Gay travelers have tons of options for custom travel and group tours. In fact, there are so many options for gay group travel that it can be overwhelming trying to pick the right tour company for your next adventure! In this blog post, I’ll give you the rundown of the best gay tour operators, from LGBTQ adventure travel to cruise travel and even culinary tours.
All tour providers on this list listed are gay-owned businesses. Many serve the gay community exclusively.
However, some of these group tour providers also welcome queer women and straight allies. I’ll note clearly which trips are exclusively gay versus majority gay. No matter what type of vacation you have in mind, you’re sure to find a qualified tour operator to help you have an incredible trip, while also learning more about the local gay community!
So read on to explore your options for traveling in inclusive style while celebrating gay culture!
Looking for LGBTQ women’s trips? Check out this list of lesbian tour operators!
1. Detours Travel
Detours was created by gay travelers who love being explorers, not tourists. Their small group tours focus on spontaneity, with less-restricting itineraries than other group tour operators.
A Detours trip allows plenty of leisure time for fun-filled, spontaneous adventures that capture the best of a given destination.
Their casual, relaxed style of travel fosters enjoyment of the journey itself and the company of the group, while easy-going leaders guide the way.
Most Detours trips run one to two weeks, leaving plenty of time to see the highlights and soak in the company of new friends. Detours offers group trips around the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Peru, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Thailand and Cambodia.
Detours serves the gay adventure travel market. If you’re looking for group tours that also accept women travelers or allies, read on – there are other operators on this list that are a better fit for mixed groups.
Specializes in: small group tours for gay travelers
Typical destinations: Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Thailand, South Africa
2. HE Travel
Since 1973, HE Travel has been offering unique adventure tours for gay men, lesbians, and open-minded friends and family. What began with a passion for biking, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors grew into a successful business with a faithful gay client base helping to shape the future of the company.
HE Travel specializes in active travel. From hiking and biking to gay cruises, the gay tour company helps travelers connect to nature. While most HE travelers are men in their 30s to 60s, this company is LGBTQ-inclusive. They even run some tours that are designated as women-only. Transgender travelers, bisexual and pansexual travelers, and straight travelers are always welcome at HE Travel.
HE Travel’s signature adventures include cycling trips, culinary trips and cruise travel. A vacation with HE Travel allows LGBTQ adventurers to explore the great outdoors and unique destinations in an inclusive environment with all-LGBTQ companions and guides.
Specializes in: gay cruises, cultural tours, culinary travel, self-guided tours, bike tours
Typical destinations: Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, Vietnam, Iceland, Italy, India
3. Out Adventures
Out Adventures is a gay tour agency that offers both group tours and custom itineraries.
Group tours visit popular gay travel destinations and places around the world where it’s not safe or accepted to be openly LGBTQ.
In less-than-gay-friendly countries, Out Adventures relies on their local guides and trained staff to navigate local customs and attitudes with sensitivity and respect. Out Adventures has done all the necessary legwork to make these trips safe and enjoyable, while offering ways to connect with the local queer community. You might meet local authors or activists, supporting their work on the ground. Out Adventures also donates $50 to LGBTQ nonprofit Rainbow Railroad for every guest who takes one of their gay group tours.
They travel throughout the world, but some of the most memorable trips might be their cultural experiences. Imagine having the chance to see the golden eagle festival in Mongolia, experience India during Holi tour, or be in Thailand for the famous Songkran festival!
Out Adventures serves gay travelers for group tours, although all LGBTQ families are welcome to explore private tour options. Although their staff is all male, they do have some female trip leaders.
Specializes in: small group, couple travel, custom travel, eco + cultural travel – gay men only!
Typical destinations: Antarctica, Asia, South America, Central America, Cuba, Galapagos, gay cruises, eco tours, and cultural tours
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4. Afrigay Travel
Based in South Africa, Afrigay curates LGBTQ vacations, group tours, couple tours, destination weddings and same-sex family travel.
