Terms & Conditions | Freedive Adventures

Terms and Conditions

Responsible Travel Policies

TRAVELLERS GUIDE

With great Adventure comes great Responsibility

We’re all about creating positive impact through experiences that honour local people, cultures, economies and the environment. While we work to partner with responsible Adventure providers, it’s up to our Partners and Travellers to remain conscientious. Our Sustainable Development Goals champion:

leaving lighter footprints,
supporting sustainability initiatives,
demonstrating cultural curiosity,
showing respect around the world.

Responsible Travel Standards

You likely do all of the following already however, please make yourself aware of our Responsible Travel Standards:

Minimising impacts on the environment and avoiding negative contribution to any current environmental issues
Following the advice of your Adventure operators and abiding by all national and marine park visitor regulations.
No purchasing or use of illicit substances or prohibited products.
Contamination-free Adventures only:
Using environmentally-friendly products (reef sunscreens, organic repellents etc.,)
Reducing waste and removing your waste from remote areas
Utilising established roads and paths
Avoiding physical contact with all species and fragile environments
Limiting intrusive devices (e.g. lights) and keeping noise to a minimum at special sites and delicate locations.

9 Responsible Travel Tips

Travel and diving insurance is advised for all Adventures. Ensure you read the inclusions and exclusions of your policy so you’re covered for all activities you undertake. Be sure to save the contact details of your Insurer so you have access to this information no matter how far you wander.
Learn before you leave! Take time to get to know the countries you’re visiting before you jet-set; understanding the religion, culture, greetings and rules leads to a far greater appreciation of the places you explore.
Be in-the-know before you go; seemingly harmless gestures such as pointing, hand-holding, or photography can in fact be no-nos in certain cultures. Exposed shoulders or legs may be offensive in some locations, places of worship, and even on some beaches.
Appreciate and support the locals; it’s easy to seek-out convenient experiences/cuisines/transport/venues, but the true adventures tend to lie beyond your comfort zone.
Consider the operations behind the experiences; if you’re visiting a ‘sanctuary’ for instance, ensure exploitation isn’t at play.
Seek-out authentic traditional products where the crafter is proud to share their stories, inspirations and aspirations with you.
Support the community in more mindful ways than cash donations to beggars and children on the street; you never know who’s behind these operations.
Leave footprints, take memories; treat each place with the same respect you would show at your grandmother’s house.
Take time to consider ways to support the places you visited; providing reviews, sharing authentic stories and creating awareness on social media, donations to organisations such as Great Barrier Reef Foundation we support.

Responsible Travel Provider Agreement

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL PROVIDER AGREEMENT

Inclusive of Freedive Adventures and Partners addressing Code Of Conduct and Ethical Standards

We believe in positive exchanges between Travellers and Destinations.

Our core values and terms are guided by a set of principles for conducting business. Commitment to the United Nations Global Goals and the 10 Guidelines of the UN Global Compact ensures that we, and our Partners, take responsibility for our impact. By becoming a Partner, you agree to uphold these values alongside us.

1. Respecting the Destination

Respecting cultures, customs, etiquette, religions, religious places and rituals.
Encouraging local interaction and respect of values.
Adhering to appropriate dress standards.
Requesting permission before photographing.
Portraying destinations fairly and respectfully in all communications.

2. Supporting The People

Working to maximise the benefits generated by tourism for local economies and communities in a safe manner.

Respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.
Employing local staff, drivers, guides and leaders where possible, with fair employment practices and wages.
Consulting with and involving the local community in decision-making where feasible.
Paying relevant taxes, environmental fees, and adhering to licensing and working permit requirements of the destination.
Ensuring you are not complicit in human rights abuses, bribery or corruption.

3. Environmental Impacts

In-house Operational Standards

Energy, water and waste principals; avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle.
Conscious purchasing; supporting local products, produce and people where possible.
Driving environmental awareness and advocating for restoration and conservation initiatives.
Proactively reducing overall footprint.
Advocating for the Responsible Travel Standards listed above within your team, extended crew and your Travellers.

