The LGBTQ pride event takes place in San Jose in June every year. It’s a big event with more than 100,000 spectators and participants. San Jose has a vibrant nightlife for gays and lesbians, and most venues offer special packages for their events. Several clubs, bars, and even one resort cater specifically to guys.
One of my friends became interested in Costa Rica after learning about the country’s warm reception for LGBTQ travelers. Though hesitant, he requested to visit Costa Rica for one of our vacations. We had already inquired and had information that San Jose and Manuel Antonio had the most vibrant LGBTQ communities in Costa Rica.
Key Takeaways
Costa Rica was among the first countries to embrace the LGBTQ community in Central America. Currently, its capital city, San Jose, is one of the best Latin American places for LGBTQ travelers. Here are my key takeaways for the best gay cruising in San Jose, Costa Rica.
- The passing of a law allowing same-sex unions by President Carlos Alvarado made it possible for the LGBTQ community to visit and feel secure in Costa Rica.
- San Jose has one of the most vibrant gay nightlife in Central America. There are several places to go gay-cruising in San Jose.
- Most places have an open bar where you pay an entrance fee. That means the drinks are free. You can pay $5 at Zona Rosa, where you will have unlimited access to the club for a whole day.
- Some clubs have back rooms where the more risque cruising goes on. Hence, enquire from the bartenders if there is another place apart from the main hall with more action.
Best Places For Gay Cruising San Jose
In August 2018, President Carlos Alvarado Quesada legalized same-sex unions in Costa Rica. San Jose has a vibrant gay nightlife and plenty of places to have fun. Several bathhouses in San Jose allow you to take your drinks as you cruise naked. There are even gay saunas where you can spend your afternoon.
Here is my list of the six best places to go gay cruising in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Oráculo, Bar and Grill
Opening Time: 6:00 p.m.–3:00 a.m.
Location: Calle 5 and Avenida 12.
It is one of the most risque clubs in San Jose. The club is a favorite with mixed crowds and those with fetish preferences. Oráculo offers several services and is in downtown San Jose.
- Gay darkroom
- Underwear nights
- Gay er*tic n*ked shows
- N*ked nights
It is also known as La Casita de Oráculo, the cruising place next to the bar. It might not be the most luxurious gay cruising place in San Jose, but you will have a good time. The bar is more popular with locals, and you only have to ring the bell.
Affiliated with the club is the Sauna Oráculo, which has a different promotion or theme every night of the week. On Wednesdays, there are special drinks.
Bombóm
Opening Time: 11 AM to 2 AM daily.
Location: Calle 1, Main Street.
The best time to visit Bombóm Club is Thursday nights. It’s the best time to see male strippers, while Fridays and Saturdays are ideal for dancing. The bar has an enormous main dance hall, and another dance floor is on the terrace level.
The main dance hall has big windows with a nice view of the town below. If you want to avoid crowds, I recommend the terrace dance floor.
Zona Rosa Sports Bar
Opening Time: 11 AM to 2 AM daily.
Location: Calle 2, San Jose.
It’s not exactly in town or easy to reach, but it offers some frisky action for gay cruisers. The club is on the northern side of San Jose. Zona Rosa is a sports bar offering karaoke, male strippers, and special drinks. Don’t be put off by the run-down establishment, as the club has much to offer.
You can get a day pass for $5, which allows you to go in and out of the club the whole day. During the busier nights, there are many locals. At the back are some full cinema booths with a dark room and glory holes.
C3 LAB Circuit Club
Opening Time: 3 PM to 2 AM daily, apart from Tuesdays, when the club remains closed.
Location: Avenida 16, calle 2.
It’s the best place if you want an all-night to early-morning party. C3 LAB hosts circuit music and other events, which you can check for updates on their Facebook page. The club has private rooms to rent, a sauna, and a Jacuzzi.
Sometimes, the Friday night party lasts until 8 AM on Saturday. Don’t be surprised when you see people removing their shirts as the night progresses. When visiting the club, ensure you have some sexy circuit gear in case you decide to remove your shirt.
The table below has some of the best circuit party gear.
| Circuit Party Gear | |
| Well-fitting party shorts | Flip belt |
| Party fanny packs | Wearable wallets |
| Harnesses | Tank tops |
| Wristband cuff | Singlets |
| Crop tops | Sneakers and boots |
La Avispa
Opening Time: From 8 p.m.
Location: Calle 1era, btwn Ave. 8 & Ave. 10.
La Avispa, also known as the Wasp, caters to the gay crowd all night, but Tuesdays and Sundays are the most popular. However, twice a month, the club hosts Ladies’ Night for lesbian and bisexual individuals. No men can attend the club during those two nights. The club has two floors and huge entertainment screens where you can dance the night away.
The club has been a famous gay club since 1979. Sundays are a popular Latin music night. The club has a mix of all races, genders, and ages.
Club Teatro
Opening Time: 9:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m. (Friday and Saturday only).
Location: Av. 16, San José, 10103.
You’ll mostly find younger crowds here. The entrance fee is around $15–20, depending on the time you enter. After paying the fee, there is an open bar where you can have as many drinks as you want at no extra charge. Several nights during the week, the club hosts sexy go-go boys in jockstraps dancing on stage.
Club Teatro is a large dance club with dedicated theme nights, celebrity nights, and drag shows. The club hosts several special nights, which it announces on its Facebook page. Club Teatro is famous for its drag events.
Tips For Gay Cruising in San Jose
All the above gay cruising areas are mainly open from late evening until early morning. Though their locations might not be dangerous, it’s essential to be cautious. As much as you want to visit the clubs, the beaches around Manuel Antonio are a favorite with most gays.
Here are some tips for cruising in San Jose, Costa Rica.
- Unfortunately, some cruising joints have malicious people who might try to steal from you. Avoid carrying a lot of money and jewelry. If possible, don’t go gay cruising alone.
- In Costa Rica, it is illegal to have sex with anyone below 18 years old. Hence, always confirm that the person you’re engaging with is above the legal age.
- Always respect the other person’s boundaries. If they say no, respectfully leave them alone.
- Please remember to use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Once you are through, collect and dispose of the condom plus wrappers, and leave the environment clean.
- Report to the local authorities if any form of aggression results from gay cruising. Whether you have faced theft, threats, intimidation, or assault, reporting is essential.
- Avoid walking around late at night. Preferably, take an official taxi to your accommodations.
If you’ll be visiting Costa Rica with your partner, start with our Costa Rica Gay Travel Guide for tips and recommendations.
Conclusion
Legalizing same-sex unions in Costa Rica made it possible for the LGBTQ community to be generally accepted. The spelled laws and rights have provided enhanced security for members of the LGBTQ community, whether locals or foreigners. All in all, my friend had a great time gay-cruising in San Jose, Costa Rica.
What were your favorite places to go gay cruising in San Jose, Costa Rica? Please share your experience.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
