Terms & Conditions

0. Definitions

For these Terms and Conditions:

• “Voyage” means any Day Passage or liveaboard trip operated by SailDeep.

• “Voyage fee” means the total amount payable to SailDeep for your booking, as shown in your booking confirmation. For mixed group voyages this is usually calculated per person. For private voyages this is quoted as a total trip cost for your party.

• “Liveaboard voyage” means any voyage of three days or more where you sleep on board the vessel.
  

1. Prices, deposits and payments

1.1 Voyage price and currency

Voyage fees are shown on the SailDeep website and or in your booking documents. For mixed group voyages, prices are usually shown per person. For private voyages, a total trip cost is quoted for your party. In all cases, the amount stated in your booking confirmation is your voyage fee.

All payments are made in the currency stated on your invoice or booking confirmation. Bank and transfer charges are the guest’s responsibility.

1.2 Deposits

A non-refundable deposit of twenty five percent (25 percent) of the voyage fee is required to confirm a booking. No berth or private booking is reserved until the deposit has cleared into SailDeep’s nominated account.

1.3 Balance of payment

The balance of the voyage fee (the remaining seventy five percent) is due no later than thirty five (35) days before the scheduled departure date.

For bookings made thirty five (35) days or fewer before departure, full payment of the voyage fee is due at the time of booking.

If the balance is not received by the due date, SailDeep may treat the booking as cancelled by the guest and apply the guest cancellation rules in Section 2.

1.4 Early payment discount for multi day voyages

For Coastal (3 day), Island (5 day), Deep (7 day) and Horizon (10 day) liveaboard voyages only:

• If one hundred percent (100 percent) of the voyage fee is received at least sixty (60) days before the scheduled departure date, a five percent (5 percent) discount is applied to the voyage fee.

This discount:

• does not apply to Day Passage bookings

• applies only to the voyage fee, not to optional extras such as additional training, specialist equipment or special transfers

• does not change the cancellation rules. Any refund is calculated on the amount actually paid after discount.
  
  

2. Cancellation by the guest

2.1 How to cancel

Cancellations must be made in writing, which can be by email, to the contact address in your booking confirmation. The date of cancellation is the date SailDeep receives your written notice.

2.2 Guest cancellation charges

The following cancellation charges apply to the voyage fee:

• More than twenty eight (28) days before departure:

• you forfeit the twenty five percent (25 percent) deposit

• any additional payments beyond the deposit are refunded without interest
  
  

• Twenty eight (28) days or fewer before departure:

• one hundred percent (100 percent) of the voyage fee is forfeited

• no refund is due
  

These periods are measured backwards from the scheduled departure date of the voyage.

2.3 No show, late arrival and early departure

If you fail to join the voyage, arrive after departure or leave the voyage early for any reason, this is treated as a cancellation on the day of departure and no refund of the voyage fee is due.

2.4 Changes requested by the guest

Requests to change dates, voyage type or names on the booking are treated as a cancellation of the original booking and a new booking, unless SailDeep expressly confirms in writing that a change can be made without cancellation charges.

Any such change is at SailDeep’s discretion and may involve an administration fee and or a fare difference.

3. Cancellation or changes by SailDeep

3.1 Right to cancel before departure

SailDeep may cancel a voyage before departure if, in its reasonable judgment, this is necessary for reasons including, but not limited to:

• the vessel being unavailable, unseaworthy or undergoing essential repair

• severe weather, named storms or forecast conditions that make the voyage unsafe or impractical

• illness or incapacity of the captain or key staff where no suitable replacement is available

• failure to reach the minimum voyage fee or total trip cost required for a scheduled mixed group voyage (see Section 6)

• legal, regulatory, port or border restrictions that prevent the voyage as planned
  
  

3.2 Options if SailDeep cancels before departure

If SailDeep cancels the voyage before it starts, other than due to the guest’s own breach of these Terms and Conditions, guests will be offered:

• an alternative date or itinerary of equivalent value, if available and acceptable to the guest, or

• a full refund of voyage fees paid to SailDeep for that voyage if no suitable alternative is agreed
  

This refund is the full extent of SailDeep’s liability. SailDeep is not responsible for indirect or additional costs such as flights, hotels, transfers, visas or lost income. Guests are advised to have travel insurance that covers such events.

3.3 Itinerary and schedule changes during the voyage

The captain has full authority to change the itinerary, ports, anchorages, timings and planned activities at any time for safety, weather, operational or other reasonable causes.

