Terms and Conditions – Boat Excursions to the Egadi Islands (Group Tours and Exclusive Tours)
The following General Conditions govern the terms of booking, payment, and participation in daily boat tours to the Egadi Islands, whether shared (group tours) or exclusive (private tours), in order to safeguard the relationships between clients and the boat owner while ensuring clarity, transparency, and professionalism. Participation in the tour implies full acceptance of all the terms and conditions listed below.
- Booking and Payment
- Booking methods: Tour bookings can be made through the organizer’s official channels: website, email, or phone. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during high season, to ensure availability. At the time of booking, the client must provide their personal details (name, surname, phone number, email) and the number of participants, specifying any special requests (allergies, dietary preferences, mobility needs, etc.).
- Accepted payment methods: Various payment methods are accepted during booking, including credit/debit cards (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, American Express), bank transfer in advance, or cash payment (only if agreed upon in advance and possible on the same day before departure). For online bookings, payment may be required via secure platforms or partner portals. All payments are processed in compliance with security standards (SSL) to protect the client’s financial data.
- Deposit and final balance: A deposit may be required at the time of booking to confirm the reservation. The deposit amount (e.g., 30% or 50% of the total price) will be specified during the booking process. The final balance must be paid by a specified date prior to the tour (e.g., 3 days before) or directly on the day of the excursion, before boarding, as indicated by the organizer. If the balance is not paid within the agreed terms, the organizer reserves the right to cancel the booking, applying any applicable penalties (see Cancellation Policy).
- Booking confirmation: Once payment (deposit or balance, as the case may be) is received, the organizer will send the client a written booking confirmation (via email or digital voucher) with all tour details: date, time and embarkation point, summary of included services, amount paid/to be paid, and contact references for further communication. It is the client’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of the details in the confirmation and promptly report any errors or omissions. The booking confirmation must be presented on the day of the tour (digitally on the phone or printed) along with an ID to verify the name on the booking.
- Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation by the client: If the client decides to cancel the tour, they must notify the organizer in writing (via email or the booking channel used) as soon as possible. Refunds will be calculated based on the cancellation date relative to the tour departure date, as follows:
- Cancellation up to 7 days before the tour: 100% refund of the paid amount. No penalties will be applied (except for any non-recoverable bank or transaction fees).
- Cancellation from 6 to 3 days before the tour: 50% refund of the total tour cost. The organizer will retain or charge the remaining 50% as a penalty (corresponding to the organizational costs incurred and the inability to resell the spots).
- Cancellation less than 72 hours before the tour: No refund. Last-minute cancellations (within 72 hours before the tour start time) do not entitle the client to any refund, as the organizer cannot resell the vacant spots at such short notice. In this case, the client will be charged 100% of the tour cost if not already paid.
- Cancellation by the client: If the client decides to cancel the tour, they must notify the organizer in writing (via email or the booking channel used) as soon as possible. Refunds will be calculated based on the cancellation date relative to the tour departure date, as follows:
Note: Different timeframes or specific policies may apply for private exclusive tours (see section 10) or bookings made via third-party platforms (in such cases, the cancellation terms of the platform used shall prevail). In any case, the date and time of the organizer’s receipt of the written cancellation notice will determine the applicable refund category. Approved refunds will be processed within 7-14 days using the same payment method used by the client during booking, unless otherwise agreed.
- Cancellation by the organizer: The organizer reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the excursion in case of exceptional circumstances, such as adverse weather and sea conditions, technical issues with the boat, sudden unavailability of the crew, or other safety-related and force majeure reasons (see also section 9 Force Majeure). The decision will be made with passengers’ safety as the primary concern. In the event of cancellation decided by the organizer, the client will be entitled to rebook the excursion on an alternative date or receive a full refund of the amount paid. The organizer will inform clients as promptly as possible once the cancellation causes arise (e.g., monitoring weather forecasts in the days preceding the tour and confirming or canceling within 24 hours prior, when possible). In case of cancellation decided by the skipper on the day itself (e.g., due to a sudden worsening of sea conditions), a full refund of the paid amount will be offered immediately or the option to choose a voucher/credit for another date at the client’s discretion.
