Refund & Cancellation Policy

Transparent, Fair, and Reliable Booking Protections

At Galapagos Book Tours, we understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly. Because operating in the Galápagos Islands requires strict marine permits, National Park clearances, and advance gear logistics, we enforce a clear, standardized policy to protect both our guests and our local operations.

1. Client-Initiated Cancellations

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to info@galapagosbooktours.com. Verbal cancellations via phone or WhatsApp will not be accepted. The date on which the cancellation email is received by our team determines the eligible refund or future travel credit:

  • 91+ Days Prior to Departure: 100% of your payment is refunded (minus a standard 5% credit card or bank merchant processing fee), OR 100% can be converted into a travel credit for future bookings.

  • 61 – 90 Days Prior to Departure: 50% of the total tour price is refunded, OR 75% is issued as a credit toward a future booking with Galapagos Book Tours.

  • 31 – 60 Days Prior to Departure: 25% of the total tour price is refunded, OR 50% is issued as a credit toward a future booking.

  • 30 Days or Less Prior to Departure: No refunds or credits will be issued.

2. Rescheduling & Date Changes

If you need to change your tour date rather than cancel entirely:

  • Notice given 60+ days prior: Free date changes, subject to guide and vessel availability.

  • Notice given 15 to 59 days prior: Date changes are subject to a 15% administrative fee plus any rate differences for peak season transitions.

  • Notice given within 14 days: Date changes are treated as a late cancellation and cannot be guaranteed without rebooking.

3. Weather, Ocean Conditions & Force Majeure

Ocean safety is our non-negotiable priority. The Galápagos National Park Directorate (DNPG) or local maritime authorities (Capitanía del Puerto) may occasionally close visitor sites, marine channels, or surf breaks due to heavy swells, storm warnings, or marine conservation rules.

In the event of weather or safety cancellations initiated by Galapagos Book Tours or local authorities:

  1. Primary Option: We will attempt to adjust the daily itinerary or relocate your session to a safe alternative surf spot or visitor site (e.g., shifting from an outer reef break to a sheltered bay).

  2. Secondary Option: If no alternative activity is possible, we will reschedule your tour for the next available day at no extra charge.

  3. Refund Option: If rescheduling is impossible due to your international flight schedule, Galapagos Book Tours will issue a 100% full refund for the affected day activity.

4. No-Shows & Flight Delays

  • Late Arrivals & Missed Transfers: Our land vehicles, water taxis, and chartered vessels depart on strict schedules. If you fail to arrive at the designated meeting point on time, your booking will be marked as a No-Show and no refund will be provided.

  • Airline Disruptions: Galapagos Book Tours is not responsible for missed tour days caused by airline delays or flight cancellations arriving into Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY). We strongly urge all guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering flight delays.

5. Refund Processing Timelines

  • Approved refunds are returned directly to the original payment method used during checkout (Credit Card, Wire Transfer, or WeTravel link).

  • Please allow 5 to 10 business days for financial institutions and international payment gateways to process and reflect the funds in your account.

  • All banking or international wire transfer fees incurred during the refund transaction are the responsibility of the client.

6. Private Charters & Group Reservations (6+ Passengers)

Private vessel bookings require upfront reservation of captain, crew, and park permits:

  • Cancellations 60+ days prior: 70% refund of the total booking value.

  • Cancellations 59 days or less prior: Non-refundable.

📩 Requesting a Cancellation or Modification

To submit a formal request or ask questions regarding an existing booking, please contact our support team:

  • Official Website: www.galapagosbooktours.com

  • Direct Email: info@galapagosbooktours.com

  • Operations Office: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador