1. Introduction
1.1 Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully.
1.2 By making a booking with GBR Tours Pty Ltd, you acknowledge and agree that:
(a) You are 18 years of age or older;
(b) As the person making the booking, you are authorised to act on behalf of all travellers and bind them to these Terms & Conditions.
1.3 References to “Reef Experience,” “Reef Encounter,” “us,” “we,” and/or “our” refer to GBR Tours Pty Ltd (ABN 15 668 044 568).
1.4 References to “Terms and Conditions” or “Agreement” mean this written document.
2. Terms of Payment
2.1 Full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept cash, credit card payments (with an additional credit card fee), and bank transfers from Australian bank accounts.
3. Cancellations
3.1 The following Cancellation fees applies:
• 20% cancellation fee for cancellations made 30 days or more before the departure date.
• 50% cancellation fee for cancellations made within 30 days of the departure date.
• 100% cancellation fee for cancellations made within 14 days of the departure date.
3.2 We require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice to reschedule or alter a reservation.
3.3 Please note that there will be no refund if you fail to arrive at the scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures will not be delayed due to passenger circumstances, including events beyond your control (e.g., medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.).
3.4 Open-Dated Ticket: In certain cases, Open-Dated tickets may be issued. These tickets are valid indefinitely but are non-refundable. Any fare increase must be paid at the time of rebooking. Once a customer accepts an Open-Dated ticket, the cancellation policy applicable to the original booking date will remain in effect.
4. Travel insurance
4.1 It is strongly recommended that all passengers acquire comprehensive travel insurance, covering trip cancellation, force majeure events, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injuries and accidents, as well as protection against the loss of personal baggage and money, and personal liability.
4.2 Additionally, ensure that your travel insurance adequately covers special circumstances, including weather events and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a severe storm or named cyclone in the region during the cyclone season (December to April), securing insurance well in advance is advised, covering force majeure events like natural disasters, to mitigate potential financial implications.
4.3 You acknowledge and agree that GBR Tours is not responsible for any loss or damage you suffer as a result of a failure to obtain sufficient comprehensive travel insurance.
4.4 While we prioritise client safety, it’s important to acknowledge the inherent risks in adventure travel. We cannot assume responsibility for personal injury or loss resulting from actions beyond our control. Therefore, we highly recommend that all clients carefully review their insurance policy to confirm coverage for potential activities and unforeseen events.
5. Confirmation
5.1 Please call to confirm your trip 48 hours in advance at +61 7 4037 2700.
6. General Conditions
6.1 No alcohol and/or drugs (including prescribed cannabis) may be consumed before in-water activities.
6.2 Recreational drugs, including cannabis (even if prescribed), are strictly prohibited onboard. Smoking cigarettes and vaping is prohibited onboard Reef Experience. Violating this policy may result in immediate removal from the vessel without refund, as well as any applicable legal consequences.
6.3 Children’s prices apply to those aged 4 to 11 years old. Certified divers must book at adult rates.
6.4 All reef levies are included in the cost.
6.5 Locations, vessels, and itineraries are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. We are not liable for changes in tours, pricing, or itineraries, and we accept no liability for any loss or out-of-pocket costs incurred due to cancellations or changes.
6.6 Neither this site nor any associated company or agent is responsible for costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, or any related issues, including loss, damage, delays, deaths, or personal injury.
6.7 Passengers consent to Reef Experience and/or Reef Encounter taking photographs or video recordings during the tour and using these images for marketing and promotional purposes.
6.8 Inform us of any special requirements (e.g., dietary needs, allergies, mobility issues) 48 hours before your travel date, either through the ‘Booking Message’ section of your online reservation or by contacting our reservations team.
7. Age Restrictions
7.1 The following age restrictions applies:
• Overnight Trips: Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Day Trips: Individuals under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A 16 or 17-year-old may travel with prior written parental consent and must have relevant liability forms signed by a parent or guardian.
• Introductory diving: The minimum age for participating in an introductory dive is 12. Individuals under 18 must have relevant liability forms signed by a parent or guardian.
