Wild Side Specialty Tours — Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy | No Guarantee Policy | Medical and Health Related Issues | Inherent Risks | Prices and Billing | Minor Children | Damages | Lost Items | Food and Beverages | Alcoholic Beverages | Photo Release

Last updated: November 2025

Welcome & Aloha

At Wild Side Specialty Tours, we strive to offer unforgettable experiences that honor the ocean, its wildlife, and the people who visit our shores. These Terms & Conditions help ensure that every charter operates safely, respectfully, and in the spirit of mālama kai — caring for the sea.

Please take a moment to read through them carefully. They outline how we protect you, our crew, and Hawai‘i’s marine environment, along with our shared responsibilities for safety, respect, and enjoyment on the water.
By confirming your reservation or joining a tour, you acknowledge and agree to these terms so that together we can keep every Wild Side adventure safe, sustainable, and extraordinary.

1. Reservations & Payments

  1. Reservations are subject to availability, weather, and vessel operations.

  2. Wild Side reserves the right to substitute vessels, departure times, and return times.

  3. A valid credit card or full payment is required to confirm all bookings.

  4. All rates are subject to 4.72 % Hawai‘i State Tax, 3 % Harbor Fee, and a $5 Fuel Surcharge.

  5. Gift certificates are charged in full at the time of booking.

2. Cancellation Policy

  1. Cancellations made 10 days or more before the charter date are fully refundable.

  2. Cancellations made within 10 days, “no-shows,” or denial of boarding after the safety briefing has begun are non-refundable.

  3. Cancellations due to illness, injury, or travel disruption are reviewed at Wild Side’s sole discretion.

  4. If Wild Side cancels a trip for weather, mechanical, or safety reasons, every effort will be made to reschedule; otherwise, a full refund will be issued.

  5. Missed charters resulting from customer error (e.g., transportation delays, seasickness, oversleeping) are not refundable.

  6. Date changes after confirmation incur a 15 % rebooking fee, subject to availability.

3. Weather, Wildlife & Sea Conditions

  1. The ocean is dynamic — no specific wildlife sightings or conditions are guaranteed.

  2. Crew and captain may limit or deny in-water activity if conditions are unsafe.

  3. Refunds or discounts will not be issued for:

    • Absence of wildlife sightings

    • Seasickness or discomfort

    • Personal choice or inability to enter the water

  4. Guests must follow crew direction regarding ethical wildlife interactions.

  5. Disregard for wildlife or safety guidelines may result in removal without refund.

4. Medical & Health Requirements

  1. Guests must disclose all medical or physical conditions prior to check-in.

  2. Examples include heart or respiratory issues, pregnancy, surgery recovery, allergies, reduced mobility, or medications.

  3. Guests are responsible for bringing all required medications onboard.

  4. Vessels are not ADA-certified and do not include wheelchair tie-downs.

  5. Guests requiring more than minimal assistance may be restricted from entering the water or boarding for safety reasons.

  6. The captain has final authority to deny participation if a guest poses a safety risk.

5. Children & Minor Participation

  1. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

  2. Children under five (5) must remain within arm’s reach of an adult at all times, on deck and in the water.

  3. Children must remain seated while the vessel is underway.

  4. Parents or guardians are solely responsible for supervision and behavior throughout the charter.

6. Liability & Assumption of Risk

  1. Participation in ocean activities carries inherent risks including slips, falls, wildlife encounters, and changing sea conditions.

  2. Guests participate voluntarily and at their own risk.

  3. By confirming or attending a charter, guests release and hold harmless Wild Side Specialty Tours, its owners, captains, crew, and affiliates from all liability, claims, or damages arising from participation.

7. Damages & Conduct

  1. Guests are liable for damages to vessels or equipment caused by negligence or unsafe conduct.

  2. Repair or replacement costs will be charged to the responsible party.

  3. The captain reserves the right to refuse service or terminate a charter without refund in cases of unsafe, disruptive, or intoxicated behavior.

8. Personal Items

  1. Wild Side is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings.

  2. Left-behind items will be held for 30 days for pickup; unclaimed items are discarded or donated.

  3. Wild Side does not ship or deliver lost items.

9. Food & Beverages

  1. Standard menu items are included at no extra cost; substitutions cannot be accommodated.

  2. Guests with dietary restrictions should bring personal food items as needed.

  3. Alcohol is not permitted on daytime charters.

  4. Limited alcohol may be allowed on private or sunset sails at the captain’s discretion; intoxication or unsafe behavior will result in removal without refund.

10. Photo & Media Release

  1. Participation constitutes consent for Wild Side Specialty Tours to use photographs or video including your likeness for promotional or educational purposes.

  2. Guests who do not wish to be photographed must notify the crew prior to departure.