- Rescheduling options: In all cases of cancellation, whether by the client or the organizer, there is the possibility to agree on rescheduling the tour:
- If cancellation is decided by the organizer: Alternative dates close to the original one (e.g., the following day if available) will be proposed when possible. The client can accept the new date without additional costs or opt for a refund.
- If cancellation is requested by the client: The client can request (with at least 7 days’ notice before departure) to move the tour to another available date. Acceptance of this request is subject to the organizer’s availability and discretion. Requests to reschedule a booking less than 7 days before the tour will be reviewed based on availability, and if not possible, will be subject to penalties, as outlined above. In case of agreed rescheduling, the new booking will be subject to the same terms and conditions as the original one. Each booking can be rescheduled only once.
- Onboard Behavior
To ensure safety and comfort on board, participants are required to adhere to a code of conduct during the tour. The organizer reserves the right to remove from the boat (early disembarkation at the nearest port) any participant whose behavior is deemed dangerous, offensive, or severely inappropriate, with no entitlement to a refund. Below are the main rules:
- Safety Rules: During boarding, instructions on safety measures will be provided. It is mandatory to follow the captain’s and crew’s directions at all times. Participants must use the safety devices provided by the organizer when required, such as wearing life jackets during navigation or in rough seas. Leaning excessively over the sides, climbing on non-passenger areas, or diving off the boat without the crew’s permission and supervision is not allowed. In case of emergency, remain calm and follow the crew’s instructions for evacuation or first aid procedures. Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising minors on board, who must also comply with all safety rules.
- Use of Provided Equipment: During the tour, equipment such as snorkeling masks and fins, life jackets, towels, basic fishing gear, etc., may be provided. These must be used carefully and exclusively for their intended purposes. Tampering with or misusing safety equipment (e.g., using emergency gear without actual need) is prohibited. At the end of usage, all equipment must be returned to the crew. Damages or losses caused by participant negligence or misuse may be charged to the responsible client (up to the repair or replacement cost). The crew will demonstrate proper equipment usage as needed (e.g., how to wear a snorkel mask), and participants are encouraged to ask for clarifications if unsure.
- Alcohol, Smoking, and Prohibited Substances: Moderation and respect are required regarding food and beverage consumption on board. Alcohol: If the tour includes an aperitif or meal with wine/beverages, alcohol consumption must be moderate. Boarding while severely intoxicated is prohibited. The crew or organizer may refuse access to anyone deemed unfit to participate, with no refund provided. During the excursion, the captain reserves the right to limit or stop serving alcohol to any passenger showing signs of intoxication to ensure everyone’s safety. Bringing your own alcoholic beverages onboard is not allowed without the captain’s permission. Smoking: Smoking is generally NOT permitted on board, both for safety reasons (fuel presence, confined spaces) and to avoid disturbing other passengers. In exceptional cases, the captain may designate an outdoor smoking area where smoking is allowed only when the boat is stationary. Throwing cigarette butts into the sea is strictly forbidden. Prohibited Substances: The consumption of drugs or illegal substances on board is strictly prohibited. Any illegal activities will be immediately reported to the relevant authorities, and the tour will be terminated with no refund.
- Respect for Crew and Other Passengers: Civility and respectful behavior are required throughout the excursion. This includes using appropriate language, maintaining moderate tones of voice, and showing a cooperative attitude. Acts of harassment, discrimination, or verbal/physical violence towards other participants or crew members will not be tolerated. Each passenger must respect others’ space and the tranquility on board: avoid excessive noise or loud music not approved by the captain. Marine environment care is essential: do not throw waste into the sea, use designated bins on board, and avoid damaging flora or fauna by refraining from collecting marine organisms, protected corals, or shells. The crew is available to make the tour enjoyable: a polite and courteous attitude contributes to a positive experience for everyone.
