Terms and Conditions Last Updated: 10th March, 2025
We kindly ask you to review and follow the terms and conditions, which help define our relationship
and outline your rights and responsibilities. These guidelines are in place to ensure a smooth, safe, and
enjoyable experience for everyone.
1. Tours Policy
At Island Explorer Birding Tours, we strive to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience while
ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants. Please take a moment to review the following
guidelines, which outline important details regarding tour itineraries, logistics, participation
requirements, and responsibilities.
1.1 Tour Itineraries & Modifications
- The descriptions and images provided on our website are intended to offer a general idea of the experience we offer. We reserve the right to modify them if necessary. Adjustments may be required due to regulatory compliance, operational requirements, or unforeseen circumstances. Any such changes will be made with the intent to maintain the quality and integrity of the tour experience and will be communicated in advance, and we will ensure that the overall quality and essence of the tour remain unaffected. Please note that minor itinerary modifications do not qualify for cancellations or refunds.
- Full-day individual tours typically last 6-8 hours, often includes a break for breakfast or meals,
whereas half-day tours span approximately 3-4 hours, with starting times varying depending on
the specific tour. Night Spider watching and daytime butterfly watching tours have varying
durations, and clients will be informed of exact timings before the tour. While we strive to adhere
to these timeframes, factors such as weather conditions and wildlife activity may result in slight
variations
1.2 Tour Leaders & Group Size
- The tour leader(s) assigned to your experience may be subject to change if necessary. While we always aim to provide the leaders listed on our website, substitutions may occur without prior notice. Rest assured, all our guides are highly trained and committed to delivering an exceptional experience. A change in tour leader does not qualify for tour cancellations or refunds.
- Each scheduled tour has a designated maximum group size, as specified on our itinerary. However, in cases where two people traveling together request the final available spot, we may accommodate them, slightly exceeding the original group limit
1.3 Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
- Unless specifically mentioned, our tour packages may include accommodation (where applicable), Breakfast, meals, drinking water, transportation by vehicle, fuel costs, entrance fees, ferry/ ship tickets, and the services of a professional guide.
- However, the tour price does not cover certain additional expenses like camera fee, as well as the cost of beverages, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, unless explicitly stated otherwise, laundry services and other personal grooming expenses Additionally, any optional activities or excursions that are not listed in the official itinerary will incur separate charges. Personal expenses such as shopping, medical costs, and incidental charges are also not covered.
- Furthermore, domestic flight tickets to and from the Andaman Islands are not included in the tour
package, and guests must make their own travel arrangements to reach the starting point of the
tour. We encourage all participants to carefully review the inclusions and exclusions before
booking and to reach out for any clarifications.
.1.4 Accommodation & Room Sharing
- For our scheduled tours, we accommodate participants who opt for shared accommodations. Roommate pairings are arranged based on booking order, and we will do our best to find a suitable match. However, if a roommate is not available, a single occupancy fee will apply.
- If an assigned roommate cancel before the tour begins and no replacement is found, the additional cost of single occupancy would be our responsibility. While guests are welcome to request a specific roommate, we cannot guarantee availability.
- If, during the tour, a decision is made to discontinue sharing accommodations, any additional
expenses will be shared equally. We encourage open communication regarding accommodation
preferences to ensure a comfortable and seamless experience.
1.5 Respect & Conduct Guidelines
-
At Island Explorer Birding Tours, we deeply value a respectful and inclusive environment. We
believe that every individual, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or personal background,
deserves to be treated with dignity. Any form of discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate
behaviour, whether verbal or physical will not be tolerated. If a client(s) is/ are found to be
engaging in conduct that compromises the well-being of others, we reserve the right to cancel
participation and they may be removed from the tour without the possibility of a
refund. Additionally, appropriate actions may be taken as necessary, including restriction from
future bookings, legal proceedings, or involvement of local authorities, if required.
1.6 Rescheduling and Transfer
- Clients who need to reschedule our scheduled or custom group tours may do so at least 15 days in advance, subject to availability, without any additional fee. However, rescheduling within less than 15 days of the tour date may be considered on a case-by-case basis and will incur a rebooking fee of 10% of the tour cost, which will be communicated via email. A rescheduled tour must be completed within two months from the original booking date.
- If a client wishes to transfer their booking to another person on our our scheduled or custom group tours they may do so by notifying us at least 5 days before the tour start date. The new participant must meet all tour requirements, and any additional costs, such as permit/ Ship or ferry name changes, will be the responsibility of the replacement client.
- To request a rescheduling, or booking transfer, please contact us at info@islandexplorer.in or call at +91 9933202175
1.7 Health, Safety & Liability
- To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, Clients should be in good health and able to walk on uneven terrain where necessary. It is essential that any medical conditions, allergies, or specific health concerns that may impact participation are communicated to us at the time of booking.
- While we take every precaution to ensure your safety, Island Explorer Birding Tours shall not be liable for any personal losses, damages, accidents or additional costs incurred by participants, including expenses due to delays, cancellations, or changes in travel plans.
- Participants must follow the guide’s instructions at all times to ensure safety.
1.8 Wildlife & Environmental Considerations.
- Respect for wildlife and the environment is a core value of our tours. Participants are kindly requested to avoid disturbing animals, refrain from littering, and not remove plants or natural materials from their surroundings. For Owl watching and night spider watching, we kindly request that our clients to minimize the use of flash photography, as it may disrupt nocturnal species.
- Maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife to avoid causing stress or disturbance. Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited, as it can alter their natural diet and dependency on humans.
- The collection of any natural samples, including plants, flowers, shells, rocks, feathers, dead corals
or any part of wildlife, is strictly prohibited. Removing these elements disrupts the delicate
balance of the ecosystem and can negatively impact local biodiversity. Clients are encouraged to
appreciate and photograph nature without disturbing or extracting any part of it. Violation of this
policy may result in removal from the tour, and in some cases, legal action as per environmental
regulations.
1.9 Media Usage
- Additionally, Island Explorer Birding Tours may take photos or videos of group/ individual participant activities during the tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be included in any promotional materials, please let us know in advance, and we will fully respect your request.