PHOTOS: The Top Ten Gay Beaches in the World

Pride season came and went; the 4th of July fireworks show is but a haze; and Labor Day is just a couple of weeks away. Say it ain’t so. Can summer 2011 really be coming to a close?

Farmer’s tan be damned! There’s still time to rush to the nearest body of water, strip down to your skimpy swimsuit and soak up the sun. Let’s not forget catching some glimpses of shirtless hotties. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best beaches for us to mingle with our own and do some last-minute man-spotting.

And let us know if you have some sizzling suggestions to add to our list!

Fire Island: Pines Beach

The words “Fire Island” have a certain connotation, and that connotation gets fully exploited at the Pines, especially during the summer. Fire Island Pines is home to the island’s biggest dance clubs, restaurants and shops. The beach is an extension of the area’s party mentality, and is packed with eye candy, particularly those guys you might recognize strolling down 8th Av back in Chelsea. Nudity is allowed on the shore as well but most guys prefer the fabulousness of a speedo.

NEXT: Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta: Playa Los Muertos

The gay beach is at the south end of the Playa Los Muertos and is usually referred to as the “blue chairs” for the seating put out by the gay resort of the same name. Many a lad has had the back end of his speedo glued to these chairs for the better part of a sunny day, soaking in the sun, booze and intensely homoerotic vibes. The flirty interplay between the mostly Mexican locals and gay visitors from around the globe is fun to watch.

NEXT: Sebastian Street Gay Beach in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale: Sebastian Street Gay Beach

Located near most of the gay resorts, Sebastian Street is the most popular beach destination for gay tourists. Populated mostly by men, this beach is see-and-be-seen in that low-key Lauderdale way. It’s a great destination for bearier types and even for those who don’t usually consider themselves beach-bums.

NEXT: Farme de Amoedo in Rio de Jainero

Rio: Farme de Amoedo

“Barbies” is the local name for Rio’s muscle men, and Farme de Amoedo beach is where you’ll find them, lathering each other up in tanning oils, challenging to a friendly game of volleyball or just lounging on the beach, sand creeping up between their thick thighs and tiny speedos. Farme de Amoedo is also known, for good reason, as “Farme Gay.” Thanks GayCities user chilipepper for the hot pic!

NEXT: Hilton Beach in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv: Hilton Beach

Gay life in Tel Aviv is by far the most vibrant and eclectic in the Middle East. So it’s no surprise that a gay beach thrives here. And Hilton Beach is not just any gay beach, but a hotspot packed with sunbathers both olive-skinned locals and the visitors from all over the world looking to experience the city’s flavor and get rid of their tan lines. The beach can be found just north of the Hilton Hotel under the eagle statue.

NEXT: Poodle Beach in Rehoboth

Rehoboth: Poodle Beach

Poodle Beach is located just south of the boardwalk, and despite being a popular gay hotspot, the guys here are unpretentious and friendly. It can get crowded during the season, but there’s a scene for everyone: young, old, energetic or laid back. Althought lesbians are welcomed, they tend to prefer North Shores Beach.

NEXT: Playita in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio: Playita

Once popular with nudists, the recent opening of a luxury hotel has chased all but the bravest nudists away (NOTE: nudity is illegal in Costa Rica). Still it remains a popular gay beach, and some of the swimwear here leaves little for the imagination anyway. Cruising is at the north end, but beware police cracking down on nudity. Make sure you check the tides chart or you will be stranded there until low tide, maybe even in your birthday suit.

NEXT: Clifton 3rd in Cape Town

Cape Town: Clifton 3rd

Clifton 3rd is completely protected from the sea breezes that sweeps most of Cape Town. It faces west so the sunsets are stunning, setting around 8 p.m. in summer. Take care to “hide” alcoholic drinks, as drinking in public is forbidden and strictly monitored. Sip one under a beach towel with your new friend as the sun sets on this gay paradise. Thanks patelsmith for the great pic!

NEXT: North Bondi Beach in Sydney

Sydney: North Bondi Beach

Lifeguards in budgie smugglers (Speedos), sunbathing on white sand under endless sun. No, that’s not heaven. That’s Bondi Beach, just outside Sydney. The gay section is on the North end, and the further north you get the gayer (and fleshier) it gets. Gay men and lesbians have traditionally hung out at a workout area North Bondi Surf Club, and have made it their own. This is a place where you can get everything, from ice cream to bangers to a date. Everything but alcohol, that is, which is prohibited outdoors the beach. Not to worry: The beach is lined by pubs, where revelers from across the world line up for tropical drinks.

Photo by karlblackwell

NEXT: Playa Delfines in Cancun

Cancun: Playa Delfines

Though the water is generally too treacherous to swim, Playa Delfines (also known as Playa del Rey) is popular with gay tourists. The white sands are perfect for sunning, the water is many shades of blue and the view is incredible. This beach is also popular for surfing, and a great place for taking lessons.

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