While Afrigay serves gay couples, they also serve other queer travelers including rainbow families, transgender travelers, and queer women. Taking a trip with Afrigay allows LGBTQ+ travelers to experience the best of Africa travel in a welcoming and inclusive style. LGBTQ+ travelers can feel comfortable being their true selves without the worry of discrimination or judgment.
Afrigay’s founder Michael Gladwin is passionate about ensuring that LGBTQ+ travelers have a welcoming experience in Africa. He ensures every trip meets the highest standard of inclusivity, by carefully selecting travel suppliers and local partners who share a commitment to LGBTQ-friendly travel.
Specializes in: custom LGBTQ-friendly Africa tours
Typical destinations: South Africa, Mauritius
5. Pride Sailing Holidays
Pride Sailing Holidays offers niche sailing holiday experiences for the gay community. Their signature trips are 7-day skippered sailing experiences through beautiful destinations like Croatia, Greece, Sardinia, Sicily, and Thailand. Enjoy these locales from the unique perspective of sailing between islands and enjoying time anchored in hidden coves and beaches.
They also offer Yoga Sailing Holidays, which combine daily meditation, yoga, and island hopping.
Taking a trip with Pride Sailing Holidays gives you the freedom of island hopping and sailing in an all-gay environment and an experienced skipper to charter the journey. Their yoga sailing trips provide the additional benefit of daily yoga and meditation practiced in the serene oceanic setting.
Specializes in: gay sailing tours
Typical destinations: Cruises in Croatia, Greece, Sardinia, Sicily, Thailand
6. OUTstanding Travel
OUTstanding Travel focuses on historic and culturally-rich destinations throughout the Mediterranean. If you’re seeking a gay holiday filled with amazing food, vibrant gay nightlife, fabulous beaches, welcoming people, and gorgeous scenery, their trips tick all the boxes. Tours combine the best of a given destination (like history and culture) with gay-focused activities, local expertise and stellar customer service – these folks think of everything!
OUTstanding Travel explores the best of Europe and the Mediterranean region, from Jerusalem to the Greek Isles to Barcelona and Madrid.
Specializes in: gay group tours
Typical destinations: Europe and Mediterranean region
7. Out of Office
Bespoke luxury travel company Out of Office custom-designs every trip to suit your unique needs and preferences.
Because Out of Office was founded to fill a gap in the luxury travel company market by catering to same-sex couples, every trip is designed with LGBTQ travelers in mind.
But unlike some gay-focused tour companies, all travelers are welcome at Out of Office. So if your group includes straight allies, relatives, women, or transgender and nonbinary travelers, don’t worry – the experienced team at Out of Office will do their best to build an itinerary that is as exceptional as it is inclusive.
Out of Office custom designs trips to destinations around the world. Their most popular destinations for 2024 include Greece, Italy, the Maldives, Mexico, Thailand and the UK.
Specializes in: luxury travel, personalized travel itineraries
Typical destinations: Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles, Thailand, Greece
8. Brand G Vacations
Does the G stand for gay? Brand G isn’t tellingโฆbut they aren’t shy about promoting their commitment to global LGBTQ+ rights and the caliber of their LGBTQ+ group trips.
What started as a two-person labor of love in 2011 has grown, and now Brand G offers a suite of deluxe land and river tours around the world.
Since 2011, Brand G has donated over $750,000 to LGBTQ community centers, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ+ refugees, and other Pride community causes in places they visit. Their commitment to giving back sets them apart.
Brand G emphasizes quality, aiming for 4.5 to 5 star luxury ships and hotels. If you’re looking for a bucket list trip, with an LGBTQ+ spin of glitter, drag and Pride, see whether Brand G is headed to one of your dream destinations. Most Brand G travelers are gay men, but trips are not exclusively male. All trips are open to LGBTQ+ people and allies.
Specializes in: river cruises, luxury land travel
Typical destinations: European river cruises, Ganges river cruise, African safari trips
9. Toto Tours
Gay-owned Toto Tours has been serving the LGBTQ travel community since 1990. Over the years, the company has developed a loyal following of gay and lesbian travelers who appreciate the company’s focus on safe, inclusive travel to exciting global destinations.