Changes to route, timing, dive sites or anchorages made for safety or practicality do not constitute cancellation and do not give rise to any right to a refund or compensation.

4. What is included in your voyage fee

Unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation, the voyage fee includes the items below.

4.1 All voyages

For all voyages, including Day Passage and liveaboard voyages, the voyage fee includes:

• skipper or captain services for the duration of the voyage

• accommodation on board the sailing yacht Nayru in a shared cabin or berth as specified for liveaboard voyages

• bedding on board for liveaboard voyages (sheets, pillows and basic linens)

• use of required safety equipment on board, including lifejackets, harnesses and surface signalling devices

• use of snorkelling equipment on board, subject to sizes and availability

• water and fuel used in the normal operation of the vessel for the agreed itinerary

4.2 Day Passage

For Day Passage bookings, unless otherwise stated:

• snacks and light food on board during the day, such as a simple lunch or substantial snacks as specified in your joining instructions

• soft drinks such as water, sodas, coconut water and local juices in reasonable quantities
  

Restaurant meals ashore are not included for Day Passage bookings unless clearly stated in a private voyage agreement.

4.3 Liveaboard voyages (Coastal, Island, Deep, Horizon)

For liveaboard voyages of three days or more, whether mixed group or private, unless otherwise stated:

• breakfast and lunch on board for each full day of the voyage, according to sample menus provided before departure

• one main meal per full day taken ashore in a local restaurant, within a reasonable budget set by SailDeep and included in the voyage fee. The choice of restaurant and timing of this meal is at the captain’s discretion, based on conditions, anchorage and local availability

• soft drinks such as water, sodas, coconut water and local juices in reasonable quantities

• use of scuba equipment where diving is part of your confirmed booking, excluding personal prescription masks or specialist gear

• guided recreational scuba diving, where included in your booking, up to the approximate number of dives indicated for the voyage type and subject to weather, conditions, safety considerations and your certification level and recent experience
  

Any specific inclusions for a given voyage, such as an indicative number of planned dives or special activities, will be set out in your booking confirmation and or pre-departure information.

5. What is not included and additional costs

Unless explicitly stated otherwise in your booking confirmation, the following are not included in the voyage fee and remain the responsibility of the guest:

• travel and medical insurance for you and your party

• guests are required to hold valid travel and medical insurance that covers:

• being at sea on a small sailing vessel for the length of the voyage, and

• recreational scuba diving if you intend to dive
  

• flights to and from Barbados or any other embarkation or disembarkation port

• ground transportation to and from the yacht, including taxis, shuttles and similar

• accommodation ashore before or after the voyage

• alcohol, including beer, wine and spirits, unless specifically included in a private voyage agreement

• meals taken ashore in restaurants other than:
  

• the one main restaurant meal per full day included for liveaboard voyages as described in Section 4.3, where applicable. Any additional meals ashore beyond that allocation are at the guest’s own expense
  

• any customs and immigration fees, visas, port charges or clearance fees between countries, unless your booking explicitly states that these are included

• any personal equipment you choose to bring, such as personal dive computers, prescription masks or specialist camera equipment

• gratuities for the captain or any additional crew, which are at your discretion
  
  

6. Minimum numbers, mixed groups and private voyages

6.1 Mixed group voyages

6.1.1 Some voyages are offered as mixed group trips, where individual guests or small parties share the boat with others at a published per-person rate.

6.1.2 All voyages are priced from a total trip cost which reflects the daily cost of operating the vessel for the planned itinerary. On mixed voyages that total trip cost is divided between the guests at the published per-person rate.

6.1.3 A mixed voyage will only run when the combined bookings reach at least this total trip cost. In practice, this usually corresponds to a minimum number of paying guests, which may be shown in your booking information.

6.1.4 When you apply, you may indicate whether you wish to join a mixed group, prefer a private voyage, or are open to either. SailDeep will use this preference when allocating bookings, but cannot guarantee a particular group composition until the voyage is confirmed.

6.1.5 If, by a reasonable time before departure, a scheduled mixed voyage has not reached the required total trip cost, SailDeep may, at its discretion:

• cancel the voyage and offer a full refund of voyage fees paid for that trip, or

• offer guests a transfer to another date or voyage, subject to availability and the guest’s agreement, or

• offer to run the trip as a smaller private group, provided the guests collectively agree to cover the total trip cost between them
  
  

6.1.6 SailDeep is not liable for any additional costs you incur if a voyage is cancelled or changed for this reason, such as flights, hotels, visas or loss of income. Guests are advised to have travel insurance that covers such events.