- Presence of Pets on Board (valid only for private tours): Bringing pets on board, generally dogs, is generally allowed, provided that the animal is not excessively large, compromising safety or comfort during navigation, and that it is accustomed to the sea and sailing to avoid situations of discomfort or danger. The pet owner is fully responsible for the conduct of their animal and personally liable for any damage caused to people, property, or the boat itself.Clients are advised to provide proof of a valid insurance policy for their pet to cover any damage or incidents caused by the animal. It is strictly forbidden to bring on board animals with health or behavioral issues that could compromise safety on board. The captain reserves the right to deny access to the animal if deemed necessary for safety or the success of the trip.It is understood that in group tours, bringing pets on board is absolutely PROHIBITED.
- Participant Requirements
- Minimum Age and Minors: Unless otherwise specified for specific excursions, there is no minimum age to join group tours. However, for safety and experience enjoyment, participation is not recommended for infants or children under 3 years old on long-duration tours. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal adult guardian who assumes full responsibility during the excursion. The crew cannot provide individual supervision for minors; this responsibility lies with the accompanying adults. For private tours, the presence of minors is at the discretion of the clients renting the boat, but supervision by adults remains mandatory. For some specific activities included in the tour (e.g., deep-water snorkeling), a different age limit or parental consent for minors may be required.
- Physical Conditions Required: Participation in the boat tour requires a minimum level of physical fitness. Specifically, participants must be able to board and disembark the boat (even via a gangway or ladder), maintain balance during navigation, and generally stand or sit on the deck during the trip. Participation is discouraged for individuals with severe mobility or health issues that could worsen during the tour (e.g., serious heart conditions, significant back or joint problems, advanced pregnancy—beyond the sixth/seventh month—individuals prone to severe seasickness, or photosensitive epilepsy). Clients with concerns about their conditions are encouraged to consult a doctor before booking. It is the client’s obligation to inform the organizer before boarding (preferably at the booking stage) of any health issues, food allergies, special conditions, or medical needs, such as carrying life-saving medication, portable oxygen cylinders, or remedies for severe seasickness. This allows staff to evaluate tour suitability. Failure to communicate such details may result in exclusion from the tour with no refund.
- Policy for People with Disabilities: The organizer strives, within its possibilities, to facilitate participation for individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility. However, not all boats are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs or similar aids, and boarding may require clients to take a few independent steps (e.g., walking on the gangway or climbing steps). Clients are therefore encouraged to contact the organizer in advance to explain their specific needs: each case will be assessed individually to provide the best possible assistance (e.g., availability of additional staff for boarding, selection of a suitable seat on board, storage space for a collapsible wheelchair, etc.). If the nature of the tour or boat features cannot guarantee the safety and comfort of a person with disabilities, the organizer may suggest alternative solutions or decline the booking for safety reasons, ensuring a full refund of any paid amounts. In general, participants with disabilities (or their accompanying persons) must provide all necessary information to the staff and cooperate during boarding/disembarking and excursions, strictly following the crew’s instructions. The organizer is not responsible for issues arising from a client’s failure to communicate special needs in advance.
- Delays and No-show
- Punctuality and Boarding Time: It is essential to arrive on time for the appointment on the day of the tour. Clients are required to arrive at least 15-30 minutes in advance of the departure time to complete check-in, settle the final payment if needed, attend the safety briefing, and board without rush. The indicated departure time refers to the moment the boat leaves the dock: participation cannot be guaranteed after this time. The organizer will provide clear instructions regarding the meeting point (e.g., port name, dock or pier number) and may send a reminder the day before via SMS/WhatsApp. It is the client’s responsibility to plan their journey to the boarding point, considering potential delays due to traffic, parking, shuttles, etc.
- Participant Delays: In the event of a slight delay on the day of the excursion, the client must immediately notify the organizer or crew by phone. However, the boat is not obliged to wait beyond the scheduled departure time, especially for group tours, to avoid inconveniencing other participants. The captain may allow a few minutes of waiting time at their discretion, depending on the other clients. If the client arrives late and the boat has already departed, it will be considered a no-show. In private tours (see section 10), the captain may agree to a delayed departure, but only if it aligns with the day’s planned services. In any case, the total duration of the excursion will be reduced in proportion to the accumulated delay (without any price reduction).