While Toto Tours is gay-owned, trips are open to all members of the LGBTQ community, plus friends and family members! Their commitment to inclusivity makes Toto a great option for gay travelers who want to bring along a straight best friend or family member and can’t consider an exclusively gay tour.
Toto Tours focuses on active international travel, including African safari travel. They’re always adding new destinations to their roster. What remains unchanged is their commitment to serving the global community of LGBTQ travelers.
Specializes in: international travel, wildlife and safari tours, cultural travel
Typical destinations: Brazil, Balkans, Botswana, India, Trans-Siberian Railway
10. Out2Africa
While an African safari is a bucket list trip for many travelers, African countries haven’t always been welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. The rise of anti-gay laws are on the rise in countries like Uganda and Kenya have many of us rethinking plans to travel to the continent.
Cape Town-based luxury travel company Out2Africa understands the challenges gay and lesbian travelers face in Africa. The staff is majority gay. While they are based in progressive South Africa, Out2Africa’s staff knows the complexities of visiting places like Kenya and the Maldives when you’re LGBTQ and not welcome as your full self. Since 2006, they’ve dedicated themselves to offering luxury LGBTQ+ tours of Africa.
Rather than run group tours, they curate trips to your exact dates. Travel with your squad and enjoy incredible wildlife experiences while staying in luxury gay-friendly accommodations.
Specializes in: Africa travel
Typical destinations: Kenya, Botswana, Rwanda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives
11. Zoom Vacations
Gay-owned Zoom Vacations offers group tours and custom trips, tailored to your needs, budget, group size, and interests. Group tours are usually a mix of singles and couples. This is a strong option if you’re looking for a solo gay tour.
While gay travelers are the majority on their trips, Zoom is inclusive of the full rainbow community, including LGBTQ+ allies.
For custom trips, Zoom staff carefully vet all hotels, local guides, restaurants and excursions to ensure LGBTQ travel safety. If you want the convenience of group travel where everything is arranged for you without actually traveling with a group, check out their offerings.
Specializes in: private tours, small group tours
Typical destinations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Morocco, South Africa, Peru
12. Ignas Tour
Italy’s Ignas Tour has been serving the LGBTQ travel community since 1997. The Italian company specializes in individual and small group tours, including couple travel and gay cruises.
Upcoming LGBTQ trips include a gay spa vacation in the Dolomites, a gay hiking and wine tour in the Dolomites, and weekend ‘city breaks’ throughout Italy. Group trips appear to be gay only; however LGBTQ travelers can contact Ignas about a private LGBTQ+ tour of Italy. Join them to discover UNESCO World Heritage gems, tranquil gay-friendly beaches, and inclusive European cities.
Specializes in: adventure travel, wellness travel, weekend trips
Typical destinations: Italy
13. Pink Vibgyor
Founded in 2010, Pink Vibgyor has been rated a top gay travel company by Lonely Planet and featured in Condรฉ Nast Traveler.
Pink Vibgyor offers immersive gay and lesbian holiday experiences, including culinary tours. These tours include meals with local families to learn cooking styles and spices first-hand while interacting and gaining insight into the culture and cuisine at a grassroots level. Travelers also explore famous local food streets known for traditional fare.
Each of their trips is meticulously planned to highlight the local culture and history, as well as the destination’s LGBTQ community, nightlife and history. If you’re looking to travel with LGBTQ people, connect to the global Pride community, and have an authentic experience (and delicious food), put them on your holiday list!
Specializes in: custom tours, culinary tours
Trips: India, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Vienna, USA
14. Out Asia Travel
Out Asia Travel is your go-to LGBTQ travel company for East Asia and Southeast Asia. The gay-owned company caters to LGBTQ travelers, with custom trips to Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and other LGBTQ-friendly Asian countries. They’ll help you discover gay-friendly hotels and unlock Japan’s LGBTQ nightlife scene, including drag queen tours of vibrant Osaka.