6.2 Private voyages

6.2.1 Guests may request exclusive use of the boat for their own party, subject to availability.

6.2.2 In this case, SailDeep will quote a total trip cost for the voyage. This is calculated on the same operating costs as a mixed voyage. On a private voyage your party shares that total between you. There is no separate private charter surcharge, but the effective per-person cost will be higher if there are fewer people in your party.

6.2.3 If you state on your application that you prefer a private voyage, your booking is not confirmed until:

• you have received the total trip cost quote, and

• you have accepted it in writing and paid the required deposit.
  
  

6.2.4 Private voyages are subject to the same payment schedules and cancellation terms as mixed group voyages, unless a separate written agreement with SailDeep states otherwise.

6.3 Group leader for private bookings

6.3.1 For private or full-boat bookings, one person will be designated as the group leader. The group leader is responsible for:

• acting as the primary contact with SailDeep, and
  
  

• ensuring that all members of the group receive and agree to these Terms and Conditions, the waiver and any other required documents before joining the voyage.

7. Conduct, safety and participation on board

7.1 General conduct

7.1.1 Guests are expected to behave in a way that is respectful towards the captain, any crew, other guests, the vessel and the places visited.

7.1.2 Behaviour that is aggressive, abusive, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or otherwise seriously disruptive will not be tolerated.

7.1.3 Guests must respect the confined nature of a small vessel, shared space and the need for reasonable quiet during agreed rest hours.

7.2 Compliance with safety instructions

7.2.1 For safety at sea, guests must follow all lawful instructions given by the captain and any designated crew or guides, including instructions relating to:

• movement on deck and below

• the use of lifejackets, harnesses and safety lines

• entry to and exit from the water

• participation in sailing and diving activities

• emergency procedures
  

7.2.2 Guests must not interfere with, misuse or remove any safety or navigation equipment.

7.3 Participation in day to day life on board

7.3.1 SailDeep voyages are participatory. Guests are expected to contribute to day to day tasks on board at a level that fits their ability and experience. This may include simple sailing tasks, helping with shared meals and basic tidying.

7.3.2 The level and type of participation will be agreed between the captain and each guest at the outset of the voyage and can be adjusted by mutual agreement if conditions or individual capacity change.

7.3.3 The captain may reassign or restrict tasks at any time if required for safety or the proper operation of the vessel.

7.4 Damage to the vessel or equipment

7.4.1 Guests must take reasonable care to avoid damage to the vessel, equipment, fittings and any hired or loaned gear.

7.4.2 If, in the captain’s reasonable opinion, a guest wilfully or recklessly causes damage to the vessel or equipment, SailDeep may seek to recover the cost of repair or replacement from that guest, up to the limit permitted by applicable law.

7.5 Captain’s authority to terminate participation

7.5.1 The captain has the right, at any time, to terminate a guest’s participation in the voyage and require them to leave the vessel at the nearest safe port or harbour if, in the captain’s reasonable opinion:

• the guest’s behaviour is seriously disruptive, unsafe or in breach of these Terms and Conditions, or

• the guest is unfit to continue for reasons of health, intoxication or conduct, and continuing would pose a risk to themselves, others or the safe operation of the vessel
  

7.5.2 In such cases no refund of the voyage fee will be due, and any additional costs incurred in leaving the vessel early (including accommodation ashore or onward travel) will be the responsibility of the guest.

8. Alcohol, drugs and smoking

8.1 Alcohol

8.1.1 Alcohol may only be consumed after the vessel is secured, whether at anchor, on a mooring or berthed in a marina, and all planned sailing and in-water activities for the day are complete.

8.1.2 Guests must not consume alcohol to the point of impairment that, in the captain’s opinion, creates a safety risk to themselves or others, or interferes with the safe and orderly conduct of life on board.

8.1.3 Guests must not consume alcohol before or between scuba dives, freediving or other water activities, and must comply with any specific guidance given by the captain or dive professional.

8.2 Drugs and illegal substances

8.2.1 The possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances on board is strictly prohibited. Guests understand that the presence of illegal substances on board may expose the captain and the vessel to serious legal consequences under applicable law.

8.2.2 If the captain reasonably believes that a guest has brought illegal drugs or controlled substances on board or is under their influence, the captain may:

• require the items to be surrendered and removed from the vessel at the next safe opportunity, and or

• terminate that guest’s participation in the voyage in accordance with clause 7.5, and or

• where required or considered appropriate, notify or cooperate with law enforcement or port authorities.
  