4. Zero-Harm Practises

We uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards unsafe activities, discrimination and harassment of any kind, for any reason. Our Partners are required to uphold these values offering safe, inclusive and harmonious Adventures for all.

We do not support:

Trips to destinations that may be unsafe according to relevant government and foreign affairs offices; it is the responsibility of the Partners and Travellers to monitor official updates.
Diving alone.
Use of illicit drugs.
Extreme or unconventional activities i.e., no limits freediving.
The manufacture or sale of products or services that breach the ethical and environmental standards outlined above, or any other human rights.

5. Positive Impact Initiatives; Charity Partners

Freedive Adventures conservation-first business model is designed to support registered charities driving ocean conservation. Through awareness, fundraising, direct donations and advocacy we work with Charity Partners who demonstrate:

Good governance across projects and operations,
Measurable impact in line with program goals and targets,
Zero-harm approach,
No religious or political affiliation,
Transparency and innovation.

For Partners ready to elevate their operations; use the SDG compass and SDG Action Manager to align your business with critical global priorities.

Terms and Conditions

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This document outlines the terms of use of Freedive Adventures (“us”, “we” or “our”). When utilising Freedive Adventures and/or booking an Adventure through our website you acknowledge and confirm you have read, understood and agree to the terms and conditions set out below, alongside the Privacy Policy.

Updated: 20 December 2023

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

Agent: Freedive Adventures operates as an Agent on behalf of Partners (operators), providing marketing and direct booking services.

Partners: Operational Partners delivering the Adventures listed on our site inclusive of tours, retreats, liveaboards, courses, competitions, expeditions, photography, training and other services facilitated by Freedive Adventures.

Adventures: all services and tours listed on our website by Partners.

Traveller: the individual(s) seeking or booking Adventures.

Destination: the place in which the Adventure occurs.

Booking: an Adventure set to occur between the Partner and the Traveller, with understanding that Freedive Adventures is in no way responsible for the Adventure supplied by the Partner.

Booking Transaction Confirmation: digital proof (email) of the financial transaction between the Traveller and Freedive Adventures.

Confirmed Booking: an Adventure secured through our website where payment has been made.

Cancellation Fee: the transaction charge incurred by the Traveller when they cancel a booking within 14-days of making the booking.

Force Majeure Event: refers to any unexpected event that lies outside of the Partners, Travellers or Agents control including natural disasters, political conflict and criminal activity.

Price: is the amount of money that is displayed on the website when making a booking.

Website: refers to www.freediveadventures.com and all its sub-pages including mobile and tablet displays.

PURCHASES

1. Bookings

1.1 By joining Freedive Adventures, Partners agree to our Standards and Terms, taking responsibility for the delivery of each principal. In addition, Partners agree to abide by and enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward all of the following:

Destinations that may be unsafe according to relevant government and foreign affairs offices.
Extreme or unconventional activities i.e., no limits freediving.
Discrimination, violence and harassment.

1.2 Bookings made through our website are subject to availability, as managed by the Partner. After receiving a booking transaction confirmation from Freedive Adventures, Travellers are advised to await further confirmation from the Partner before making associated travel plans.

1.3 Travellers will be charged the total sum of the booking, or deposit sum. Travellers are not charged any fees for our services with the exception of any applicable currency or transaction fees.

1.4 Freedive Adventures is responsible for managing the booking processes including financial transactions, payment confirmations, cancellations and refunds within the stipulated cancellation timeframe relevant to the Adventure. Adventure information displayed on our website, and the delivery of the Adventure itself, is the sole responsibility of the Partner.

1.5 Freedive Adventures acts as an intermediary Agent. Bookings made through our website form an agreement exclusively between the Partner and the Traveller alone.