Specializes in: individual and group tours
Typical destinations: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand
15. Atlantis Events
Founded in 1991, Atlantis is a leader in the gay travel scene. While the tour company offers some resort events, they are best known for gay cruises in Europe and the Caribbean. Atlantis cruises are a mix of lavish parties, entertainment, world-class amenities, and fun shore excursions. Travelers are a mix of couples and solo travelers, making this another strong pick for gay singles.
Their large-scale chartered trips create an inclusive, welcoming environment. Atlantis always buys out the whole ship, for exclusively LGBTQ cruise travel.
Specializes in: gay cruises
Typical destinations: Caribbean cruise, Australia cruise, Istanbul to Athens cruise, London to Barcelona cruise
16. GaySail
Netherlands-based GaySail offers small-group gay sailing holidays. Yachts accommodate 10 to 16 passengers – but multiple boats sail together for a group size of up to 30. GaySail trips are men only. They also have a clothing-optional sailing arm called GayNudeSail.
GaySail trips are around one-third gay couples, two-third singles. The small group dynamic facilitates easy socializing.
Key benefits of sailing with GaySail include the camaraderie and connection of traveling in a small, all-gay group as well as the flexibility to be clothing-optional for a freeing experience. Guests can enjoy the romance of sailing with the comforts of an expert crew taking care the journey and meals. During the day, you’ll unwind and relax on the boat taking in amazing views. At night, you’ll stop in port for a communal meal and time to hit the clubs.
Specializes in: gay sailing holidays, clothing optional vacations
Typical destinations: Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Seychelles, Tahiti, Caribbean
17. Pied Piper Travel
Pied Piper Travel arranges LGBTQ cruises aboard the major cruise lines. Travel on a world class ship in the comfort of an all-LGBTQ group. Pied Piper Travel caters to gay travelers although lesbians and LGBTQ families are welcome, too.
Pied Piper Travel offers gay holidays to top destinations, with the comfort and convenience of cruise travel aboard large ships. Trips range in size from an intimate group of 15 to a huge ship with 900 LGBTQ folks. Cruise to Patagonia, cross the Atlantic, or see the Greek Isles by cruise, knowing you’re in exclusively LGBTQ company.
Specializes in: gay cruises
Typical destinations: Greece, Turkey, Argentina, Chile, Bermuda, Transatlantic cruises
18. Saltyboys Sailing Cruises
Saltyboys is another Netherlands-based gay sailing company. They’re called salty because all their trips are nudist or clothing optional! While au natural, you’ll learn the essentials of sailing and help with the cooking, anchoring and other tasks. If you prefer to relax while the crew handles everything for you, including the cooking, consider their luxury sailings, which are full service.
Saltyboys’ journeys are small and intimate, with 10 men per boat. But since multiple boats can sail together, you’ll have loads of new friends for exploring the port scene with!
Specializes in: clothing optional travel, sailing holidays
Typical destinations: Mexico, Thailand, Turkey, Caribbean
19. Source Events
Source Events is an upscale adventure travel provider for solo men and gay couples. Travel options include custom vacations, land travel and small group luxury cruises. While some gay cruise options are all about the entertainment, Source Events doesn’t do wild parties. Instead, they focus on upscale ways to meet other travelers.
Their sea trips focus on premier cruise routes, like Tahiti, the Greek Isles, the Amalfi Coast or Antartica. They also offer select Pride cruses on major cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean. While most of their journeys are ocean based, Source Events does do a handful of River Cruises in partnership with Avalon Waterways.
Philanthropy is part of the company’s mission. They donates to LGBTQ charities around the world, improving the quality of life not just for gay travelers but for LGBTQ people everywhere.
Specializes in: cruise travel
Typical destinations: Tahiti, Greece, Italy, Antarctica
Whether you’re interested in luxury travel, adventure travel, or cruise travel, these nineteen gay tour providers offer LGBTQ-centric excursions around the globe. Travel in an exclusively gay group or bring LGBTQ family and friends, knowing you’ll be in the company of likeminded people. Plus, knowing your chosen tour provider has done the research to ensure your travel safety and comfort helps you relax and unwind.
New gay travel companies are launching all the time. Stay in the know by signing up for our email list, and we’ll update you when we add to this post!