Full Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: 8 January 2026

These terms and conditions govern your booking and participation in tours operated by Seafari Adventures. By making a booking, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before booking.

1. Definitions

In these terms and conditions:

• “We,” “us,” “our” refers to Seafari Adventures, trading from Ellenabeich Harbour, Ellenabeich, Isle of Seil, Oban, Argyll, PA34 4RF.
• “You,” “your” refers to the person making the booking and all members of their party.
• “Tour” refers to any wildlife tour, charter, or experience offered by Seafari Adventures.
• “Booking” refers to your confirmed reservation for a tour.
• “Lead Passenger” refers to the person who makes the booking and is responsible for their group.

2. Booking and Payment

2.1 Making a Booking

A booking is confirmed when:

• You complete the online booking process and receive a confirmation email, or
• We confirm your booking by phone or email following an enquiry, and
• Payment has been received in full

The lead passenger must be 18 years or over at the time of booking.

2.2 Payment

Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed in writing. We accept payment by:

• Credit or debit card (via our secure payment processor)
• Bank transfer (for group bookings by prior arrangement)
• Gift vouchers (subject to terms of the voucher)

2.3 Pricing

All prices are in British Pounds Sterling (GBP) and include VAT where applicable. Prices are subject to change but confirmed prices will not change once your booking is confirmed.

2.4 Group Bookings

Group bookings (8+ passengers) may be subject to different payment terms. Contact us directly for group booking arrangements.

3. Cancellations and Refunds

3.1 Cancellation by You

If you need to cancel your booking, please contact us as soon as possible:

• More than 48 hours before departure: Full refund or reschedule to another date at no charge
• 24-48 hours before departure: 50% refund or reschedule with 25% admin fee
• Less than 24 hours before departure: No refund (you may reschedule subject to 50% rebooking fee)
• No-show: No refund

Exceptions: In cases of documented medical emergency, bereavement, or other exceptional circumstances, we may offer more favourable terms at our discretion.

3.2 Cancellation by Us

We reserve the right to cancel tours due to:

• Adverse weather conditions
• Sea conditions deemed unsafe
• Mechanical failure or boat unavailability
• Insufficient bookings (minimum numbers not met)
• Force majeure events (see section 10)

If we cancel your tour, you will receive:

• Full refund of all payments made, or
• Option to reschedule to another date at no additional charge, or
• Credit voucher valid for 12 months

We are not liable for any additional costs you may have incurred (travel, accommodation, etc.) due to our cancellation.

3.3 Weather-Related Cancellations

Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable. Safety is our absolute priority. Our experienced skippers make the final decision on whether conditions are suitable for departure.

We typically make weather-related cancellation decisions:

• The evening before your tour (6pm-8pm), or
• On the morning of your tour (6am-8am)

We’ll contact you by phone and email. If we cancel due to weather, you’re entitled to a full refund or reschedule.

3.4 Changes to Your Booking

Changes to booking dates (subject to availability):

• More than 48 hours before departure: Free of charge (once only)
• Within 48 hours of departure: £25 admin fee per booking

Changes to passenger names or numbers: No charge if notified at least 24 hours before departure.

4. Your Responsibilities

4.1 Arrival Time

You must arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Tours depart promptly at the stated time. If you arrive late, we may be unable to wait and no refund will be given.

4.2 Fitness and Health

RIB tours can be physically demanding. By booking, you confirm that all members of your party:

• Are in reasonable health and fitness
• Can safely participate in the activities
• Have disclosed any medical conditions, pregnancy, or mobility issues
• Meet any age or height restrictions specified for the tour

We reserve the right to refuse participation if we believe it would be unsafe.

4.3 Behaviour

All passengers must:

• Follow safety instructions from the skipper and crew
• Behave appropriately and respect other passengers
• Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Respect wildlife (no feeding, disturbing, or attempting to touch animals)
• Not bring alcohol on board

We reserve the right to refuse boarding or remove passengers who fail to comply. No refund will be given in such circumstances.

4.4 Children

Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Age and height restrictions apply to certain tours:

• Minimum age: typically 4 years (varies by tour – check specific tour details)
• Minimum height: typically 1 metre (to fit life jackets safely)
• Lap-held infants: not permitted for safety reasons

4.5 Photography and Filming

You may take photographs and videos for personal use. By participating in the tour, you consent to Seafari Adventures taking photographs which may be used for marketing purposes. If you object, please inform the crew before departure.

5. What’s Included

All tours include:

• Expert, qualified skipper and guide
• All safety equipment and briefings
• Waterproof clothing (jackets and trousers)
• Life jackets (all sizes from infant to adult)

Not included: Food, beverages, gratuities, personal items, travel insurance.

6. Liability and Insurance

6.1 Our Liability

We operate with full public liability insurance and comply with all relevant maritime safety regulations.

We accept liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by our negligence
• Damage to property caused by our negligence

We do not accept liability for:

• Loss or damage to personal belongings (bring at your own risk)
• Injuries resulting from failure to follow safety instructions
• Injuries resulting from pre-existing medical conditions not disclosed to us
• Delays or cancellations due to weather or circumstances beyond our control
• Wildlife sightings (we cannot guarantee specific wildlife encounters)
• Sea sickness or discomfort (inherent risk of marine activities)

6.2 Your Insurance

We strongly recommend you have appropriate travel insurance covering:

• Personal accident and injury
• Cancellation and curtailment
• Personal belongings
• Medical expenses

6.3 Personal Belongings

You are responsible for your personal belongings. We recommend:

• Leaving valuables at your accommodation
• Using waterproof bags for phones/cameras
• Securing glasses with a strap

We accept no responsibility for lost, damaged, or water-damaged items.