• Certified diving and Open Water Course: The Minimum age for certified diving and Open Water Course is 10 years old. Junior divers must either be accompanied by a certified parent or guardian or dive with a professional at an additional charge. Parental or guardian consent is required for divers under 18 years old.
8. Scuba Diving – Important Information
8.1 All Certified Divers must present a valid Certification Card. Failure to present it may result in the inability to participate in scuba diving; snorkelling activities will be available instead. No refunds will be offered.
8.2 The minimum age for Introductory Diving is 12 years old. Certified diving and Open Water Courses require a minimum age of 10 years old. Junior divers must either be accompanied by a certified parent or guardian or dive with a professional at an additional charge. Parental or guardian consent is required for divers under 18 years old.
8.3 All passengers must complete our liability forms upon arriving at our vessel. If it becomes apparent that forms have been incorrectly completed, we reserve the right to prevent participation in scuba diving or snorkelling activities. Decisions in this regard will be made at the discretion of the Dive Crew.
8.4 The dangers and risks associated with scuba diving in open ocean environments apply. We reserve the right to prevent any customer from diving if deemed physically or medically unsuitable or if it is in the best interest of the crew or other divers. No refunds will apply in such cases.
8.5 Allow 24 hours from your last dive before flying.
8.6 Medical Conditions & Medications:
8.6.1 Queensland, Australia has strict scuba diving regulations to ensure safety. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including medical, as is the law.
8.6.2 All passengers must complete our Medical Questionnaire onboard. If you have any medical conditions or take prescribed medications, consult a doctor and obtain medical clearance before departure.
8.6.3 The medical certification should be provided in English, preferably by a medical practitioner with experience in diving medicine, within 90 days prior to the scuba dive. The certificate must state that the person is medically fit to dive.
8.6.4 No refunds are provided for uncompleted dives due to medical conditions or prescribed medications.
9. Entry-Level Certificate Divers (SSI Learn To Dive Students)
9.1 Medical certificates are no longer mandatory for our Open Water Course unless:
(a) You have or have had any of the medical conditions listed in the SSI Medical Questionnaire.
(b) You are over 45 years old.
(c) You have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 and a waist circumference of more than 102 cm for males or 88 cm for females.
(d) You are taking prescription medications (excluding birth control or anti-malarial drugs other than mefloquine (Lariam)).
(e) You have had surgery in the last 12 months.
(f) You struggle to perform moderate exercise (e.g., walk 1.6 km/1 mile in 14 minutes; swim 200 meters/yards without resting), or have been unable to participate in normal physical activity due to fitness or health reasons within the past 12 months.
9.2 If any of the above conditions apply, you MUST provide in writing within 12 months prior to commencement of your course either:
• A Queensland Dive medical certificate, or
• Page 3 of the SSI Diver Medical form signed by a dive practitioner or your GP.
10. Peak Season Surcharge
10.1 The Peak Season Surcharge is a per-person fee that is collected onboard on the first day of travel.
10.2 Reef Experience Peak Season Surcharge:
(a) A Surcharge of $100 per person applies to 25 December every year – Christmas Day
(b) A Surcharge of $50 per person applies to the following days:
• 29, 30 & 31 March and 01 April 2024 – Easter weekend
• 26 December 2024 – Boxing Day
• 18, 19, 20 & 21 April 2025 – Easter weekend
• 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
10.3 Reef Encounter Peak Season Surcharge:
(a) A Surcharge of $100 per person applies for travel over Easter and Christmas, including any of these days:
• from the 23/12/2024 to 01/01/2025
• from the 17/04/2025 to 22/04/2025
• from the 23/12/2025 to 01/01/2026
11. Group Bookings
11.1 Special Terms and Conditions apply to group bookings of fifteen or more people onboard Reef Experience and to group bookings of 10 cabins or more on Reef Encounter. Please contact [email protected] to enquire.
Last Updated 13/09/2024
Please refer to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
