Queer Sober Life in Puerto Rico: A Colorful Journey of Recovery and Community
Living a sober lifestyle in Puerto Rico isn't just possible—it's incredible! The island offers a vibrant tapestry of recovery resources, supportive communities, and wellness activities that foster both sobriety and connection. For LGBTQ+ individuals seeking recovery and community, Puerto Rico provides unique opportunities to heal, grow, and thrive in a beautiful tropical setting.
Recovery Resources
12-Step Meetings and Recovery Groups
Condado 12 & 12 | aa San Juan
Location: 1060 Ponce de León, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907
Distance from Miramar: 0.9 miles (about 5 minutes by car, 15-minute walk)
Details: Daily English-language AA meetings at 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM. They offer a variety of meeting formats including Big Book study, Step and Tradition meetings, and separate men's and women's discussion groups. The last Friday of each month features anniversary celebrations.
Puerto Rico Sobriety Network
Details: This is an online-only AA community offering virtual meetings twice daily, making recovery accessible no matter where you are on the island. Their schedule includes meetings focused on various aspects of recovery, from Step work to literature discussions.
AA Area 77 Puerto Rico
Details: The official Alcoholics Anonymous organization for Puerto Rico. Their website provides information on Spanish and English meetings throughout the island, along with resources for newcomers.
LGBTQ+ Support Organizations
True Self Foundation
Location: 386 Ave. Domenech, San Juan, PR 00918
Distance from Miramar: 2.8 miles (about 10 minutes by car)
Details: Established in 2017, True Self Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting LGBTQ+ communities in Puerto Rico, with special emphasis on transgender, queer, and non-binary communities. While not specifically recovery-focused, they provide mental health services and support that can be valuable resources for those in recovery.
Waves Ahead
Location (San Juan Center): 1149 Ave. Americo Miranda, San Juan, PR
Distance from Miramar: 3.5 miles (about 15 minutes by car)
Details: Waves Ahead operates multiple community centers across Puerto Rico (in San Juan, Cabo Rojo, Maunabo, and Isabela) that provide free services to LGBTQ+ individuals, with a particular focus on those over 50. They offer mental health services, yoga, meditation, mindfulness sessions, and support groups—all valuable components of a holistic recovery journey.
Mind-Body-Spirit Wellness
Yoga & Meditation Centers
Mind Body Parlor
Location: In the historic district of Miramar, San Juan
Distance from Miramar: Walking distance (under 1 mile)
Details: A yoga and pilates studio offering classes throughout the day in a welcoming environment.
Casa Yoga Miramar
Location: Miramar, San Juan
Distance from Miramar: Walking distance (under 1 mile)
Details: A sanctuary for fitness and self-care rituals, offering various yoga practices in the heart of Miramar.
Santosa Yoga & Health
Location: Condado area, San Juan
Distance from Miramar: 1.2 miles (5-minute drive, 20-minute walk)
Details: Offers yoga, meditation, breath healing, and various workshops. They often hold outdoor classes on beaches, taking advantage of Puerto Rico's beautiful natural settings.
Pahi Studio
Location: Ocean Park, San Juan
Distance from Miramar: 2.3 miles (10-minute drive)
Details: A yoga studio that focuses on helping individuals find their way through wellness practices in a spacious sanctuary setting.
Healthy Eating
La Isla
Location: Near Condado, San Juan
Distance from Miramar: Approximately 2 miles (10-minute drive)
Details: A vegan-friendly restaurant with a casual atmosphere offering a variety of breakfast options including vegan brunch plates. Their Vegan Isla Brunch features chickpea scramble, avocado toast, sweet potato pancakes, and fresh fruit. They also serve delicious smoothies made with local fruits.
Pure and Natural
Location: 1125 Ashford Avenue, San Juan, PR 00907
Distance from Miramar: 1.8 miles (7-minute drive)
Details: A small restaurant and juice bar offering a refreshing menu of healthy options. They're known for their fresh-made juices and smoothies featuring both fruit and vegetable combinations, along with light, nutritious meal options.
Cafe Berlin
Location: 407 Calle San Francisco, Old San Juan
Distance from Miramar: 2.5 miles (15-minute drive)
Details: A popular spot for vegetarian and vegan cuisine in the heart of Old San Juan, offering plant-based takes on traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
Spiritual Communities
While Puerto Rico is predominantly Catholic, there are several inclusive religious and spiritual communities that welcome LGBTQ+ individuals:
Churches & Spiritual Centers
Metropolitan Community Church of Puerto Rico (ICM Cristo Sanador)
Location: Calle Robles #67, Rio Piedras, San Juan, PR 00925
Distance from Miramar: 5.2 miles (15-minute drive)
Details: An affirming Christian church with a specific outreach to LGBTQ+ individuals. This non-fundamentalist, ecumenical church is part of the global Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) network, which has a strong tradition of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Contact them directly for current service times.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Puerto Rico
Location: Meetings currently held at various locations in San Juan
Details: The UU community in Puerto Rico gathers regularly and is known for its inclusive stance on spiritual practices and LGBTQ+ affirmation. They often meet on Sundays, but locations and times may vary. Check their Facebook page or email uuprassociation@gmail.com for current meeting information.
Trinity Church
Location: San Juan area
Details: An English-speaking church that welcomes all. Sunday services at 9:00 AM.
Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church
Location: Condado, San Juan
Distance from Miramar: 1.5 miles (5-minute drive)
Details: While traditional Catholic, this church offers English-language masses and has been described as welcoming by visitors. Sunday mass times available - check their website for current schedule.
Buddhist and Meditation Centers
Several meditation centers around San Juan offer secular mindfulness practices accessible to all regardless of background. These include drop-in meditation sessions and regular mindfulness practice groups.
Creating Your Sober Adventure in Puerto Rico
Living sober in Puerto Rico opens up countless opportunities to experience the island's natural beauty and cultural richness with clarity and presence:
Beach Meditation: Start your day with sunrise meditation at nearby beaches like Condado (1.5 miles from Miramar)
Hiking El Yunque: Explore Puerto Rico's rainforest with guided mindfulness hikes (day trip from San Juan)
Cultural Tours: Experience Old San Juan's vibrant history and architecture through walking tours
Community Service: Many recovery communities engage in giving back through various service projects around the island
Recovery Tips for Visitors
If you're visiting Puerto Rico and looking to maintain your sobriety:
Plan Ahead: Research meetings near your accommodation before arriving
Stay Connected: The Puerto Rico Sobriety Network offers virtual meetings you can join from anywhere
Find Sober-Friendly Activities: Puerto Rico offers countless natural and cultural experiences that don't revolve around alcohol
Connect with Local Recovery Community: Puerto Ricans are known for their warmth and hospitality, including in recovery circles
Conclusion
Being sober in Puerto Rico offers a unique opportunity to experience the island's beauty with clarity and presence. For queer individuals, the growing network of LGBTQ+-affirming spaces provides both safety and community. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Puerto Rico's recovery community welcomes you with open arms, reminding us that sobriety doesn't mean missing out—it means experiencing life's richness more fully.
The vibrant colors of Old San Juan, the soothing sounds of El Yunque's waterfalls, the gentle ocean breezes, and the warmth of community—all of these experiences are enhanced rather than diminished by sobriety. In Puerto Rico, recovery isn't just about what you're giving up; it's about the incredible life you're gaining in return.
Disclaimer: Meeting times and locations may change. Always check the organizations' websites or call ahead to confirm current schedules.