7. Wildlife and Natural Environment

7.1 No Guarantees

While we do our utmost to locate wildlife, we cannot guarantee sightings of specific animals. Wildlife is wild, unpredictable, and sightings depend on many factors beyond our control. No refunds are given for lack of wildlife sightings.

7.2 Responsible Wildlife Watching

We are WiSE accredited (Wildlife Safe operator) and follow strict codes of conduct:

• Maintaining safe distances from wildlife
• No chasing or pursuing animals
• Engine management around marine mammals
• Minimizing disturbance to habitats

Passengers must respect these practices. Anyone attempting to disturb wildlife will be asked to disembark at the earliest opportunity.

8. Safety

8.1 Safety Briefing

A comprehensive safety briefing is given before departure. You must attend and understand this briefing. If you have questions, please ask.

8.2 Life Jackets

Life jackets must be worn at all times when on board. Failure to wear a life jacket will result in refusal of boarding.

8.3 Skipper’s Authority

The skipper has ultimate authority regarding safety and route decisions. The skipper may:

• Alter the route due to conditions
• Shorten or terminate the tour if safety requires
• Refuse boarding to anyone deemed unfit to travel
• Remove passengers exhibiting unsafe behaviour

The skipper’s decisions are final. No refund is given if the tour is shortened or terminated due to passenger behaviour or undisclosed health issues.

9. Gift Vouchers

9.1 Validity

Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase unless otherwise stated.

9.2 Booking with Vouchers

To book using a voucher:

• Contact us with your voucher code
• Book subject to availability
• Voucher must be presented before boarding (physical or electronic)

9.3 Terms

• Vouchers are non-refundable (but can be transferred to another person)
• Unused voucher value cannot be redeemed for cash
• Lost or stolen vouchers cannot be replaced
• Bookings made with vouchers are subject to these terms and conditions
• Vouchers cannot be extended beyond their expiry date

10. Force Majeure

We are not liable for failure to perform our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Extreme weather events
• Natural disasters
• Pandemic or epidemic
• Government restrictions or regulations
• Strikes or industrial action
• Terrorism or threat of terrorism
• War or civil unrest

In such circumstances, we’ll offer rescheduling or refund options where possible.

11. Data Protection

We collect and process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy. By making a booking, you consent to us using your data to:

• Process and manage your booking
• Contact you about your tour
• Send service messages (confirmations, reminders, updates)
• Comply with legal obligations

See our Privacy Policy for full details.

12. Special Requirements

12.1 Accessibility

We’re committed to making our tours as accessible as possible. If you or anyone in your party has:

• Mobility difficulties
• Visual or hearing impairments
• Any disability or special requirement

Please contact us before booking to discuss. We’ll do our best to accommodate, but some limitations apply due to the nature of RIB boats and sea conditions.

12.2 Pregnancy

Due to the nature of RIB travel (bouncing, jolting), we do not recommend tours for anyone who is:

• Pregnant (any stage)
• Trying to conceive
• Within 6 weeks post-partum

This is for your safety and the safety of your baby. We cannot accept liability for complications arising from participation whilst pregnant.

12.3 Medical Conditions

You must inform us before booking if anyone in your party has:

• Back or neck problems
• Recent surgery
• Heart conditions
• Epilepsy
• Any condition that could be affected by vigorous movement

Failure to disclose relevant conditions may result in refused boarding without refund.

13. Complaints

13.1 During Your Tour

If you have concerns during your tour, please speak to the skipper or crew immediately so we can address the issue.

13.2 After Your Tour

If you wish to make a complaint after your tour:

• Contact us within 28 days of your tour
• Provide your booking reference and details of your complaint
• We’ll acknowledge within 7 days and respond fully within 28 days

13.3 Dispute Resolution

If we cannot resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you may refer the matter to:

• Your credit card company (for payment disputes)
• Alternative dispute resolution service
• Small claims court (for claims under £10,000)

14. Copyright and Intellectual Property

All content on our website, promotional materials, and photographs remain the property of Seafari Adventures. You may not reproduce, copy, or use any content without written permission.

15. Third-Party Services

We may work with third-party providers for:

• Booking systems
• Payment processing
• Catering (on full-day charters)

We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of third-party service providers.

16. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by Scottish Law. The Scottish courts have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from your booking.

17. Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

18. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Your booking will be subject to the terms in effect at the time of booking.

19. Contact Information

Seafari Adventures
Ellenabeich, Isle of Seil
Oban, Argyll
Scotland PA34 4RF

20. Acknowledgement

By making a booking with Seafari Adventures, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. The lead passenger is responsible for ensuring all members of their party are aware of and agree to these terms.

By completing your booking, you confirm that:

• You have read and understood these terms and conditions
• You accept these terms on behalf of all members of your party
• All information provided is accurate and complete
• All members of your party are fit to participate
• You have disclosed all relevant medical conditions or special requirements