xplor – Xplor is a fantastic adventure park located approximately one hour outside of Cancun. It is famous for its 14 zip lines, the highest in the Riviera Maya region, and Mexico’s most popular zip lining attraction. Underground rafting, hammock splashing, and spectacular road experiences with amphibious vehicles, a type of ATV, through the forest, and a flooded cavern are just a few of the fascinating things available.
  
  
• Xcaret Park – The Xcaret theme park is one of the Riviera Maya’s most popular attractions. It’s around 70 kilometres south of Cancun, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Xcaret Park is a fantastic alternative for an all-day family getaway, with various natural and cultural activities. In that amazing eco and water park, you can discover underground rivers and cenotes, a Mayan village, several natural pools, caverns, and beaches, as well as jungle paths and a coral reef aquarium.
  
  
• Check Out Local Items at Mercado 28 – Mercado 28, a massive market in downtown Cancun, has over 600 stalls with a variety of merchandise. Don’t make a hasty decision. Allow plenty of time to visit as many stalls as possible. Clothes, handicrafts, jewellery, ceramics, wooden items, and many bright gewgaws are available from local vendors.
  
  

How to get to Cancun?

From Canada

If you are coming from Canada and wish to visit Cancun, you can ride an airplane to get to Cancun. Flights from Toronto to Cancun, Mexico, take about 4 hours, whereas flights from Ontario might take anywhere from 7 to 10 hours. Cancun is 7 hours and 16 minutes away from Quebec City, Canada. You can also fly from Vancouver in 10–16 hours, depending on the number of stops along the trip.

From the United Kingdom

If you are from the United Kingdom and wish to visit Cancun, you can do it by taking an aircraft from London to Cancun, which will take 10 hours and 50 minutes, making it a longer trip than others.

From the United States

If you are visiting Cancun from the United States, you can fly from Washington to Cancun in 3 hours and 10 minutes, which is a quicker flight than other options.

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