We believe the beauty of Cozumel should be accessible to as many people as possible.
We always strive to be inclusive and will do our absolute best to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. However, the realities of a marine environment do present some natural physical hurdles that you should consider before booking a tour. Prior to booking, we ask for each guest whether you are able to:
- …wear an approved life jacket or life vest?
- …put on, and remove your own life jacket without assistance?
- …enter and exit the boat safely from the pier without assistance?
- …remain seated securely whilst the boat is in motion?
- …enter and exit the boat using the marine ladder without assistance?
- …swim without assistance?
- ...understand and follow directions from the captain and crew at all times?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, it does not always mean an automatic disqualification from the tour – but we may need to ask you some further questions to determine which parts of the tour you’re able to safely participate in.
Other considerations include:
Marina and Boarding Access
Our meeting points, the pathways, and the piers are all single-level and fully wheelchair accessible. However, because ocean tides fluctuate, there is no flat ramp access as standard from the pier onto our boats: guests must usually step over the side of the vessel to board. Our monohull speedboats are therefore usually unsuitable for guests with mobility issues.
Unlike our speedboats, our catamarans can be boarded using a temporary ramp walkway. This ramp will not accommodate a wheelchair, although if the guest can be safely supported across the ramp onto the boat, it is possible for a wheelchair to be safely braked in a designated area of the deck.
Wheelchairs
Our catamarans (and some other boats) have wider decks than our speedboats, which can support up to a maximum of two standard, manual wheelchairs in a designated area.
It is important to note that, by the very nature of the marine environment, the boat deck can be subject to salt water and spray, which can rust non-marine grade steel. It can also short-out unprotected electrical devices, which makes the tour unsuitable for any critical electrical components or motorised wheelchairs (which are often also too heavy to safely lift across from the pier).
Any wheelchair on deck must be securely braked so that it will not move, especially during any normal boat movement or ocean swells.
By prior arrangement, subject to availability, we are able to supply a single, braked, manual wheelchair onboard, which wheelchair users can be transferred to on arrival at the pier. We can then store your own wheelchair on land whilst you enjoy the tour, and have it ready for you on your return.
Water Access
Getting in and out of the ocean during our tour requires navigating a standard marine ladder, approximately 1.3 metres in height from the water to the deck. While this can be challenging for those with limited mobility, it is not always impossible. If you are able to do this safely, and participate in the water safely, you will be allowed to enter the water via the marine ladder.
Toilets
Not all our boats have toilets. For those that do, these are typically small marine toilets down a small set of steps below deck, which can present challenges to those with mobility issues. This requires consideration if you are unable to use the marine stairs, as alternative restroom facilities will not be available during the 4-hour trip.
Weather Conditions
The weather and water conditions in Cozumel change constantly, and this is sadly outside of our control. Because mobility issues can sometimes present additional safety factors, the boat captain has ultimate authority to permit or deny boarding on the day if he deems the live environmental conditions present too great a risk to any passenger or crew.
We promise never to discriminate, and to treat each situation fairly and on its own merits, but we cannot always guarantee you will be able to participate in the tour if environmental conditions would make this unsafe – even if you were pre-cleared during the booking process.
In the unlikely event this happens, we will of course offer you and your group a full refund without question, or an alternative suitable date of your choice, as well as arrange reasonable transportation to the cruise ship terminal, the ferry terminal, or your accommodation in Cozumel.
Our Recommendation
Our crew is incredibly supportive, but we do need to plan for this in advance to ensure your complete safety.
If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair or has significant mobility concerns, we highly recommend considering either the luxury catamaran tour, or private fishing trip. Both boats feature significantly more deck space, a wider footprint, toilets, and generally offer an easier boarding experience compared to other boats.
Let’s Talk!
Because each individual’s needs are different, please contact our team directly before making a booking – particularly if you think any person within your group answers a ‘no’ to one of the above questions.
We would love to discuss your specific requirements and help you determine if our tours are a safe and comfortable fit for your group, and we’re happy to offer a 50% ticket concession to any person acting as a capable companion or assistant to another guest with mobility needs.