1.6 In the case of a booking, Traveller information is shared with the corresponding Partner. Partners are required to finalise any additional booking details with Travellers directly. Partners are not permitted to use Traveller information for any direct marketing or to make contact for direct payments or transfers outside of Freedive Adventures.

1.7 All Travellers are advised to secure travel and diving insurance. Freedive Adventures is not responsible or liable for providing additional help or aid during an Adventure or travel to and from Adventures.

1.8 All Partners must operate registered businesses that are legally compliant, and hold Public Liability Certificate of Insurance (or COI) with sufficient coverage to meet the minimum requirements set forth by their Certifying Freediving Agency. Partners are solely responsible for operating in full compliance with their associated Agency standards and regulations.

1.9 Some destinations and Adventures may require additional information to be provided by the Traveller such as passports, flight information, visas etc,. Partners are responsible for collecting any additional information stipulated or not stipulated in the Adventure listing. Freedive Adventures and Partners reserve the right to cancel a booking if the required information and documentation is not produced by the Traveller. Partners are responsible for actioning the cancellation of a booking in such instances.

1.10 Gift cards are valid for a period of 3 years unless:

1.10.1 The gift card is for a specific goods or services offer available for a limited time.

1.10.2 Given free of charge for promotional purposes or as a bonus in connection with a purchase.

1.10.3 Supplied as part of a temporary marketing promotion.

1.10.4 Where partial spending has occurred, gift cards will maintain the remainder of the balance until expiry.

2. Responsibilities of Travellers

2.1 Travellers are responsible for making their own arrangements for transportation to and from Adventures as well as accommodation if this is not included in the booking. We may at times provide general advice, but Freedive Adventures does not have any formal affiliations with external companies and cannot be held responsible for their services.

2.2 Travellers must ensure their own health as well as providing accurate Medical Statements to Partners. If the Traveller has any physical or mental illness, disability, or other conditions which require special arrangements, they must inform the Partner directly.

2.3 Travellers must meet the age, performance, medical and certification requirements for each Adventure; Partners are required to check all documentation and prerequisites set forth by their Agency prior to any activities.

2.4 Travellers are responsible for purchasing comprehensive travel and dive insurance providing coverage for all activities and potential risks associated with adventure-travel.

2.5 Travellers agree to respect the rules and safety protocols of the Adventure, the Partners and operators, and acknowledge that any broken rules may result in an immediate cancellation of their booking without refund.

2.6 Travellers must ensure they fulfil the necessary passport, visa and health requirements to enter the destination country(ies) of the Adventure.

2.7 Travellers are responsible for checking any travel restrictions, alerts, declarations, and advisories issued by respective governments.

2.8 Travellers should consult with a doctor to determine what vaccinations and precautions should be taken to avoid local illnesses, as Freedive Adventures cannot offer medical advice.

2.9 If for any reason the Traveller is delayed in transit and fails to arrive at an Adventure destination by the scheduled time of departure, the Traveller will be responsible for any expenses accrued as a result of this delay. Travellers are advised to plan their travel to allow for delays on either side of the Adventure.

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Payment information is collected via Stripe at the time of booking or via PayPal or AfterPay. As these are independent services, Freedive Adventures is not responsible for the services provided and issues are to be addressed with the transaction platform directly.

3.2 Bookings are confirmed when a deposit is made, a full payment is received or when PayPal or AfterPay is initiated.

3.3 Once payment has been processed, the Traveller will receive a Booking Transaction Confirmation to the email address provided upon checkout. The Booking Transaction Confirmation serves both as proof of your booking and as an invoice for your administration. Partners will issue all further booking confirmations and details directly.

3.4 Fees and costs incurred from transactions and/or failed payments will be charged to the Traveller.

3.5 All rates are charged in Australian dollars. Amounts shown in other currencies are for reference and may vary depending on exchange rates. Freedive Adventures cannot be held responsible for any additional transaction fees charged by the Travellers banks, payment platforms or card providers.

