Terms & Conditions for swimming with Whales and other Cetaceans
Tour departures are subject to weather conditions.
Please be aware that our tours are with migrating or resident wild animals in their natural environment and guests should not assume that Swimming with Gentle Giants has any control over the whales appearance or behaviour. Our crew will make every effort to ensure the best possible whale encounters on the day and based on previous experience we work on a better than 95% success rate, however, there are no guarantees or refunds in the event of not swimming with or sighting whales.
COVID-19 Policy
If the situation with Covid-19 prevents you from joining your tour in 2021 we’ll offer the following options to ensure you feel comfortable and secure with your travel plans and bookings this year:
- Ability for you to rebook for our 2022 Tonga season
- Swap your booking to another one of our tours—anywhere in the world
- Refund your funds (minus admin fees)
Please note that the refund process may take 3-4 months until the Tongan borders are open and we have direct access to the various suppliers and financial institutions.
Cancellation Period
Cancellation of a booking or part thereof will incur the following fees based on the notice period prior to any tour. Once travel has commenced, no refunds will be made for any unused services and clients will be responsible for their travel arrangements and insurance.
A deposit for any tour is made upon booking to secure your place on the tour, this is non-refundable. By paying the invoice for deposit you accept these terms and conditions.
If a cancellation is made within 1-2 months (60 Days) prior to the tour date, we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 15% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour.
If a cancellation is made within 3 months (90 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 40% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour.
If a cancellation is made within 3 – 6 months (180 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 65% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour.
Cancellations made by Swimming with Gentle Giants to a tour will be reimbursed in full (Not including the deposit which is Non-refundable).
Cancelled days during tours
If for any reason weather or operational cancellation of a single day occurs during the tour, there is no refund provided if the circumstances are out of the control of Swimming with Gentle Giants.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itineraries on our websites are correct at time of publishing and may differ slightly depending on changes to local operations, foreign policy and laws, availability of resources, flight schedules. In the case of any changes, Swimming with Gentle Giants will endeavour to provide an alternative option to continue your itinerary.
Insurance Policy
Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your tour. Swimming with Gentle Giants strongly recommends that passengers arrange their own travel insurance. Insurance is required before arriving at your destination to ensure you are covered for unforeseen situations that may arise to cause loss of luggage, cancellation of flights or medical emergencies.
Swimming with Gentle Giants and its affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage of any equipment whilst participating in these activities. Appropriate travel insurance should be arranged prior to visiting your destination.
Release Forms/Waivers
While Swimming with Gentle Giants makes every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events beyond our control. Swimming with Gentle Giants carries inherent risk as you are interacting with wild animals and a signed release form is required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure or prior to arriving at your destination on each separate tour. Guests are encourage to download this liability waiver and return back to Swimming with Gentle Giants prior to your tour.
Visas for Tonga
You do not need a visa prior to arrival if you are a citizen from one of the following countries: Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kirabati, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Russia, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lusia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, The Bahamas, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vanuatu.