- No-show: A no-show occurs when a client (or their group) fails to appear at the departure point without having canceled the tour in advance. In the case of a no-show, no refund is provided, regardless of the reason for the absence. The organizer is entitled to retain the entire amount paid; if the client has not yet settled the full amount (e.g., only a deposit was paid), the remaining balance may be requested to cover the vacant spot. If a client books for multiple people and fewer show up without prior notice within the cancellation terms, no refund will be issued as they will be considered no-shows. The organizer assumes no responsibility for the non-use of the service by delayed or absent clients.
- Tour Modifications and Interruption
- Itinerary Changes for Safety or Operational Reasons: The published tour itinerary (list of attractions to visit, Egadi Islands to reach, return time, etc.) is indicative. The organizer and the boat captain reserve the right to make modifications to the itinerary, the order of stops, or the schedule whenever necessary for operational, safety, or external reasons. Examples of non-substantial changes include reversing the order of island visits, changing the planned bay for a swim stop (if the scheduled one is impractical or overcrowded), modifying the disembarkation point for a lunch stop ashore, or adjusting stop times for optimized scheduling. Such variations do not entitle participants to a refund, as the essential tour content remains guaranteed. In the case of substantial changes (e.g., inability to reach one of the scheduled islands due to a technical fault or sudden docking prohibition), the organizer will seek alternative solutions of equivalent value (such as visiting a different island). If a significant portion of the program is canceled and not replaced due to force majeure, the organizer will consider a partial refund proportionate to the unfulfilled part of the tour or offer a discount voucher for another excursion, at the client’s discretion.
- Early Tour Termination by the Client: If a participant voluntarily decides to end the tour before its conclusion – for example, opting to disembark on an island and not return onboard for the return leg, or requesting to dock for personal reasons (discomfort, urgent commitments, incompatibility with the environment, etc.) – this can be done after informing the captain. The captain will assess whether the request can be handled safely (e.g., disembarking the client at the nearest port during a planned stop). In no case, however, is a refund provided for the unused portion of the excursion. Any additional costs resulting from early termination will be borne by the client (e.g., hydrofoil/ferry tickets, accommodation expenses, etc.). The onboard staff is not responsible for assisting the client after early disembarkation. If the termination occurs because the client feels unwell (seasickness, mild discomfort), the staff will provide first aid and facilitate disembarkation at the first suitable opportunity, but no refund is due in such cases. Note: If the client decides to leave the tour at a port other than the starting point, the boat is not obligated to wait for the client or pick them up later.
- Tour Interruption or Modification by the Organizer: In rare cases, the organizer or captain may need to terminate a tour early due to unforeseen safety reasons (e.g., a sudden worsening of sea conditions, a technical failure compromising navigation, a serious medical emergency, etc.). In such situations, the absolute priority is the safety of passengers and crew: the skipper may decide on immediate return or route alteration to disembark passengers at the nearest port. The organizer will make every effort to manage the emergency and, if possible, resume the tour later or offer to repeat the excursion on another day at no additional cost. If the tour is interrupted and cannot be completed, clients are entitled to a partial or full refund proportionate to the portion of the service provided and the specific circumstances. These situations fall under force majeure and operational safety cases, and no additional compensation beyond the refund will be recognized.
- Minimum Number of Participants
- Minimum Number Policy: Some group tours are subject to a minimum number of clients required to proceed. The minimum number may vary depending on the type of boat and excursion. After booking, the organizer will inform the client whether the tour is “confirmed” or “subject to minimum number.” If the minimum number is not met within 24-48 hours before departure, the organizer reserves the right to cancel the group tour.
- Options in Case of Insufficient Numbers: If the excursion is canceled due to an insufficient number of participants, the client will be notified immediately (via phone, email, or other provided contact). The organizer will then offer the following alternatives:
- Reschedule the excursion to another available date (without additional costs).
- Join another group offering the same type of tour or a similar one.
- Convert the booking into a private tour, paying the difference in cost, subject to boat availability and client interest.
