Port days with kids or limited mobility

The best port day for a mixed group is the one that fits its slowest member. A few checks before you book make all the difference.

check before you book

With children

• Check each tour's minimum age, height and weight limits. Zip lines, horseback rides, cave tubing and some boat trips have them.
• Look for shorter tours with a pool or beach stop. Many cruise ports have family-friendly beach clubs close to the pier.
• Bring a car seat only if you need one: most taxis and tour vans in the Caribbean do not provide them.
• Strollers can be awkward on tenders, cobblestones and beaches. A carrier is often easier.

With limited mobility

• Check whether the port is a pier or a tender port; each port page says. Tender boats can be hard to board, and powered wheelchairs and scooters often can't go (see our tender ports guide).
• Read each tour's accessibility notes before booking, and contact the operator if anything is unclear: ask about steps, walking distance, and whether the vehicle has a lift.
• Old towns like San Juan and Cartagena are hilly or cobbled. Beach clubs, scenic drives and boat tours are often easier.
• Tell your cruise line about mobility needs before you sail; they can tell you which ports and ship tours suit you.

For everyone

• Plan around the heat: start early and keep the middle of the day easy.
• Build in rest and restroom stops, and bring water.
• Leave extra time to get back to the ship; groups move slower than you think.

Last checked November 2026. Rules and prices change; check with your cruise line before you sail.Spot something out of date? Tell us