3.7 Refunds from Freedive Adventures will be issued in the same currency as the original payment.

3.8 Our price-match guarantee applies to any prices listed on the website or marketing materials of Partners. Freedive Adventures may, but is not required to, price-match with third-party agencies.

4. Cancellations and booking alterations

4.1 Freedive Adventures will issue a refund to Travellers as per the cancellation terms stated on the booking, with the exception of deposits or last-minute bookings whereby the booking is made within 14-days of adventure commencement. Cancellations outside of this period are at the discretion of the operator, and as such are to be managed by the Traveller and Partner directly. Within the 14-day cancellation timeframe, please submit a booking alteration or cancellation request here. In the event of an alteration, additional fees may include Adventure price differences, administration fees and transaction fees covering credit card and/or handling costs.

4.2 Partners are required to operate and offer services to the standard and quality advertised on our website. In the case of an emergency change to venues, vessels, vehicle maintenance or vehicle changes, Partners reserve the right to run itineraries from different venues, vessels or vehicles of similar qualities and facilities. Freedive Adventures will not be held responsible for such variations.

4.3 If a Partner cancels an Adventure due to unforeseen and uncontrollable extenuating circumstances during the stipulated cancellation period, the Traveller is entitled to a refund or rescheduling of the same or similar Adventures. The resulting rescheduled trips are considered non-refundable.

4.4 Force Majeure events may result in Partner policy changes.

4.5 Providing misleading booking information may result in a non-refundable cancellation of a booking.

5. Liability

5.1 Freedive Adventures acts as an intermediary Agent and therefore cannot be held responsible for the performance of the Partner. Bookings made through our website form an agreement exclusively between the Partner and the Traveller alone.

5.2 The Traveller agrees not to hold Freedive Adventures liable for any unforeseen circumstances. Where a Partner requires a liability waiver be signed by a Traveller, this agreement is formed outside of Freedive Adventures. Partners reserve the right to cancel a booking or refuse entry if requirements, documents, or other are not provided or met.

5.3 Freedive Adventures and Partners cannot be held responsible for any delays of flights, transfers or other including any losses incurred as a result.

5.4 Freedive Adventures cannot be held accountable for incorrect or misleading information published online.

5.5 All Travellers are advised to secure travel and diving insurance. Freedive Adventures is not responsible or liable for providing additional help or aid during an Adventure, or travel to and from said Adventure.

5.6 Freedive Adventures cannot be held accountable for any personal injury, property damage, or death resulting from the inherent risks of Freediving or any activity provided by the Partner, or from the mistakes of other third parties.

5.7 Freedive Adventures cannot be held responsible for the execution of the itinerary or services of a Partner, nor any possible variations.

5.8 We reserve the right to amend Adventures and bookings when necessary. This could include changes to the itinerary, vessel, locations and accommodation allocations. If the proposed alternative is of similar value, then the booking will be considered valid, and Freedive Adventures will not be held liable for disputes related to such changes.

5.9 Should Freedive Adventures be held responsible for any errors in the booking services provided, our maximum liability shall be limited to the commission amount incurred by the Partner for said service.

5.10 Freedive Adventures and/or Partners cannot accept responsibility for any delays, changes, or cancellations of service due to unintentional events such as severe weather, political unrest, military or civil conflicts, terrorism, force majeure, or any other circumstances beyond control.

6. Complaints and disputes

6.1 Freedive Adventures acts as an intermediary Agent and therefore cannot be held responsible for the performance or quality of the Partner services. Travellers are advised to address issues, complaints and give feedback to the Partner directly at the time of occurrence to ensure clarity of communication and ease of instant resolution.

6.2 We encourage open and honest Adventure reviews and will strive to address any complaints with Partners, offering opportunities for improvement through constructive feedback and Partner reporting. Outcomes of which will not be disclosed with additional parties.

