San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a city bursting with culture, history, and vibrant energy. For wheelchair users, it offers a surprising blend of accessibility and adventure. On a recent trip aboard the Celebrity Apex cruise ship, I had the incredible opportunity to explore San Juan on a fully accessible shore excursion, and I’m here to share all the details with you.
Starting the Day: Sunrise Over San Juan Harbor
There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of waves and the sight of a new destination on the horizon. Watching the sunrise as our ship docked in the beautiful San Juan Harbor was the perfect way to kick off the day. The city came to life as the sunlight danced on the water, and from the deck of the Celebrity Apex, the views were absolutely breathtaking. It was worth every minute of lost sleep!
Accessible Transportation: Rolling in Style
Once we rolled off the ship, the adventure truly began. I had pre-arranged a tour with Puerto Rico Shuttle, a company that offers accessible vehicles to meet various mobility needs. Their team was fantastic, helping me load into their wheelchair-accessible van with ease. They were knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure our journey was smooth from start to finish.
Exploring the Highlights of San Juan
Our first stops included some of San Juan’s most iconic landmarks. We passed by the historic Normandy Hotel, a beautiful art deco building with a fascinating history. From there, we saw the Capitol building and the picturesque Plaza San Juan, a hub of local culture and history. We even stopped at a small beach to take in some ocean views.
La Perla and Castillo San Felipe del Morro
As we rolled along the coast, we passed La Perla, the vibrant neighborhood featured in Despacito, the second most-watched video on YouTube. The energy of this area is palpable, and it’s a must-see for any visitor.
Next, we arrived at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or “El Morro,” one of my favorite stops on the tour. This historic fortress, built over 250 years, was designed to protect San Juan from seafaring invaders. Fun fact: its walls are up to 18 feet thick! The views from the top are absolutely worth the effort of navigating the extremely steep ramp to get there. From the fortress, you can see panoramic vistas of the ocean, coastline, and the city below. Just a heads-up: don’t attempt the ramp alone, especially if you’re in a manual wheelchair. Trust me, you’ll want a buddy for this one!
A Unique Stop: Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
No excursion is complete without a little adventure, and for me, that meant taking a slightly sketchy (but exciting!) detour to the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. Perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, this cemetery is known for its stunning location and historic significance. Our expert driver navigated the van down to this spot for the first time—a bold move that paid off with some incredible views. Let’s just say it was a moment of trust and teamwork!
The Promenade and Gateway to the City
From there, we made our way to the Paseo de la Princesa promenade, a beautiful walkway that’s perfect for rolling along and soaking in the sights. Along the promenade, we stopped at the Gate of San Juan, the last remaining gate from the city’s original walls. Back in the 1500s, this gate was used to welcome important visitors and was locked at night to keep out pirates. Walking through it felt like stepping back in time—minus the fear of pirate invasions!
Old San Juan: Food, Music, and Culture
After our six-hour tour, we decided to explore Old San Juan on our own. Our amazing driver and guide dropped us off in the heart of the city, where cobblestone streets are lined with colorful colonial buildings. This was the perfect opportunity to dive into some traditional Puerto Rican food, including Mofongo, beans and rice, sweet plantains, flan, and, of course, a piña colada or two.
The streets of Old San Juan were alive with music and energy. From salsa bands to traditional drummers, every corner felt like a celebration. The city’s plazas and iconic landmarks, like the San Juan Cathedral, provided endless photo opportunities and a chance to soak in the rich culture of this historic city.
Wrapping Up the Day
As the day came to an end, we headed back to the Celebrity Apex cruise ship with memories to last a lifetime. San Juan proved to be an accessible and unforgettable destination, full of history, culture, and breathtaking views.
Plan Your Accessible Adventure
If you’re dreaming of an accessible cruise vacation, me and my team at Expedia Cruises are here to help! We specialize in creating seamless travel experiences for wheelchair users and are dedicated to making your dream trip a reality.
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