- A full refund of all amounts already paid, without penalties, if the client does not wish to accept any of the proposed options.
The organizer cannot be held responsible for any damages or expenses incurred by the client due to cancellation for not meeting the minimum number (e.g., travel or accommodation costs). It is recommended to contact the organizer 1 or 2 days before departure to confirm the minimum number required for the tour.
- Liability and Insurance
- Organizer’s Liability Limitation: The organizer and its staff are committed to ensuring the excursion takes place under maximum safety and professional standards. However, participating in a boat excursion involves some risks and dangers (boat movement, possible waves, slippery surfaces, water activities, etc.) that the client agrees to assume. The organizer cannot be held liable for injuries, illnesses, accidents, or personal damages occurring during the tour, unless such events are directly attributable to gross negligence or willful misconduct by the organizer and its staff. Specifically, the organizer is not liable for accidents caused by reckless or non-compliant behavior by participants (e.g., failure to follow safety instructions, diving in unauthorized areas, etc.). Each participant is responsible for their own safety and the supervision of minors they accompany. The organizer is also not responsible for missed connections with ferries or flights due to excursion delays caused by events beyond the organizer’s control.
- Recommended Insurance Coverage: The boat and activities are covered by civil liability insurance as required by Italian law for passenger transport and marine tourism activities. This provides basic protection in case of damages caused by the organizer. However, participants are advised to obtain personal travel insurance at their own expense to cover potential inconveniences such as: tour cancellation (for personal or health reasons, to recover penalties applied), emergency medical expenses, personal injuries during recreational activities, damages or loss of personal belongings, and third-party liability. The organizer can provide general information about the included insurance coverage upon request.
- Responsibility for Damage to Equipment or Boat: Participants are required to respect and take care of the boat’s equipment and facilities. Any damage to the boat, its furnishings (e.g., furniture, toilets, onboard electronics), or provided equipment (e.g., fins, masks, life jackets, etc.) caused by improper use, negligence, or willful misconduct by a participant will be charged to the client. The organizer reserves the right to ask the responsible party for reimbursement of the repair or replacement costs for the damaged item. Before boarding, the crew may provide instructions on what is allowed or prohibited onboard to prevent accidents: failure to follow these instructions, resulting in damages, will fall under the client’s responsibility. The organizer is not liable for clients’ personal items left, lost, or damaged during the tour: each participant is responsible for their belongings (cameras, phones, documents, bags, clothing, etc.). It is recommended to bring only essential items and protect valuables when possible. In case of loss of an item onboard, clients can contact the organizer to check if it has been found, but there is no direct responsibility for safeguarding items left onboard by clients.
- Force Majeure
- Force Majeure Events: The organizer cannot be considered in breach or held liable for failure or partial execution of the tour if force majeure circumstances arise. “Force majeure” includes all unforeseen events beyond the reasonable control of the parties, including but not limited to: extreme weather conditions (storms, high seas, hurricanes), natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, uncontrollable fires), weather alerts issued by authorities advising or prohibiting sea excursions, sudden severe technical failures to the boat or docking equipment that cannot be resolved promptly, government decisions (e.g., port closures, navigation bans, health lockdowns such as during pandemics), armed conflicts or disturbances (wars, riots, terrorist acts), strikes or protests blocking port access or essential services, and other extraordinary events. Such circumstances may render the scheduled excursion impossible, dangerous, or illegal.
- Cancellation Management for Force Majeure: If a force majeure event occurs, the organizer will communicate the nature of the event and its impact on the tour to the client as soon as possible. The tour may be canceled or modified even with short notice or during the excursion. In case of total cancellation prior to departure due to force majeure, the client will be offered to reschedule the excursion to a later date or receive a full refund. In case of suspension during the tour (e.g., sudden weather emergency requiring immediate return), see section 6 for refund policies.
