By purchasing a tour, I affirm that I have fully understood and agree to these policies, terms and conditions, and release of liability:
1. Customers that cancel a day tour with a minimum of 5 days notice prior to their scheduled tour date, will either be given a credit for their full deposited amount (which does not expire), or can receive a full refund of their deposit within a 30 day period. Tours cancelled within the 5 days prior to their tour, will receive a credit for their deposited amount (which does not expire), but will not be eligible to receive a refund.
Customers that cancel overnight tours with a minimum of 30 days notice prior to their scheduled tour date, will either be given a credit for their full deposited amount (which does not expire), or can receive a full refund of their deposit within a 30 day period. Tours cancelled within the 30 days prior to their tour, will receive a credit for their deposited amount (which does not expire), but will not be eligible to receive a refund.
2. We do not cancel tours due to rain, unless of course there are extreme conditions that are considered a risk to the customer’s well being. For this purpose we are constantly monitoring local weather reports.
3. The initial deposit for reservations must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the tour start time, except in some special cases. The remaining balance must be paid in cash at the beginning of the tour (dollars, Dominican pesos, or Euros are accepted), except if a different method of payment completion has been agreed upon prior to the tour. Customers who book multiple tours must pay the total remaining balance for all tours at the beginning of their first tour.
4. The remaining balance for a tour can either be paid in cash at the start of the tour (in dollars, euros, or pesos is fine), or it must be paid the night before the tour (up to 8 PM at the latest) via Pay Pal invoice for a 10% additional fee to cover Pay Pal fees, sales tax in the Dominican Republic, and the international banking fees incurred.
5. Customers must always follow our guide’s instructions, otherwise Explora Ecotour is not responsible for any accident that may occur.
6. All tour information is published on the website. If the client does not read all the details, he/she cannot claim lack of information.
7. There is a 30 minute waiting period after the set hour of tour departure. If the client does not arrive within this time frame, transportation will depart and there can be no refund.
8. It is very important to understand that we are an eco tourism company in the Dominican Republic, and this means that sometimes we may encounter some surprises or unexpected changes along the way (i.e. bad roads, closed places, etc.); rest assured that when this occurs we will always find a way to successfully carry out the nature tour, whether it means choosing an alternative route or adding an unexpected stop to make up for the change.
9. We can only pick up and drop off at one specified location.
10. Please allow a 10 minute grace period for morning pick up due to traffic, road conditions, etc.
11. There are restrictions on the amount of free children age 12 and under per tour. These restrictions will be established by our company according to the tour chosen by the customer and the amount of participants. There is a 2 free child limit per 2 adults.
12. As a participant on the tour (s), I and my group accept full responsibility for my behavior, well being, and health throughout the tour, which may involve a variety of activities, unfamiliar locations, and modes of travel, including but not limited to: riding in an automobile, riding on a boat, climbing, running, hiking or walking for a longer period than I am used to. I further realize that the tour may involve walking through unfamiliar, narrow, unpaved and/or steep paths, gangways, roads, and stairways. I knowingly and willfully accept these risks and take complete and total responsibility for my behavior, well being and health during the tour or event. I agree to hold neither Explora Dominicana, nor its Staff liable in any way should any harm come to me.
13. I agree that if I or my group suffer injury or illness Explora Dominicana or its staff can arrange any medical treatment and emergency evacuation service as it or they deem necessary for my health and safety. Further, I agree at all times during the tour, to abide by and comply with any additional instructions given by my tour guide or any other Staff and I accept that non-compliance may result in injury, death or permanent disability. I understand that non-compliance may result in my removal from the tour.
14. Any changes in private group size must be notified at least 24 hours before the start of the tour, otherwise, customers will still have to pay the complete remaining balance for the original group size they reserved for. If the final group size is larger than what the customer booked for, we may not be able to accommodate all the participants that day.
15. Overnight birdwatching tours that visit the site known as Zapoten in Sierra de Bahoruco National Park: If weather affects our birding ability that morning, or you wish to go up again, you may opt to revisit the site the following morning for an additional USD $250.
16. If you require an invoice with local taxes included (ITBIS), please let us know ahead of time, and note that prices listed on our website do not include those taxes (which would need to be added on in this case).
17. Once payment is made, you are agreeing with and accepting these company policies.