Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted in writing via WhatsApp, email, or the official booking platform. Cancellation timing is based on the timestamp of the written message received.

All refunds are processed exclusive of any bank fees, international transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, or payment processing fees, and will be returned via the original payment method in original currency where possible.

In exceptional circumstances, Aquatic Apes reserves the right to offer alternative solutions at its sole discretion.

Freediving Courses, Training Sessions, Spearfishing Courses & Day Charters

Deposit
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due within 7 days of booking.

Cancellation
All cancellations are non-refundable. If a course or charter is cancelled by the operator due to unsafe conditions or unforeseen operational circumstances, guests may choose to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Late Arrivals & No-Shows
All bookings depart on time. Late arrivals that miss the scheduled start time are treated as no-shows and are not eligible for a refund. We will always do our best to help guests avoid this situation.

Date Changes
Guests may request a date change with a minimum of 7 days written notice prior to the scheduled activity at no additional charge, subject to availability. Date change requests made within 7 days of the scheduled activity are treated as a cancellation and standard cancellation terms apply.

Weather & Conditions (Courses)
If a course cannot be completed due to weather or conditions, a refund will be issued for any incomplete sessions.

Bluewater Spearfishing Trips

The standard day charter policy above applies. In addition:

One ocean day cancelled
If one scheduled ocean day is cancelled and rescheduling is not possible, guests will receive a 25% refund of the total trip price, at the operator's discretion.

Both ocean days cancelled
If both scheduled ocean days are cancelled, guests will receive a 50% refund of the total trip price, at the operator's discretion.

An ocean day is considered to have commenced once the boat departs from shore, regardless of total time spent on the water.

Liveaboard Trips

Deposit & Payment
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. Bookings made within 90 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

Cancellation
All payments are non-refundable. No refunds will be issued for guest-initiated cancellations at any time, regardless of notice given. No refunds are provided for no-shows, late arrivals, or early disembarkation.

Operator-Initiated Cancellations
If the operator cancels a liveaboard due to weather, safety concerns, mechanical issues, or force majeure, guests may choose:

Option 1 -- Trip Credit: A credit equal to the total amount paid, valid for 12 months from the original departure date, applicable to any future Aquatic Apes liveaboard or eligible program. Credits may be transferred to another guest with written notice. Unused credit after the validity period is forfeited.

Option 2 -- Refund Minus Unrecoverable Costs: A refund of the total amount paid minus any non-recoverable costs already incurred, including but not limited to vessel charter, fuel, permits, crew, provisioning, and third-party fees.

Partial Trip Completion
If a trip departs and is subsequently shortened or cancelled due to weather, safety concerns, mechanical issues, or force majeure, no refunds will be issued. A partial credit toward a future trip may be offered at the operator's discretion.

Fitness & Eligibility
Guests are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate and meet all certification and experience requirements prior to arrival. Standard cancellation terms apply if a guest is unable to participate after arrival.

Minimum Numbers
Some liveaboard trips require a minimum number of participants. If minimums are not met, guests may be offered the option to reschedule, receive trip credit, or receive a refund at the operator's discretion.

Travel Insurance
Guests are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and evacuation. Aquatic Apes is not liable for any medical, evacuation, or rescue costs incurred by the guest.

By paying a deposit and confirming a booking, the guest confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms in full.