8.2.3 Guests remain personally responsible for any legal consequences arising from their possession or use of illegal substances in any jurisdiction visited during the voyage.

8.3 Smoking and vaping

8.3.1 Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere below deck, including in cabins, companionways, galley or heads.

8.3.2 Smoking and vaping, if allowed on a given voyage, are restricted to designated areas on deck on the leeward side of the vessel and only at times agreed with the captain.

8.3.3 Guests who smoke must ensure that ash and cigarette ends do not damage the vessel. An appropriate ash receptacle must be used for ash and cigarette butts, and nothing is to be thrown overboard.

8.3.4 Guests must comply with the smoking and vaping policy in force on their voyage. Repeated breaches may be treated as a conduct issue under clause 7.5.

9. Eligibility, age, health and fitness

9.1 Age

9.1.1 SailDeep voyages are only open to guests who are eighteen (18) years of age or older on the date of departure.

9.1.2 SailDeep may request proof of age before or at embarkation. If satisfactory proof is not provided on request, SailDeep may refuse boarding and treat this as a cancellation by the guest. In such a case no refund of the voyage fee will be due.

9.2 Swimming ability and water confidence

9.2.1 For safety reasons, all guests must be able to swim and be reasonably confident in the water. As a minimum, guests should be able to stay afloat unaided in deep water long enough to use basic safety equipment such as a lifejacket.

9.2.2 Guests must answer questions about their swimming ability truthfully in the application form and any pre-voyage questionnaires. If, in the captain’s reasonable opinion, a guest has overstated their swimming ability, the captain may restrict that guest’s participation in water-based activities and or refuse boarding.

9.3 General health and fitness

9.3.1 SailDeep voyages involve movement on a small vessel, uneven surfaces, ladders, confined spaces and variable weather and sea conditions. Basic physical fitness and mobility are required.

9.3.2 Guests must disclose any medical conditions, injuries, disabilities or other factors that might affect their ability to participate safely in the voyage. This includes, but is not limited to, heart or lung conditions, epilepsy, recent surgery, serious illness, pregnancy and any condition relevant to scuba diving.

9.3.3 SailDeep may request further information, a doctor’s letter or medical clearance where it considers this appropriate. If adequate information or clearance is not provided, SailDeep may decline the booking or restrict participation in certain activities.

9.3.4 If a guest’s health or fitness changes between booking and departure, the guest must inform SailDeep as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in refusal of boarding or restricted participation without refund.

9.4 Right to decline participation

9.4.1 SailDeep reserves the right to decline a booking, refuse boarding or restrict a guest’s participation in certain activities if, in its reasonable opinion or in the opinion of the captain or dive professional:

• the guest is not medically or physically fit to take part safely, or

• the guest’s participation would pose an unacceptable risk to themselves or others.

9.4.2 In such cases any refund or credit will be handled in accordance with the cancellation rules in Section 2, unless SailDeep decides, at its discretion, to offer an alternative arrangement.

10. Travel documents and insurance

10.1 Passports, visas and entry requirements

10.1.1 It is the guest’s responsibility to ensure that their passport, visas and any other required travel documents are valid for the duration of the voyage and for any countries visited or transited.

10.1.2 Passports should normally be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the planned return date. Guests must check the specific requirements for their nationality and destinations.

10.1.3 SailDeep is not responsible if a guest is unable to travel or join a voyage due to incomplete or invalid travel documents, refusal of entry or other immigration issues. In such cases, no refund of the voyage fee will be due.

10.2 Travel and medical insurance

10.2.1 Guests are required to hold valid travel and medical insurance for the duration of their trip, including any time before and after the voyage itself.

10.2.2 As a minimum, this insurance must cover:

• emergency medical treatment and evacuation while at sea and ashore, and

• search and rescue costs where applicable.
  

10.2.3 Guests who intend to scuba dive during the voyage must ensure that their insurance covers recreational scuba diving to the depths permitted by their certification.

10.2.4 SailDeep may request proof of suitable insurance before departure. If proof is not provided upon request, SailDeep may refuse boarding or restrict the guest’s participation in certain activities. In such cases the cancellation rules in Section 2 will apply.

10.2.5 Any claims for loss, delay, cancellation, medical costs or other expenses should be made directly to the guest’s insurer. SailDeep is not responsible for costs that should reasonably be covered by the guest’s insurance.

