A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space on any SDM Adventures expedition.

*Reservations are not considered confirmed until the deposit has been received.

Payment schedule:

• 50% of the expedition cost is due 180 days prior to departure.

• Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Payment methods:

• Credit card payments incur a 4% processing fee.

• PayPal payments incur a 3% processing fee.

• Payments may also be made via wire transfer or Zelle. Please contact us for banking details.

• For wire transfers, please add $40 to cover bank processing fees.

SDM Adventures understands how disappointing it can be if you are forced to cancel your trip after looking forward to it for so long. However, our expeditions require significant advance planning, and we must make non-refundable payments to hotels, vessels, and other suppliers well before departure. For this reason, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy for all guests.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event you must cancel.

Cancellation terms are as follows:

• More than 120 days prior to departure:

A refund will be issued minus the trip deposit, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. If we are able to fill your space after you cancel, we will apply your deposit toward another SDM Adventures trip booked within the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, the deposit will be forfeited.

• 91–120 days prior to departure:

A cancellation fee of 50% of the total expedition price (including extensions) will be applied.

• Within 90 days of departure:

No refunds will be issued.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email or mail and must be received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.

SDM Adventures is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal reasons.

No refunds will be issued if a participant withdraws after the expedition has begun.

SDM Adventures is not responsible for any penalties associated with non-refundable airfare or travel arrangements. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

To keep trips running smoothly for all guests, we require timely payments according to the schedule provided. If a payment is not received by the agreed-upon due date, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and release the space to another guest without refund of previous payments. We will make every effort to communicate and send a reminder before doing so, but it’s important to stay on schedule to secure your spot.

Dive accident insurance is required for this diving expedition.

Dive insurance is relatively inexpensive and helps cover medical expenses if an emergency evacuation becomes necessary due to a diving-related injury. Because many of our expeditions take place in remote locations, immediate medical or hyperbaric treatment may not be available. In some situations, helicopter evacuation may be required.

For this reason, all participants must carry dive accident insurance such as Divers Alert Network (DAN) or an equivalent provider.

Please note that most standard travel or health insurance policies do not cover injuries resulting from scuba diving, so dedicated dive accident coverage is required.

I understand that all wildlife encounters occur in the animals’ natural environment and there is no guarantee that any land or marine wildlife will be seen during the expedition.

I understand that each encounter is unique and will last only as long as the animals choose to remain in the area.

I understand that although animals may sometimes come close to participants, touching or attempting to interact physically with wildlife is strictly prohibited.

For expeditions that involve the use of bait or chum to attract wildlife, I understand that only crew members and staff are permitted to handle bait for the safety of the animals, the crew, and all participants.

I understand that harassing, chasing, or attempting to restrain wildlife is strictly forbidden. Failure to follow these rules may result in being removed from the water or the activity.

I agree to maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife and to follow the instructions of the expedition leader and crew at all times.

I understand that wildlife encounters may be terminated at any time at the discretion of the expedition leader for the safety of the animals or participants.

Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.

To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.

We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.