- Liability Limitations: In situations of force majeure, the organizer is not required to provide any compensation to clients beyond the options mentioned above. This means indirect expenses incurred by the client due to cancellation/modification for force majeure, such as accommodations, meals, transportation, or other services purchased separately – even if related to the canceled excursion – will not be reimbursed. It is therefore recommended to always allow flexibility in travel plans and/or obtain insurance that covers such events. The organizer will make every effort to assist clients, for example, by providing certificates or statements necessary to confirm cancellation due to force majeure (useful for insurance reimbursement) and helping attendees find alternative transport. In no case can the organizer be held responsible for force majeure events.
- Policies for Private Excursions (Exclusive Tours)
Private exclusive tours (where the boat is reserved entirely for a single group or family) follow the same general conditions and rules described above for group tours, with some differences and additional specific conditions outlined below:
- Booking and Payment: To confirm a private excursion, a deposit of 50% of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking, unless otherwise agreed. The final balance must be paid at least 7 days before the departure date (or according to the terms specified by the organizer). During high season, the organizer may request full prepayment for private tours. All details will be provided during the quote and confirmation process. A private tour booking is considered effective only after the deposit is paid and the written confirmation is issued by the organizer (see Section 1).
- Cancellation Policy: Cancellation conditions for private tours may be more restrictive than for group tours. Generally:
- Cancellations made more than 14 days before departure entitle the client to a full refund.
- Cancellations made between 13 and 8 days before departure result in the loss of the deposit only.
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before departure do not qualify for any refund, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The exact conditions will be specified in the private tour booking contract and may vary depending on the season or boat type. If the organizer cancels a private tour due to “force majeure” or technical issues, an alternative date will be proposed, or a full refund provided, similar to group tours, but the organizer will not be responsible for any additional expenses incurred by the group. Private tour clients are advised to consider purchasing personal cancellation insurance.
- Itinerary and Customization: One of the advantages of a private tour is flexibility. The client (group leader) may coordinate with the organizer to customize the itinerary and services, such as adjusting departure and return times (within the private tour’s duration), choosing specific stops at points of interest on the Egadi Islands, extended swim stops, dining at a particular island restaurant or requesting onboard catering, adding activities such as guided snorkeling, fishing, etc. The organizer will do its best to accommodate client requests and create a tailored program, within the bounds of safety and technical feasibility. The boat captain has the final say on routes and timings based on sea conditions, weather, and navigability: any changes made by the captain for safety reasons must be respected by the group. Any extra services or substantial modifications to the standard tour may involve additional costs (which will be communicated in advance to the client). It is recommended that clients booking a private tour communicate any special requests during booking or a few days before the tour to allow the organizer to make necessary arrangements. During the private tour, clients may directly negotiate minor program changes with the captain. However, requests for significant extensions to the schedule may not be feasible or may be subject to extra charges.
- Onboard Conditions for Private Tours: All safety and behavior rules outlined for group tours (Section 3) apply. Having exclusive use of the boat does not exempt participants from adhering to navigation rules and crew instructions. A private tour excludes other passengers from the group, ensuring greater privacy; this allows, for example, choosing preferred music, bringing food or drinks, etc., always respecting staff-provided limitations (e.g., appropriate music volume, use of non-breakable glasses, etc.). It is prohibited to board more people than agreed upon during booking (and never exceeding the boat’s certified maximum capacity). If more people arrive at departure than initially booked, the captain may refuse their boarding. If additional passengers can be accommodated, the organizer will apply a supplemental fee per person, which must be paid before departure. Conversely, if fewer participants than booked arrive, the total private tour price remains unchanged (fixed group rate); last-minute reductions for missing persons are not provided. Regarding onboard comfort, the private group may freely arrange themselves in the available spaces but must maintain order and avoid excessive damage or messes (extra cleaning fees caused by group negligence will be charged). If one or more members of the private group exhibit dangerous or severely inappropriate behavior, the crew has the right to terminate the tour early, disembarking the group at the nearest port, similar to group tours, without entitlement to a refund.
