UNIQUE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These Terms and Conditions, also called Booking Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with Unique Ocean Expeditions, a company registered in the United States with its principal business address at 18543 San Marcos St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, trading as Unique Ocean Expeditions.
Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations.
In these Booking Conditions, references to "you" and "your" include the first-named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made, or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred.
By making a booking, the first-named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that:
They have read these Booking Conditions and have the authority to and do agree to be bound by them.
They consent to our use of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and are authorized on behalf of all persons named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including special categories of data (e.g., medical conditions, disabilities, dietary requirements).
They are over 18 years of age and where placing an order for services with age restrictions, declare that they and all members of the party meet the minimum age requirement.
They accept financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking.
They accept that all communications, correspondence, and notices from us or our agents will be sent to the first-named person on the booking.
Booking & Paying for Your Arrangements
A booking may include, but is not limited to: vessel bookings, accommodation, transfers, excursions, diving services, meals, flights, equipment hire, or any combination thereof.
A booking is made when you pay us a deposit (or full payment if booking within 180 days of departure) and we issue you a booking confirmation and invoice.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing and confirmed in your booking confirmation, payments will be due in accordance with our published Payment & Cancellation Terms.
We reserve the right to decline a booking and return your deposit at our discretion. A binding contract exists as soon as we send you a booking confirmation.
If you fail to pay the balance on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you and retain your deposit.
Accuracy of Information
We make every effort to ensure that trip descriptions, prices, and availability are correct at the time of publication. Occasionally changes occur, and we reserve the right to correct errors. You must check the current trip details before booking.
Insurance – Mandatory
Adequate diving and travel insurance is a condition of booking, including:
Dive Injury Insurance (covering recompression chamber treatment, evacuation, loss/damage to dive gear, etc.)
Medical Evacuation Insurance
Travel Insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and repatriation.
Insurance providers we recommend include Dive Assure, DAN, or equivalent coverage providers. You must supply your insurance details (insurer name and policy number) within 14 days of booking.
Health Requirements
We reserve the right to deny participation if you are medically unfit for diving or other trip activities.
Dive Certification & Experience
Minimum certification levels and logged dives may apply for certain trips. You must show valid certification cards and recent logbooks upon boarding. If you cannot meet requirements, the dive crew may restrict you from certain dives for safety reasons, with no refund.
Pricing
We reserve the right to adjust prices before booking confirmation due to changes in fuel costs, taxes, fees, or exchange rates.
Jurisdiction
This contract is governed by the laws of the United States, with exclusive venue in the courts of [Insert State].
Changes & Cancellations by You
Any change request must be in writing from the first-named passenger. Changes may incur an administration fee plus supplier costs.
Guest Place Transfers
If you cannot travel, you may transfer your booking to another guest at no additional charge from us, provided:
You source the replacement yourself.
The replacement meets all trip requirements.
We are notified in writing at least 30 days before departure.
We will not find replacement guests on your behalf.
Cancellations by You
Cancellation charges apply as per our Payment & Cancellation Terms. Travel insurance may cover some of these charges.
Changes & Cancellations by Us
We may change or cancel trips due to circumstances beyond our control. Significant changes will be communicated promptly, and you will be offered options including rebooking or refund (minus any non-recoverable costs).
Events Beyond Our Control
We are not liable for cancellations or changes due to events such as extreme weather, political unrest, pandemics, or other force majeure situations.
Special Requests
Special requests (e.g., dietary needs, cabin preference) must be made in writing. We cannot guarantee fulfillment.
Behaviour & Safety
We expect all guests to act respectfully and follow crew instructions. Unsafe or disruptive behaviour may result in removal from the trip without refund.
Children
Liveaboard expeditions are generally unsuitable for children under 12. Any minors must be supervised at all times.
Passports, Visas & Entry Requirements
It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all entry requirements for the countries visited.
Supplier Terms
Certain services are provided by independent suppliers and are subject to their own terms and conditions.
Complaints
If you have an issue, notify the trip leader immediately. Formal complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of trip completion.
Liability
We are not liable for injuries, losses, or damages resulting from:
Your own actions or negligence.
Actions of third parties beyond our control.
Events beyond our control.