11. Complaints and disputes

11.1 Raising issues during the voyage

11.1.1 If you have any concern or complaint during the voyage, you should raise it with the captain as soon as reasonably possible so that there is an opportunity to address it at the time.

11.1.2 Many issues can be resolved quickly on board if they are brought to attention early. Failure to raise a concern during the voyage may affect how it can be considered later.

11.2 Post-voyage complaints

11.2.1 If a complaint cannot be resolved during the voyage and you wish to pursue it further, you must submit your complaint in writing to SailDeep within twenty eight (28) days of the end of the voyage.

11.2.2 Your written complaint should set out:

• your name and voyage dates

• a brief description of the issue

• what, if anything, was discussed with the captain at the time.
  

11.2.3 SailDeep will acknowledge written complaints and will aim to provide a substantive response within a reasonable time.

11.3 Limitation of claims

11.3.1 Except where a longer period is required by applicable law, SailDeep will not be obliged to consider complaints or claims received more than twenty eight (28) days after the end of the voyage.

11.3.2 Any refund, credit or other remedy offered by SailDeep in respect of a complaint will be in full and final settlement of the matter, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

12. Personal data, communications, photography and marketing

12.1 Personal data and communications

12.1.1 In the course of enquiries, applications and bookings, SailDeep will collect and store personal information such as your name, contact details, age, medical information relevant to safety, and travel details.

12.1.2 This information is used for:

• handling your enquiry, application and booking

• fulfilling SailDeep’s obligations in running the voyage

• meeting safety, legal and insurance requirements

• communicating with you before and after the voyage.

12.1.3 By providing your contact details, you agree that SailDeep may contact you by email, phone or messaging app in relation to your enquiry, application, booking and follow-up.

12.1.4 You may be offered the option to receive occasional news or updates about future voyages. You can opt out of such marketing communications at any time by using the unsubscribe option provided or by contacting SailDeep directly.

12.1.5 Personal information is stored in digital form in password-protected systems used by SailDeep for administration, communication and record keeping. Access is limited to the captain and any administrative support who reasonably need the information to handle enquiries, bookings, safety and legal requirements. SailDeep will take reasonable steps to protect personal information from unauthorised access, loss or misuse. However, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

12.1.6 SailDeep will keep personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to:

• manage your enquiry, application and booking

• operate the voyage and meet safety, insurance and legal obligations

• maintain basic records of voyages and incidents for legal limitation periods.

As a general guide, booking and voyage records (including waivers and incident reports, if any) may be kept for up to seven (7) years after the end of the voyage, unless a longer period is required by law or is advisable in connection with an ongoing claim or dispute.

12.1.7 You may contact SailDeep to request a copy of the personal information held about you, to correct inaccurate details or to ask that non-essential information be deleted once it is no longer needed for safety, legal or insurance purposes. Some records, such as waivers, incident reports and core booking details, may need to be retained for a longer period and cannot be deleted on request where SailDeep has a legal or legitimate business reason to keep them.

12.2 Photography and video on board

12.2.1 Photography and video are a normal part of life on board. Guests may take their own images provided they do so with respect for the privacy and comfort of others.

12.2.2 SailDeep and its representatives may take photographs and or short video clips during the voyage for the purposes of:

• providing memories to guests after the trip, and
  

• using selected images in SailDeep’s marketing materials, website or social media.
  

12.2.3 SailDeep will avoid using close-up images where a guest is clearly identifiable for marketing purposes without that guest’s consent. You may tell the captain at any time if you do not wish to appear in marketing images.

12.2.4 If you do not wish to be photographed at all, you must inform the captain at the start of the voyage. SailDeep will take reasonable steps to respect this, but cannot guarantee that you will not appear incidentally in wide shots or group scenes.

12.2.5 Guests may not use images taken on board in any way that misrepresents SailDeep, the vessel or other guests, or that breaches the privacy or rights of others.

13. Governing law and jurisdiction

13.1 These Terms and Conditions and any contract between you and SailDeep are governed by the laws of Barbados.

13.2 Any dispute, claim or legal proceedings arising out of or in connection with your booking or voyage will, subject to any mandatory local law, be brought in the courts of Barbados, which will have exclusive jurisdiction.

13.3 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

13.4 These Terms and Conditions, together with your booking confirmation and any documents expressly incorporated by reference, form the entire agreement between you and SailDeep in relation to your booking and voyage.