- Use of Images and Multimedia Materials
- Photos and Videos for Promotional Purposes: During excursions, the organizer or staff may take photographs or record videos of the tour, which may include participants. These materials may be used by the organizer for promotional and marketing purposes, such as publishing on the company website, official social media pages, brochures, or other advertising channels. Participation in the tour implies implicit consent by clients to potentially be photographed/filmed and for their images to be used in these contexts, without any monetary claim or entitlement to compensation. The organizer commits to not using images in a manner harmful to the dignity or reputation of individuals: photos/videos will relate to the tourism activity and enjoyable moments of the tour.
- Participant Opt-out Rights: The organizer understands and respects clients’ privacy preferences. Those who do not wish to appear in photos or videos must inform the organizer in advance during booking or notify the crew before the tour begins. This request will be fully respected: staff will avoid close-ups or deliberately including those who have declined in footage or ensure their faces are obscured before any public use. Additionally, upon written request from the participant, the organizer will remove any published photos/videos where the participant is identifiable, if technically feasible (e.g., deleting a social media post). Image and personal data protection will comply with current regulations (GDPR and Privacy Code).
- Client Content Usage: Participants are free to take their own photos and videos during the tour. Care should be taken not to compromise personal or others’ safety. Should clients share tour photos or videos on social media tagging or mentioning the organizer, the organizer may re-share the same content on its official channels unless otherwise indicated by the client. If clients voluntarily provide their photos or videos to the organizer, it will be understood they have granted a non-exclusive license for their use. All multimedia content will not be transferred to unauthorized third parties, and the organizer will not sell or commercialize participants’ images.
- Complaints and Disputes
- Reporting Issues During the Tour: If a participant notices problems, disruptions, or inconveniences during the tour (e.g., boat conditions not conforming to promises, inappropriate staff behavior, organizational mishaps, etc.), they are encouraged to promptly report the issue to the captain, who can act quickly to resolve the problem (e.g., replacing faulty equipment, clarifying misunderstandings, etc.).
- Formal Post-tour Complaint: If the client believes there were serious breaches or unresolved issues during the tour, they may submit a formal written complaint to the organizer. The complaint should be sent via email (to the address provided in the official contacts) or by registered mail (A/R) to the organizer’s operational headquarters. The complaint must be filed within a few days of the tour’s conclusion, and in any case, no later than 7 days. In the complaint, the client must include: their contact details and booking information (name, tour date, boat), a detailed description of the problem, any individuals involved, and, if possible, evidence (photos, other participants, documents, etc.). A clear and documented complaint will help the organizer accurately assess the situation.
- Complaint Handling and Response Time: The organizer commits to providing a written response to the client within 14 days of receiving the complaint, unless more time is needed for further inquiries. The response will include the findings of the investigations conducted and, if the complaint is justified, proposals for compensation, which may include: formal apologies, commitment to improving service, partial refunds in complex cases, vouchers for future bookings, or other forms of compensation equivalent to the inconvenience caused. If the investigation concludes that the complaint is not justified (e.g., adverse weather conditions, services not included, client behaviors causing the issue, etc.), the organizer will explain their position to the client and provide, if necessary, contractual or photographic documentation.
- Legal Disputes and Jurisdiction: If an amicable resolution to the complaint cannot be reached, legal disputes will be governed by the laws of Italy. For disputes related to the transport and tourism service contract, the competent jurisdiction will be the court of the location where the organizer’s registered office is based (unless otherwise mandatorily provided by law to protect consumers). Alternatively, the client and organizer may use alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation with a recognized body or the European Union’s Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform, where applicable, to find an out-of-court resolution. If no agreement is reached through ADR, either party may resort to legal proceedings.
- Final Provisions: The aforementioned Terms and Conditions form an integral part of the tour booking contract. The invalidity or ineffectiveness of any clause herein does not affect the validity of the remaining clauses. For matters not expressly covered in this document, reference is made to applicable laws governing tourism, passenger transport by sea, and consumer protection. Any amendments to these terms must be agreed upon in writing with the organizer before departure. The updated version of the conditions is always available on the website. By accepting these terms, the organizer and client confirm their intention to establish a clear relationship respecting mutual responsibilities, aiming for a memorable and safe experience for all at the Egadi Islands.