Cruising is a very accessible way to see Pacific Mexico; as the newer ships that sail this route boast nicely outfitted wheelchair-accessible cabins, plus very accessible shipboard facilities. Add in the budget price tag, and the convenience of being able to see a variety of ports while unpacking once; and you can begin to see why a Pacific Mexico cruise is a great choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

And although most of the ship sponsored shore excursions on this route are not wheelchair-accessible, it's still possible to plan private tours that meet your access needs. Granted, it takes a little research; however the good news is, more local operators now offer accessible tours. With that in mind, here's a sampling of some accessible shore offerings for your next Pacific Mexico cruise.

Accessible Acapulco
Shore Trips (414- 964-2100) offers a "Limited Mobility - City Tour and Quebrada Cliff Divers" excursion in a lift-equipped van. The 3.5-hour tour includes a city tour with stops along Acapulco Bay, and concludes at the Hotel El Mirador to see the Quebrada cliff divers. This tour has access to a special ramped terrace at the hotel, which offers great views of the cliff divers.

Ensenada
Tour guide Gabriela Altamirano Sosa y Silva (+52 1 646 128 7206) offers a number of wheelchair-accessible shore excursions in Ensenada in a lift-equipped bus. Says Gabriela, “We provide transportation to downtown, plus tours of the city, La Bufadora, Rosarito Beach, and Puerto Nuevo.” The accessible bus can accommodate 15 passengers, including two wheelchair-users.

Mazatlan
Victor Chavez (+52 669 102 1448) offers day tours of Mazatlan and the surrounding area in his lift-equipped van. Tour choices include a four-hour city tour and a seven-hour tour to the colonial villages of Concordia, Malpica and Copala. The tours can accommodate up to six able-bodied people and one wheelchair-user.

Tailor-Made Tours (+52 669 985 4875) can provide an accessible van with a driver for day tours of the area. The air-conditioned van can hold up to two wheelchairs and seven able-bodied passengers. Customized tour itineraries are available.

The Mazatlan Trolley Tour features wheelchair-access on their tours which depart from the port area. The tour vehicle features ramp access to the open-air back platform, where you can remain in your own wheelchair for the durations of the tour. Bench seating is also available in this area for companions. This company offers a variety of city tours; however not all of the vehicles are accessible. 

Puerto Vallarta
Accessible Mexico (+52 322 225 0989) offers customized tours in their full-size lift-equipped van. The tour vehicles can accommodate large power wheelchairs and scooters. And if you'd like to hit the beach, this tour company can provide transportation, as well as a beach wheelchair.

Transportes Brianchi (+52 322 222 8384) offers accessible tours in lift-equipped vans. Customized offerings include city tours, tequila-tasting tours and beach excursions. Each van can accommodate two wheelchair-users and seven able-bodied passengers. Luis Monteon, a bilingual guide and driver, leads all tours.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

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For tips and tricks about finding an accessible cruise that meets your needs, see Choosing an Accessible Cruise.

And if you're thinking about using a travel agent to help you plan your next adventure, check out these tips on Finding the Right Travel Agent.