Thank you for considering booking an activity with Long Beach Nature Tours. Please read the following information to ensure that you fully understand how payments are made, our booking conditions, cancellation policy, weather conditions policy and our release of liability waiver. Once informed, we would be happy to accept your booking, either by calling our office, booking online or via email.

These Terms and Conditions are a binding contract between Long Beach Nature Tours Ltd., registered corporation in British Columbia, Canada and its agents, contractors, employees and other service-providers and you, the client. These Terms apply only in the case where clients book their trip with Long Beach Nature Tours directly. If you have booked a trip or tour offered by Long Beach Nature Tours through a third-party booking service such as a travel agent, the terms of the Third Party Provider may affect these terms and conditions. In consideration of the client participating in a trip and/or other services provided by Long Beach Nature Tours, the client agrees as follows:

Booking Conditions

WAIVERS

• There are risks, dangers and hazards in all outdoor activities. These are outlined in our Release of Liability Agreement, which all participants are requested to read and required to sign before participating. Participants who are 19 years and older sign their own waiver. If you are a group leader or booking on behalf of another person, each participant must still read and sign their own waiver; unless they are under the age of 19, which in that case must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver on their behalf. Please review our waiver prior to your booking. Your guide will present you with a paper waiver upon arrival which you will sign in person and be witnessed by the guide prior to the tour departure.

HALF/FULL DAY TOURS

• Full payment is required at the time of booking.
• Bookings can be made by email by contacting [email protected].
• Bookings can be made online by visiting our website.
• Bookings can also be made over the phone by calling 1-250-725-3320.
• Next day bookings are taken up until 5pm the day before *subject to availability. We do not take same-day bookings online. For same day bookings, please phone our office, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. 

MULTI-DAY TOURS

• A $250 deposit is required which holds your space and guarantees your spot on the tour. Your deposit is non-refundable in most circumstances.
• Your final balance payment is due 30 days before departure, and becomes non-refundable. If you fail to pay the balance by the 30 day due date, you forfeit your deposit and lose your reservation.
• If you cancel within 30 days before the tour departure date, you forfeit your entire trip cost. This is necessary to guarantee that tours run when there are insufficient bookings after cancellations, and to cover the significant costs and commitments to run a tour.

BOOKING INFORMATION

Upon booking your trip, you will receive an email confirmation which includes important information about your tour such as a packing list, meeting time and location and forms. Waivers can be completed in person upon arrival with our paper hard copy.

METHODS OF PAYMENT

We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and E-Transfers.

PRICES

Prices are listed in Canadian Dollars.

SALES TAX

Listed prices do not include tax. An additional 5% Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be added to the tour total. We will apply the appropriate tax rate when you book.

FEES

Depending on which product you book, there will be fees associated with the tour. These are added to your booking as  a per person dollar value. Fees that may be added consist of First Nations Stewardship Fees, Park entry permits and fuel surcharges. To learn more about the fees and why we add them to your booking, please read our CONSERVATION page.

Cancelations & Refunds

Long Beach Nature Tours reserves the right to change or cancel any tour at any time due to insufficient guest bookings, poor weather or conditions and other extenuating circumstances. 

HALF/FULL DAY TOURS

• Tours may be canceled due to insufficient bookings.
• For scheduled public tours we require a minimum of 4 people to confirm an excursion.
• If our minimums are not met; prior to canceling a tour, Long Beach Nature Tours will endeavor to provide alternative options. If no such alternative is suitable, a full refund will be offered.
• Scheduled public tours are NON-REFUNDABLE within 48 hours of the scheduled tour date if you choose to cancel.
• Private or custom tours are NON-REFUNDABLE within 7 days of the scheduled tour date if you choose to cancel. 
• Cancelations must be received in writing. Cancelations are only effective once your notification is received by Long Beach Nature Tours.
• Guests arriving more than 15 minutes late for a booking will forfeit 100% of the booking price. Tours leave promptly; please arrive early, based on the arrival time in your tour confirmation (15-30 minutes recommended) to prepare gear & equipment and ensure waivers are signed. 
• We ask that you thoroughly understand and consider the booking and cancellation policy prior to booking as we make financial commitments to our guides (and food and transportation providers) once you have booked and we have confirmed a trip.  We take your booking in good faith and begin incurring costs upon confirmation.