6.3 In the case of an incident occurring between a Traveller and Partner, the laws of the country of occurrence generally apply where guidance or assistance may need be sought from local authorities.

6.4 Complaints or issues relating to our website service, booking processes or cancellation processes should be raised via the feedback form here or via [email protected]. Please provide all relevant details and documents in writing to ensure the matter is recorded, addressed and resolved effectively.

6.5 In the event of a dispute about the contents or interpretation of these Terms, or any discrepancies between any translated versions and the English version, the English version will apply to the extent permitted by law in Australia.

7. Miscellaneous

7.1 Please see our Privacy Policy detailing how we manage and protect personal information.

7.2 Freedive Adventures retains the right to utilise the name and contents of submitted reviews including the transfer, use, reproduction, translation, or deletion of the review, at our discretion.

7.3 Our website’s information and content is protected by copyright, and may not be reproduced, copied or utilised commercially without Freedive Adventures’ clear and written consent.

7.4 Our services are exclusively for personal and professional use and not for any competitive or commercial activity or purpose. It is prohibited to re-sell, deep-link, copy, spider or scrape, display, download, or reproduce any of the content or information, software, products, or services available on our website without Freedive Adventures’ clear and written consent.

7.5 Safety regulations in a foreign country may vary in level of stringency from the standards you are accustomed to. Local authorities have a duty to monitor and enforce any relevant laws and policies. It is the responsibility of Partners and Travellers to abide by the regulations of local governing bodies.

7.6 Freedive Adventures reserves the right to make changes to operating prices and terms as required.

7.7 Any disputes arising from these Terms and/or our services will be subject to the laws of Australia and will be exclusively brought before the courts located in Queensland, Australia.

Remaining provisions will apply even if part of these terms are no longer valid.

8. About Freedive Adventures

Freedive Adventures
2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, Queensland, Australia 4218
Business Registration: 86 672 347 175

Freedive Adventures can be reached by email at [email protected]

Partnership Terms

PARTNERSHIP TERMS

In addition to the above listed Responsible Travel Policies, Booking Terms, and Privacy Policy, see the following Partnership Terms.

1. Processes

1.1 Freedive Adventures is responsible for managing booking processes, Partner payments, Traveller accounts and cancellation requests occurring within 14-days of a booking being placed; issuing refunds, gift cards or credits during this period at discretion.

1.2 Partners are responsible for managing their Partner account/dashboard and all associated Adventures, including: creating and populating Adventures with correct and accurate details, pricing, allocations/pax, and publishing/unpublishing Adventures as required.

1.3 When booking an Adventure, Travellers will receive a Booking Transaction Confirmation from Freedive Adventures. Partners are required to promptly email Travellers further details and confirmations pertaining to their Adventure.

1.4 In the instance of a Partner-instigated date change or cancellation during the 14-day cancellation period, the Partner is to notify Freedive Adventures who will manage the cancellation processes. A 3% administration, handling fee and/or transaction fee may apply.

1.5 For Traveller-instigated date change requests within the 14-day cancellation period, Freedive Adventures will work with Travellers and Partners where possible to adjust and retain the booking. Where a suitable alternative date or Adventure cannot be facilitated, the Traveller will be entitled to a full refund at no cost to the Partner.

1.6 Traveller-instigated date change requests outside the cancellation period are to be managed by Partners and Travellers independently.

1.7 To ensure Partners can maximise their booking acceptance timeline, all Adventures will remain live and active until unpublished by the Partner.

1.8 Freedive Adventures will not be liable for any loss or damage due to failure to deliver services, or delays in processes or bookings resulting from site updates, maintenance or other.

1.9 Freedive Adventures may create marketing material and online promotions, reflecting Partner Adventures and products to the best of our understanding. Freedive Adventures will not be responsible in any manner for misrepresentation or misinterpretation of an adventure or product. Nor liable for the use of images sourced directly from Partners online platforms inclusive of website, social media or other.

