Terms & Conditions
Everything you need to know about booking, secure payments, trip rescheduling, and responsible marine wildlife safety for your Sumbawa whale shark adventure.
Key Booking Summary
- 20% Deposit: Secures private boat, crew & logistics.
- Fair Notice: Rescheduling flexibility up to 24h before trip.
- Responsible Eco-Tourism: 100% ethical whale shark guidelines.
Key Policy Highlights
A quick summary of essential terms before your expedition to Saleh Bay Sumbawa.
20% Deposit
Required upon confirmation to lock boats, harbor permits, and logistics. Non-refundable.
Final Payment
Settled no later than 1 day before departure or upon arrival as pre-agreed.
Rescheduling
Available on request. Room charges apply if requested within 24 hours of departure.
Eco Guidelines
Mandatory adherence to wildlife safety briefings and distance regulations.
Booking Policy
1.1 Initial Deposit
To secure your reservation for the Sumbawa Whale Shark Tour, a 20% non-refundable deposit of the total tour price is required. This deposit allows us to reserve your transportation, accommodation, local boat excursion, and local harbor coordination well in advance
1.2 Reservation Confirmation
Your booking will be officially confirmed once both of the following conditions are met:
- Receipt and verification of personal details and identification for all tour participants.
- Receipt and successful clearing of the required 20% deposit.
Once confirmed, an official reservation voucher and agreed travel arrangements will be issued.
1.3 Shared Responsibility
The lead guest making the reservation is responsible for communicating these Terms and Conditions to all traveling party members. By proceeding with the deposit, the lead guest warrants that all participants agree to these policies and will comply with guide and boat crew instructions during the expedition.
Payment Policy
We strive to keep your payment process transparent and seamless. Please review the accepted channels and schedules below.
2.1 Accepted Payment Methods
2.2 Final Payment & Schedule
The remaining balance must be paid no later than one day prior to departure or upon arrival before the tour commences, provided this has been agreed in advance.
| Payment Method | Processing Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | 0% (No Surcharge) | IDR currency preferred on site |
| Bank Transfer / Wise | Intermediary Fees Apply | Sender covers origin and intermediate bank fees |
| PayPal | +4.5% | Standard gateway fee applied to final balance |
| Credit / Debit Card | +4.0% | Processed through authorized portable terminal |
To ensure guaranteed departures in Saleh Bay, private outrigger boats, licensed captains, crew logistics, and hotel allocations must be paid and reserved in advance. We strongly advise securing comprehensive travel insurance before booking.
Rescheduling Policy
Rescheduling requests are accommodated subject to boat schedule availability and confirmation from our operations desk. Please notify us as early as possible if your travel dates change.
Cancellation Policy & Fees
All cancellation requests must be submitted directly via WhatsApp or Email by the lead guest who originally made the reservation.
Prior to Departure
The 20% deposit remains non-refundable. Any balance already paid will be credited or refunded according to arrangements.
Prior to Departure
A fee of 50% of the total tour price applies. The initial deposit is retained and remaining balance adjusted.
Same Day / Missed
A 100% cancellation charge applies with no refund, as private boats, permits, and crew are fully reserved.
Omitted or Unused Services
No refunds will be granted for services not used due to personal choice, flight delays, sea sickness, late arrivals, or early departure from an ongoing tour.
Ferry & Land Travel Delays
For travelers crossing from Lombok to Sumbawa via Kayangan-Poto Tano, third-party ferry delays due to sea traffic or weather may affect arrival times. Authentic Whale Shark Sumbawa will coordinate adjustments; however, additional hotel or transport expenses resulting from ferry delays are guest responsibility.
Responsible Whale Shark Tourism
All guests must follow responsible wildlife interaction guidelines:
- Maintain at least 3-4 meters distance from the whale sharks at all times.
- Never touch, ride, or restrict their swimming paths.
- No flash photography and no touching the fishermen's lift nets (Bagan).
Our team reserves the right to terminate activities without refund if safety guidelines are breached.
Have Questions About Our Booking Terms?
Our Sumbawa-based support team is here to assist with custom itineraries, flexible rescheduling, or payment verification.