1. Reservations and payment

• Payment: full payment is required at the time of booking, with the exception of group and charter bookings.
• Group or charter: bookings require a 50% deposit to confirm the reservation. The remaining balance is due 14 days ahead of the departure date. If you make a reservation within 14 days of the departure date, the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
• Confirmation: if the booking is accepted by us, a booking confirmation will be sent via email once payment is processed. Verify the details and contact us immediately for corrections.
• Each participant or group is required to have an individual booking confirmation to participate in our activities.
• Booking Authority: the person making the booking is deemed the authority for all guests listed and is responsible for communicating these terms to all other guests within the same booking.
• Booking Amendments: changes to bookings are at the discretion of Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD and may be subject to our refund and cancellation policies.

All prices are in AUD and include GST. Rates and conditions are subject to change without notice.

2. Cancellations and refunds

Customer Cancellations:

• 7+ days prior to the activity: full refund or gift card.
• 7 days to 48 hours prior to the activity: gift card only with no refunds.
• Within 48 hours of activity start time: no refunds.

Activities may be cancelled by us if conditions are considered unsafe or unsuitable. If an activity is cancelled due to our decision, guests will be offered the following options:

a. Reschedule the activity for an alternative date, subject to availability.

b. Receive a gift card or full refund for the cancelled activity.

Gift cards are valid for two years from the date of purchase and cannot be refunded or extended beyond this period.

Notification: Customers will be notified as soon as possible in the event of an activity cancellation.
Notifications will be sent via phone, text message, or email.

Activity Adaptations: Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD reserves the right to cancel, change, or adapt any activities based on safety, weather, equipment, or minimum passenger requirements. Any loss or expense incurred by a guest due to a cancellation, change, or adaptation of the activity will not be the liability of Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD.

3. Health and safety

• Risk acknowledgement: participation in any Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD activity involves inherent risks, which you acknowledge and accept.
• Health declaration: guests must disclose to us any relevant medical conditions at the time of booking.
  Written clearance from a medical professional may be required for participation.
• Illness: guests and staff showing symptoms of illness are advised to stay home.
  Please refer to our cancellation policy to reschedule or request a refund if applicable.
• Safety briefing: a mandatory safety briefing will be conducted before each activity, covering safety procedures, use of equipment, and emergency protocols.
• Life jackets must be worn at all times during whale watching tours and wetsuits must be worn at all times during snorkelling tours.
• Pregnant women or individuals with back or spinal injuries are prohibited from vessel based activities.
• Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD reserves the right to refuse any guest displaying signs of intoxication or drug use or if it believes a guest may endanger the safety of others. If a guest is refused for any of these reasons no refund will be issued.

4. Snorkelling activity Policies

• Skill level: participants must have basic swimming skills and be able to swim at least 200 metres without assistance. The minimum age requirement is 10 years, and all children must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian throughout the duration of the activity.
• Equipment: snorkelling gear is provided and is regularly inspected, maintained and sanitised before each use. guests may bring their own snorkelling gear if preferred.
• During the activity: participants are required to snorkel within line of sight of the vessel and remain with the Field Guide or in groups of at least 2. Qualified and experienced staff will be present and monitoring the group at all times and all guests must follow crew instructions.
• Guests must observe marine life without touching or disturbing it. Use of reef-safe sunscreen is encouraged.

5. Whale Watching activity Policies

• Guests are advised to wear shorts or pants that can be easily rolled up to prevent getting their clothing wet when boarding the vessel. It is advised that you dress in warm layers, bring a waterproof jacket and wear non-slip shoes.
• Minimum age requirement is 5 years, and all children must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian throughout the duration of the activity.
• During the activity: follow all crew instructions and remain seated or firmly holding designated hold points whilst standing.
• Guests prone to seasickness are advised to take medication prior to departure.
• Environment and Biodiversity Protection: observe whales and other marine life from a safe distance. Do not attempt to touch or feed the animals.
• If whales are not spotted during a tour during whale migration season (1st June – 1st November) then guests will be able to join another tour from our scheduled dates and times subject to availability.

6. Liability and Waiver

• Assumption of risk: participation in our activities involves certain risks, including but not limited to injury, illness, and damage to personal property. By booking an activity, guests acknowledge and accept these risks.
• Liability disclaimers: Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD and its employees are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses incurred during any activities activity, except in case of legally proven gross negligence. Guests will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to participation.

7. Third Party Information

Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD may occasionally include external links to other websites or social media accounts on our websites or social media. Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD is not responsible for the content on these external sites. Please independently review each Third Party Information source’s individual terms and conditions and privacy policies.

8. Privacy Policy

Privacy policy and communications: Personal information collected about you can be used for purposes related to the operation of the activity. By booking with us, you authorise the sharing of your information with relevant parties to ensure the smooth operation of the activity.

• Reviewing our privacy policy and staying informed of any changes is the responsibility of the customers.
• Customers can subscribe to our newsletter. By doing so, you agree to receive email updates about our company, products, or services. Subscription is optional, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Photography, filming and media promotion:

• Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD may film or photograph guests during our activities and we reserve the right to use these recordings/images for promotional purposes without notification or compensation.
• If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please notify our staff prior to your activity.

Contact and marketing:

• You will only be contacted by Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD regarding your booking, unless you choose to supply your contact details for subscriptions or direct marketing purposes.
• In case of an emergency, we will share your information with the appropriate authorities.

Intellectual property:

• All content, text, images, and associated materials on any of our websites, and social media are owned and copyrighted by Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD.
• Use of any content requires written approval via email to info@byronbayseaturtleschool.com.au.

Payment and fata handling:

• Online booking and credit card details are processed through FareHarbor. For more information, please see the payment policies of FareHarbor.

9. Customer service

Contact information:
Phone: 0494 094 915
Email: info@byronbayseaturtleschool.com.au

www.byronbaywhalewatching.com.au
Office hours: Wednesday to Monday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Feedback:
We welcome any feedback to improve our services.
All customer feedback should be directed to our customer service team via email or phone.

Acceptance of terms

By booking an activity with Chelona adventures & research PTY LTD, you agree to these terms and conditions. We look forward to providing you with a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience.

CHELONA ADVENTURES & RESEARCH PTY LTD (ABN:95 124 800 979) and its divisions: Byron Bay Whale Watching, operates under the following Terms and conditions, which apply to all bookings made with us, whether via our websites, phone, email, or through our booking partners or agents. By booking an activity with us, you agree to adhere to the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully before making your booking.