Hualtulco & Puerto Vallarta - Ports & Excursions for Part-Time Wheelchair / Disabled Passengers

[cruisesparks21]

My senior parents will both have scooters on the cruise and we are renting wheelchairs in addition for excursions. 

 

My parents need the wheelchairs for mobility but can manage a few step here or there.  My husband and will be with them to help.  We already have a private tour booked in Cartegena and the tour operator said we can bring their wheelchairs and he has room on his van to store wheelchairs and we are looking for something similar in Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Is anyone else aware of or used semi-accessible tours in these ports that they could recommend?  I am open to Princess Emerald tours, but they are not wheelchair accessible from what I can see.  Again my parents can manage some steps, but we would need to be able to take the wheelchairs with us.  Princess hasn't been as informative as I hoped as the people in the accessibility department are hesitant to recommend or give feedback on anything since it's up to passenger discretion.  I understand so I'm for feedback from people who have done it.  If recommending a tour, my main questions are:

 

1. Does the vehicle have a place to put the two wheelchairs?
2.  How many steps does it take to get into the vehicle?
3.  On the stops, will they be able to get their wheelchairs out of the car to wheel around?

 

Would love any feedback you may provide. I also realize that they we may book now and then find out later its not viable.  I'm ok with that.  I rather secure the possibility of going vs not try at all and save a few bucks.

 

Thanks!

[Hlitner]

I can make a suggestion regarding Puerto Vallarta.  It sounds like you are looking for a private tour operator that can work with you on an itinerary and provide an appropriate vehicle.  You might want to contact the folks at Superior Tours (superiortoursvallarta.com) and ask if they can handle your needs and suggest an itinerary that will work with your limitations.  

 

Hank

[MSN-Travelers]

For Vallarta:   I would like to echo Hlitner's recommendation for Superior Tours.  They will be able to provide you a vehicle sized for your party and have room for two wheelchairs.  You might combine a windshield tour of Vallarta and the surrounding area with a drop-off at the Malecon and pick-up a couple hours later.

 

Having said this, many areas of Vallarta are not friendly to people with mobility issues.  It is much, much better today than it was 20 years ago but there are still areas where stores, restaurants and attractions still involve steps.  One major improvement is the Malecon. You can wheelchair it from the Rosita Hotel on the north end of El Centro to Daiquiri Dick's in Old Town.  

 

Enjoy!  . . .

Edited August 29, 2022 by MSN-Travelers

[Hlitner]

19 hours ago, MSN-Travelers said:

For Vallarta:   I would like to echo Hlitner's recommendation for Superior Tours.  They will be able to provide you a vehicle sized for your party and have room for two wheelchairs.  You might combine a windshield tour of Vallarta and the surrounding area with a drop-off at the Malecon and pick-up a couple hours later.

 

Having said this, many areas of Vallarta are not friendly to people with mobility issues.  It is much, much better today than it was 20 years ago but there are still areas where stores, restaurants and attractions still involve steps.  One major improvement is the Malecon. You can wheelchair it from the Rosita Hotel on the north end of El Centro to Daiquiri Dick's in Old Town.  

 

Enjoy!  . . .

Actually, it is a bit better in that you can use a wheelchair/scooter in most of Centro and the Romantic Zone/Old Town since there are ramps on nearly every corner (including just about all the streets that intersect the Malecon).   But, as has been posted, getting from sidewalks into some shops/restaurants can be an issue but many more are accessible.

 

Hank

[Ine]

Unfortunately Superior Tours has no longer that van suitable for wheelchairs. The demand was disappointing and far too low to keep it. Sorry to bring that message.

Not sure if there is another company with such a car. 

 

[cruisesparks21]

Thank you so much everyone! Appreciate all the feedback. 🙂