Playa del Carmen's growing gay scene plus Cozumel, Puerto Morelos and Akumal
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No longer the sleepy town tourists went to when they wanted to escape the crowds and parties of Cancún, Playa del Carmen (or just "Playa") has become a major destination itself and is the heart of the "Riviera Maya" the stretch of incredible beaches that goes south from Cancún to Tulum. Playa del Carmen makes a good base for exploring the area with its central location, the ferry to Cozumel and a short drives to nearby cenotes, Puerto Morelos, Akumal and Tulum.
In Playa itself, there are more options than ever for nightlife and lots of places to stay including a small exclusively gay property Lote4 and lots of gay friendly options.
Playa del Carmen is also well known for music festivals, many of which have a enthusiastic LGBT following. The annual Playa Pride celebration in June and Queer Film Fest in November are also big draws.
If you're going to Cozumel, the ferry leaves right from the pier at the center of Playa. Cozumel now even has its own gay bar and it's a popular gay friendly destination.
Puerto Morelos is a more laid back place 30 minutes drive north towards Cancún which has several gay owned accommodation options.
For other destinations in the state, go to our Quintana Roo state page.
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Upcoming events in Riviera Maya: Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos and Akumal
January 30, 2025: International Queer Film Festival Playa del Carmen
The 11th edition of the International Queer Film Festival will take place from Thursday January 30 in Playa del Carmen with an international line-up of creators who take us into a rainbow of emotions and stories of our LGBTQ+ community.
More informationPublish your event here
Hotels, B&Bs
Chéel Hotel Ecológico Puerto Morelos
Gay owned and operated with cabañas and camping. Jungle setting where you'll be close to nature and might see spider monkeys or exotic birds. Located 15 minutes from the small village of Puerto Morelos with its beautiful white sand beach. Nearby are cenotes (underground rivers) to explore as well and the larger cities of Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Cozumel and sites such as Chitzen Itza and Tulum are not far.
+52 777 439 7871
Average room rate: $70 USD
Average rating: 92 Excellent
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Hidden Beach Resort Akumal
This all inclusive clothing optional resort is not a gay resort by any means but as one of the few places that offer clothing optional it has a gay following. Suites all include satellite TV, bathroom with a hot tub for 2. Located about halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum it is about a 30 minute drive to either. Restaurant, hot tub, pool, fitness center, sauna, steam.
+52 984 875 1910
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Average rating: 92 Excellent
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Hotel B Unique Cozumel
Adults only hotel which promotes itself as gay friendly. Contemporary design, pool, yoga and massage.
+52 987 872 0300
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Average room rate: $250 USD
Average rating: 88 Excellent
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Layla Guesthouse Puerto Morelos
Gay owned guesthouse and restaurant. Provides an intimate and tropical environment from which to explore the quiet beaches of Puerto Morelos. Tropical hardwoods accent the studios designed for the indoor/outdoor living so typical here. Pet friendly. There is a sitting area, a dining area and a kitchen complete with a microwave and a refrigerator. Spa center and outdoor pool. Restaurant open to all open for breakfast.
+52 (1) 998 104 9831
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Average room rate: $139 USD
Average rating: 94 Excellent
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LOTE4 Playa del Carmen
Boutique adults only accommodation for the LGBT community. Gay owned. Three different studio apartments each with a fully equipped kitchen, king-size bed, private bathroom and working space. Swimming Pool.
+52 983 186 5585
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Average rating: 99 Exceptional
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Meliá Cozumel Cozumel
All inclusive luxury offering from the Melia chain which is very gay friendly and supportive of LGBTQ+ causes. Large beachfront property with several pools, restaurants and bars. Wellness center and gym.
+52 987 872 9870
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Average room rate: $350 USD
Average rating: 83 Very Good
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Paradisus Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen
All inclusive luxury offering from the Melia chain which is very gay friendly and supportive of LGBTQ+ causes. Several gay events have been hosted here. Very large property with many pools, restaurants and bars.
+52 984 877 3900
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Average room rate: $600 USD
Average rating: 91 Excellent
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Reina Roja Playa del Carmen
Trendy gay friendly adults only hotel. The vibrant, artsy rooms provide flat-screen TVs, minibars and iPod docks. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, a funky restaurant and a rooftop pool, as well as an indoor pool (in the lobby) and a trendy bar with DJs. Day passes available for non-hotel guests. Several LGBT events host events at the hotel such as the Arena Festival.