MULTI-DAY TOURS

• Long Beach Nature Tours requires a minimum of 4 guests to confirm a scheduled multi-day tour.
• Prior to canceling a tour due to insufficient bookings, LBNT will do its best to offer an alternative option. If no such alternative is suitable, the deposit will be refunded.
• Confirmed tours are NON-REFUNDABLE within 30 days of the scheduled tour date.
• Cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations are only effective once your notification is received by Long Beach Nature Tours.
• We ask that you thoroughly understand and consider the booking and cancellation policy prior to booking as we make financial commitments to our guides (and food and transportation providers) once you have booked and we have confirmed a trip.  We take your booking in good faith and begin incurring costs upon confirmation.

CANCELATION INSURANCE

If you are booking a multi-day tour; we highly recommend cancellation insurance which protects you if you have to make a late cancellation in certain cases (such as a medical emergency). There are different kinds available for different cancellation reasons, such as new medical conditions only or comprehensive for-any-reason cancellation insurance. Cancellation and medical insurance can be purchased through a travel agent. This should be done when you book. You should also ensure that your policy includes evacuation insurance if you have booked a backpacking trip with us.

Wilderness, Wildlife & Weather Disclaimer

As a condition of participating in a tour, the participant acknowledges and agrees as follows:

1. Please be advised that venturing into remote wilderness areas comes with inherent risks and challenges. These regions often lack basic amenities, emergency services, and access to immediate medical assistance. It is crucial to exercise caution, preparedness, and responsible behavior when exploring such environments.
2. Vancouver Island weather is unpredictable in all seasons and is a constant factor that shapes the decisions we make before and during our tours. Tour plans are subject to alterations in response to changing weather and daily conditions. Unpredictable weather can necessitate itinerary adjustments to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests. Similarly, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances, such as but not limited to flooding, thunder, lightning, snow, strong winds or rough sea conditions or trail closures, may cause us to be forced to suspend, delay or cancel our hiking or marine program. Flexibility is key in ensuring that tours remain enjoyable and hassle-free for participants, accommodating the ever-shifting factors that can impact the day's plans.
3. It would not be practical for us to refund every situation where our guests do not get the weather conditions they hope for so we make every effort to develop alternative plans. We will work diligently to give you the best experience with the conditions we face at the time.
4. It would not be practical for us to refund every situation where our guests do not get the wildlife sightings that they hope for. Wildlife and nature in general are unpredictable, but our guides will work diligently to give you the best experience with the conditions we face at the time.
5. Should Long Beach Nature Tours cancel your excursion due to extreme weather conditions, we will do our best to reschedule for a later date or provide an alternative option. Should we be unable to do so, you will be issued a full refund.
6. As we will be traveling into a remote area; it is imperative you disclose any medical conditions that could put you, your guide or others safety at risk. Tours take place in a variety of terrain and remote locations. A modest level of fitness is required and arriving with the appropriate clothing and footwear is mandatory.
7. The participation of any person on any tour is continually subject to the discretion of the guide and Long Beach Nature Tours.
8. Long Beach Nature Tours cannot assure the fulfillment or achievement of the goals set for any tour, including reaching the final destination or guaranteeing wildlife sightings. Factors such as weather, route conditions, wildlife presence, and the abilities of participants (including those of other participants) may lead to situations where the objectives become unsafe or unattainable. Participants acknowledge and consent that refunds are not guaranteed and will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Guides' Rights & Responsibilities

In light of the services rendered, the decisions made by the guide, acting as the trip leader, are final. Should the guide determine that a participant's conduct, physical condition, mental health, or any other factor originating from the participant poses a potential risk to their own safety, the well-being of the entire group, or for any other reason, the participant may be instructed to leave the tour. In such cases, the participant is not entitled to any refund and is responsible for covering any additional expenses related to their departure, including but not limited to transportation, accommodation, and meals. The guide, possesses full authority to make decisions regarding alterations to the itinerary, including, but not limited to, concluding the tour if there is an immediate or future threat to the group or based on their evaluation of the group's capabilities. The participant acknowledges the guide's authority in making decisions that involve modifications to the tour.

Image Release

As a condition of participating in a tour, the participant acknowledges and agrees as follows:

1. Participants give their consent for Long Beach Nature Tours to use their photograph, video likeness to be used in its publications, including its website and/or social media. If you prefer to not be photographed, please let us know beforehand.

Tipping

Tipping is a North American custom and a great way to show your guide your appreciation. Our guides keep 100% of the tips they receive.

Acceptance of our Terms & Conditions

By reserving a spot and making any payment to Long Beach Nature Tours, the participant acknowledges and confirms having read, understood and accepts these Terms and Conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us anytime.