2. Fees, Subscriptions and Payments

2.1 Standard Stripe transaction fees of 1.75% apply to all domestic payments and 3.5% international payments.

2.2 Monthly subscriptions are for a period of 1 month, payable in full. Changes or alterations to subscriptions must be actioned prior to the end of the current subscription period to be eligible for all associated marketing inclusions. Last-minute Adventure listing additions to the site may not receive additional marketing.

2.3 Payments will be issued to Partners:

Where all account details are completed within the dashboard
On a bi-monthly cycle of the 1st and 3rd week of each month, or the next following business day, for confirmed bookings (i.e., at the lapse of the 14-day cancellation), less fees.
E.g., a booking is made on 15 October. The 14-day cancellation period ends 29 October. Payment will be made in the first week of November, less the booking commission.

2.4 Cancellations instigated by the Partner within the 14-day cancellation period may result in a 3% administration and handling fee and up to 3.5% Stripe transaction fee.

3. Pricing and Sales

3.1 Freedive Adventures may assist, where possible, with sales or promotions Partners wish to run.

3.2 Adventure pricing, as set by Partners, are to match those of direct Partner websites and marketing. Freedive Adventures may price-match with third-party agencies or offers, at discretion in consultation with Partners.

3.3 Freedive Adventures may run sales marketing and discount promotions in consultation with Partners; participation is not mandatory.

4. Reporting Processes

4.1 Partners are to inform Freedive Adventures of cases of medical emergencies, discrimination, harassment or abuse during an Adventure.

4.2 Complaints made by Travellers against Partners will be managed in accordance with Section 6 of the above Terms and Conditions.

4.3 Freedive Adventures may cancel any Partnership at any time by providing written notice to the Partner.

PRIVACY POLICY

This document outlines the terms of use of Freedive Adventures (“us”, “we” or “our”). When browsing and utilising the Freedive Adventures website you acknowledge and agree to our policies and practises relating to browsing, privacy protection and the use of cookies set out below, alongside our Terms and Conditions.

Please contact us with any questions or suggestions related to data protection: [email protected]

Partners act independent of Freedive Adventures with separate and independent privacy policies.

1. Information Freedive Adventures collects

1.1 At the time of making a booking, contacting our team, or signing up for promotional emails, your information is recorded.

1.2 During the booking process, the following details may be requested and required: name, email, phone, age, medical statement, Freediving Certification, special needs, size for gear hire.

2. Use of information

2.1 In the case of a booking, your booking information is shared with the corresponding Partner so they may contact you to finalise Adventure details and verify booking requirements or prerequisites. Partners will not use your information we provide for direct marketing or to make contact for direct payments or transfers outside of Freedive Adventures. In the case of an enquiry, your information may be shared with the corresponding Partner to answer your questions.

2.2 Input into our search functions enables us to provide you with personalised search results, promotions and last-minutes deals.

3. Is my information safe?

3.1 The safety of sensitive data is a high priority. We use secure technology to transmit your information securely. Our payment gateway provider Stripe is PCI-certified. This is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry.

3.2 Despite the precautions we take, we cannot guarantee the safeguarding of your personal information or the secure functioning of our website in extreme circumstances beyond our control, such as hacking attempts or force majeure events.

3.3 All financial information and transactions are handled by Stripe and AfterPay, independent of our website.

4. Information privacy

4.1 Personal information is not released to any unrelated outsider third-parties.

4.2 Information may be disclosed when necessary to meet legal requirements, uphold website policies, or protect our or another party’s rights. Non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other entities for purposes such as advertising.

4.3 If Freedive Adventures is subject to a merger, acquisition or asset sale, we will take all appropriate steps to protect any personal information of our customers and inform them before any of their data is transferred to or under the control of another entity or subject to a different privacy policy.

5. Email promotions

Emails are distributed to Travellers and Partners who have subscribed to receive Adventure, product and industry updates. Unsubscribe at any time here.