Travel Information

Our terms and conditions…

Dietary requirements

Most dietary needs are catered for by the accommodation providers we use. If you have any specific questions regarding the food that will be made available to us throughout the duration of the tour then please ask and we will make all efforts to get appropriate answers for you.

Health

If you have any health conditions that would affect your active participation in the tour then please let us know early. Please bring any and all medications you may require during the tour with you. None of the activities are strenuous but a moderate standard of health is required to participate. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that they satisfy themselves that they are in a sufficiently robust state of health to participate in the tour.

Small Groups

Small, personalised groups really are our speciality. We aim for around 6-8 but the group number may be less for some whale watching expeditions, it may be slightly more for other tours. We commit to smaller group sizes because we believe memorable wildlife encounters are only achievable with small numbers in the party. If you like small groups you will like our tours.

Accommodations

We usually choose accommodation that will place us “closest to the action”. This may be high end hotels or more authentic lodges depending on the part of the world we are in. All our accommodations have private toilet and shower facilities unless otherwise stated. Double accommodations have twin beds or one double bed.

Receive confirmation

You will receive a confirmation letter/email once you have booked, along with a reading list prepared exclusively for your expedition along with recommendations relating to health and travel.

Communications

In order to speed up our service to our guests and to reduce paper waste we communicate by email most of the time unless requested to do otherwise.

What is included in our Baja, Mexico expedition

• Hotel accommodation in Los Angeles (hotel located close to the airport) on the outward leg only.
• Return flight from Los Angeles to Loreto on Alaska Airlines.
• Hotel accommodation in La Mision in Loreto with it’s famous seafood restaurant, widely considered to be the best hotel in Loreto.
• Food – breakfast and lunch every day.
• We include one evening meal not including alcoholic beverages. The final evening on day 6 before we depart when we get together to celebrate our week in Loreto.
• All boat tours to the islands and whale watching.
• All transport where required including tours to see the cave paintings or kayaking as part of the different options on day 5.

What is NOT included in our Baja, Mexico expedition

• Flight from Europe to Los Angeles. Fares are reasonable at this time of year and we will help in researching the best airfares…
• We don’t include hotel accommodation on the return leg at Los Angeles airport as many customers take an extra day out to explore Los Angeles and decide to stay in a hotel closer to the city rather than the airport.
• We don’t include evening meals EXCEPT on day 6 our final evening. We don’t include evening meals as some people are couples and would like an evening to themselves so we let folks fend for themselves in the evening but many times the single travellers in the party get together.
• Personal items purchased while on holiday such as souvenirs and presents.
• Alcoholic beverages you might require at anytime.
• Any tours or vehicle hire you require outside the published itinerary.

Travel Insurance

We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance in the unlikely event that you have to cancel your participation in the tour. Once accommodation and flight payments have been made by Whales Worldwide there can be no refunds.

Pre-Trip Documents

Preparing our guests is a priority for us. You will receive a detailed list of requirements on booking which will list clothing requirements, health and vaccination requirements and equipment you may require during the trip.

Luggage Restrictions

Some luggage restrictions are imposed by airlines. We forward links and details regarding luggage restriction in force at the time of booking. It is important that guests familiarise themselves with these restrictions. Whales Worldwide will not be responsible for ensuring passengers abide by any luggage restrictions. Any luggage charges will be met by the traveller.

Documents and Vaccinations

We will provide details on visa and vaccination requirements in your Pre-Departure Briefing. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure they have up to date documents and vaccinations as required or desired.

Viewing wildlife and itinerary changes

All tours organised by Whales Worldwide specialise in viewing wildlife. Our programme planning revolves around areas where wildlife is known to exist and has been viewed there before. However, the wildlife we view live wild and free and we cannot fully predict or control their movements or behaviour. During our efforts to locate wildlife which may not be present in a predetermined area or in the interests of guest safety we may need to make changes in itineraries. If we feel it is necessary to change hotels, boats or other facilities, we will make every reasonable effort to substitute comparable accommodations. It is important to have realistic expectations with regard to animals that we anticipate encountering.

Getting to the start of our tours

Our travellers are responsible for getting to the starting point of Whales Worldwide trips, and should airlines fail to deliver them on time to participate, there will be no refund made for missed services. We are happy to assist guests with their air ticket purchase if required.

Currency, Fuel & Other Fluctuations

Significant fluctuations in exchange rates, energy prices and other cost factors may necessitate an increase in trip prices before or after your booking. A price increase would be implemented only if absolutely necessary and would serve only to maintain the highest quality of your tour.

Cell/Satellite Phone Usage on Our Trips

Guests who require access to an emergency cellular or satellite phone may carry one during their trips with us. However, we do not allow guests to use those phones in the presence of other guests, especially in closed areas, except in an emergency. We hope you understand.

Third party service providers

It is important to realise that we use many third party service providers when putting together our tours. We strive to ensure these third party service providers adhere to our very high standards and choose those providers on the basis of past performance. Whales Worldwide cannot be held responsible for any failure on the part of a third party service provider but we will make every effort to rectify any situation as soon as possible.

Safety & Trip Enjoyment

We organise tours to areas and regions that are potentially dangerous. We require that all guests abide by the directions given by guides and expedition leaders appointed by Whales Worldwide and that the advice or direction of those appointed guides and leaders is final.

Smoking on Our Trips

It is important that guests appreciate there may be areas and times where smoking is prohibited and we would ask that you consider other guests at all times when wishing to smoke.

Gratuities

Whales Worldwide expedition leaders, staff and local guides are all paid for their work. They will strive very hard to make your trip special and are motivated by more than money. However, they do accept gratuities should you determine that they performed their jobs at an outstanding level. Any gratuities you wish to make should reflect your satisfaction with their level of service.

At your own risk

It is important to appreciate that you undertake any tour with Whale Watch West Cork at your own risk and that the company cannot be held responsible for injury or death resulting from your actions, or the3 actions of others, while participating in a tour with Whales Worldwide