+52 984 877 3800
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Average room rate: $90 USD
Average rating: 78 Good
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Santuario Playa Playa del Carmen
Gay friendly hotel centrally located in Playa. One and two bedroom suites. Hostel beds. Yoga and meditation classes.
+52 984 313 4754
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Average room rate: $70 USD
Average rating: 83 Very Good
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The Fives Downtown Hotel and Residences Playa del Carmen
Hip luxury hotel part of the gay friendly Hilton chain. Not a exclusively gay hotel of course but they have been known to host gay events at their rooftop bar/pool. Close to all the action downtown. Sponsor of Playa Pride.
+52 (800) 592-1246
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Average rating: 92 Excellent
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The Palm at Playa Playa del Carmen
Gay friendly trendy, upscale hotel which is a sponsor of Playa del Carmen's pride festivities and host to some events. Pool, spa, bar, restaurants.
+52 984 128 0191
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Average room rate: $135 USD
Average rating: 87 Very Good
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Bars, Discos
Dominatrix Playa del Carmen
Club with stripper shows and drag queen hostesses.
+52 984 177 7370
Average rating: 88 Excellent
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Pose Bar Cozumel
Gay nightclub/bar with drag shows, DJ, karoake, tapas menu.
+52 987 876 5100
Average rating: 92 Excellent
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Provenza Club Playa del Carmen
DJ's, Gogos, Karaoke and Drag shows. Two floors of the gayest atmosphere in Playa del Carmen and on 5th avenue.
Average rating: 66
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Restaurants
Casa Sofia Playa del Carmen
Gay friendly restaurant specializing in Italian food. Host to some events during pride month in June.
+52 984 166 4252
Average rating: 88 Excellent
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Beaches
Playa del Carmen Gay Beach Playa del Carmen
There isn't really a consistent gay beach scene in Playa del Carmen anymore but the sandy stretch of Playa Mamitas a bit north of Mamitas Beach Club is a popular hang out zone as is the beach club itself. Another option is to head about 3km north past Paridus Hotel to an abandoned stretch of beach between big condo/hotel complexes. However there are very few people and the main reason people go here is to lay out naked or go into the bushes and try their luck. Be careful of security guards. The final option is the beach about 5 min walk south of the ferry pier to Cozumel in front of the private Playacar development. There's a more local crowd here, also mixed.
Average rating: 88 Excellent
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Bathhouses, Saunas, Massage, Cruising Clubs, Cruising Areas
X Mahan Nah Spa Club Pl del Carmen Playa del Carmen
Bathhouse with steamroom, pornroom, darkroom, lockers, jacuzzi, wireless internet. For men only 18+
+52 984 206 2996
Average rating: 64
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Travel Agencies, Tours, Experiences
Mérida Gay Tours Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen
Experiences for the gay traveler in the Yucatán. They have offices in Playa del Carmen and Merida but they specialize in tours throughout the Yucatán peninsula including Mérida and the resort towns including Cancún. They also have an office in Mérida
+52 999 350 5518
Average rating: 100 Exceptional
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Pink Flamingo Gay Tours Playa del Carmen
LGBTQ travel company operating tours along the Riviera Maya. Their focus is adventure tours such as ATVs & secret caves and also nature tours such the nature reserve of Sian Ka'an Biosphere and Isla Mujeres. They also provide and organise private tours on request.
+52 984 178 5679
Average rating: 94 Excellent
Permanently closed places
The following venues have been reported as permanently closed but we have listed them here as other less current websites may still be listing them as open. If there is a place in this list that has reopened or one above that has closed, please advise us at info@gaymexicomap.com
Hotels, B&Bs: Belmond Maroma
Hotels, B&Bs: Hostel 3B
Bars, Discos: Club Elektrik
Bars, Discos: Habana Night Club
Bars, Discos: La Cueva del Maya T
Bars, Discos: La Cueva Playa del Carmen
Bars, Discos: La Wall
Bars, Discos: Papachulo Lounge Bar
Bars, Discos: Playa 69
Travel Agencies, Tours, Experiences: Gay Weddings Mexico
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