Booking Enquiries

 

Terms and Conditions

By confirming a booking with South Pacific Sea Adventures, Ltd. (operating as Explore Vava’u), Flying Coconut, Ltd., or Fetoko Adventures, Ltd. (operating as TradeWinds Mandala Resort), you acknowledge and agree to the following Terms and Conditions. Confirmation of a booking constitutes acceptance of these terms in their entirety.

Payment Policies

Shared & Private Charter Payments:

~ A non-refundable 25% deposit confirms booking; the balance is due 150 days before the first tour date, which is also non-refundable.

~ Timely payments are Guest's responsibility.

~ Non-compliance results in cancellation without refund.

~ Bookings are not tentatively held and are confirmed only upon receipted payment.

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Group Booking Payments (5+ days):

~ A non-refundable 25% deposit (payment #1) confirms booking. A non-refundable 25% installments due January 1 (#2) and March 1 (#3). Final non-refundable balance due May 1 (#4).

~ Timely payments are the Group Leader or Booking Agent’s responsibility.

~ Non-compliance results in cancellation without refund.

~ Bookings are not tentatively held and are confirmed only upon receipted payment.

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Cancellation Policy
Shared & Private Charters:

~ Cancellations 150+ days before check-in: Forfeit 25% deposit (non-transferable).

~ Cancellations 150 days or less and no-shows: Forfeit 100% of invoice.
~ Group Bookings: Payments are forfeit at each date threshold; dates are non-transferable.
~ Applies to all situations (health, weather, airline issues, pandemics, natural disasters, border closures, etc.).

~ Appropriate travel cancellation and medical with evacuation insurance with pandemic coverage is strongly recommended.
~ Bookings transferable to another person (client-sourced) minus 25% deposit.
~ Cancellations must be in writing via email; credit card/bank fees apply.

 

 

Payment Methods

~ Invoices include 15% Consumption Tax.

~ Payments in Tongan Pa’anga (TOP) via Visa, MC, AMEX (4.167% bank fee) or bank transfer ($20 fee).

~ Reference name and invoice number with bank transfers.

~ Bank fees not included; currency exchanges use local BSP bank rate plus applicable bank fees.

 

 

Whale Watching
~ On shared charters we take a maximum of 8 guests on board.

~ On both shared and private charters we swim in groups of 4 guests at any one time with our licensed guide.

~ Please note that while this is the peak of the whale watching season, there are never any guarantees with migratory mammals in the wild. Our accredited and experienced Skipper and Guide crew will do everything they can to get you in the water to swim with the whales safely, once they have settled. The whales begin arriving in June; early July there are even more whales arriving; mid-July through early-October is usually the busiest time; from mid-October the whales slowly begin to migrate back to the Antarctic to feed, there are often late term mothers and calves in Vava'u in late October and into November, they do not all depart at once.; every season is a bit different; we historically have fabulous swims from the 1st of July through the third week of October, but there are never any guarantees to spot or swim with whales.

 

No Guarantees

~ Due to the migratory nature of the whales, the small niche market, and Tonga's short high season, we are unable to offer any refunds for unsuccessful whale spotting or swim encounters. 

 

Fuel Surcharge

~ Current fuel prices range between TOP 3.40 and TOP 3.70 per liter. If fuel prices rise to TOP 5.01 per liter or higher, South Pacific Sea Adventures, Ltd. reserves the right to impose a fuel surcharge, shared among passengers and due in full prior to boarding.

Guest Conduct and Safety

~ Swimming Ability: All guests must be able to swim and independently climb aboard the boat using a ladder.

~ Guide Compliance: Guests must follow the instructions of licensed guides at all times while in the water. Per the Ministry of Tourism, sinking below 3 meters and duck-diving vertically at all with whales is prohibited.

~ Safety Measures: The Skipper and Guide reserve the right to return any guest to the boat or cancel their remaining activities if they fail to follow instructions. This action is taken solely for the safety of whales, guests, crew, vessel, and equipment.

Liability & Hold Harmless

~ Passengers must sign a liability waiver before boarding.

~ South Pacific Sea Adventures, Ltd. , aka Explore Vava’u, Flying Coconut, Ltd., and Fetoko Adventures, Ltd., aka TradeWinds Mandala Resort, along with their owners, employees, shareholders, and associates, are not liable for disruptions caused by third-party transportation cancellations, pandemics, natural disasters, states of emergency, border closures, or quarantine requirements.

~ Guests are strongly encouraged to secure appropriate travel cancellation and medical with evacuation insurance.

~ By confirming a booking, you agree to release and hold harmless South Pacific Sea Adventures, Ltd., Flying Coconut, Ltd., Fetoko Adventures, Ltd., and all related entities, owners, employees, shareholders, and associates from any liability.

Acceptance of Terms

~ Confirmation of a booking signifies full acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

~ We thank you for choosing South Pacific Sea Adventures, Ltd. and look forward to providing you with an exceptional experience.