This document outlines the Booking Terms & Conditions for all services provided by Raja Ampat Diving Trips, effective 22 May 2026. These terms establish the contractual agreement between clients and our company for any raja ampat diving trip. A typical liveaboard itinerary for this region spans 7 to 10 days, with initial deposits often set at 25% of the total trip cost. Understanding these conditions ensures clarity on booking procedures, payment schedules, and cancellation policies, which are crucial for trips valued between $3,500 and $6,500 for mid-market divers.
Booking and Deposit Policy
This section details the procedure for securing a reservation and the initial financial commitments required for a raja ampat diving trip. To confirm a booking, a non-refundable deposit is required within seven calendar days of receiving a provisional reservation. For most trips, this deposit amounts to 25% of the total package price or a minimum of $1,000 USD per person, whichever sum is greater. Provisional bookings are held for a maximum of seven days, after which they may be released if the deposit is not received. Confirmed bookings receive an invoice and a detailed itinerary, typically within 48 hours of deposit confirmation. This initial payment secures your space on a specific departure date for your chosen raja ampat diving trip, acknowledging the limited availability of liveaboard berths and resort accommodations in the region. Deposits are held against the final payment, and clients are advised to review all booking details thoroughly before making this initial financial commitment.
Payment Schedule and Final Balances
This section specifies the timelines and methods for completing all payments for a confirmed raja ampat diving trip booking. The remaining balance for any trip is due no later than 90 days prior to the scheduled departure date. Failure to submit the final payment by this deadline may result in the cancellation of the booking and forfeiture of the initial deposit, without further notice. For bookings made within 90 days of departure, the full trip cost is due immediately upon reservation to secure the space. Payments are accepted via bank transfer in USD, with all bank transfer fees borne by the client. Credit card payments are also accepted, subject to a 3% processing surcharge. Clients will receive payment reminders approximately 100 days before their departure date. Prompt payment ensures all logistical arrangements, including domestic flights within Indonesia and local transfers from Sorong, are confirmed without disruption to the planned Raja Ampat diving trip.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
This section specifies the conditions under which a guest may cancel their raja ampat diving trip and the corresponding refund or cancellation fees. All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to Raja Ampat Diving Trips. The effective date of cancellation is the date the written notice is received. Cancellation fees are applied as follows: for cancellations received more than 120 days prior to departure, a full refund less a $150 USD administrative fee per person will be issued. Cancellations between 91 and 120 days prior to departure will result in the forfeiture of 50% of the total trip cost. For cancellations received 90 days or less prior to departure, 100% of the total trip cost will be forfeited. No refunds are provided for unused portions of a trip, including missed dives, meals, or accommodations due to personal reasons or late arrivals. Clients are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel and dive insurance to mitigate potential financial losses from unexpected cancellations.
Changes, Amendments, and Guest Responsibilities
This section addresses procedures for modifying an existing raja ampat diving trip booking and outlines the guest’s obligations regarding documentation, health, and diving qualifications. Any requested changes to a confirmed booking, such as name changes or departure date alterations, are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee of $75 USD per change. Changes requested within 60 days of departure may be treated as a cancellation and re-booking, subject to the standard cancellation policy. It is the guest’s responsibility to possess a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the return date, along with any required visas for Indonesia. For diving activities, a minimum certification of PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent is required. However, many sites in Raja Ampat, known for strong currents, necessitate an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or higher, along with recent dive experience, to ensure safety and enjoyment. All divers must carry valid dive insurance, and a medical statement confirming fitness to dive may be required.
Force Majeure and Unforeseen Circumstances
This section defines events beyond the control of Raja Ampat Diving Trips that may affect a raja ampat diving trip and the company’s policy in such situations. Force Majeure refers to unforeseeable circumstances that prevent the fulfillment of a contract, including but not limited to natural disasters (e.g., volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, severe weather), acts of terrorism, war, political instability, epidemics, pandemics, or government actions that restrict travel or operations. In such events, Raja Ampat Diving Trips reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel any trip without liability for refunds. For example, a significant ash cloud from a volcanic eruption could ground flights, as occurred in 2025 near Manado. While we will endeavor to offer alternative arrangements, such as rescheduling the trip or providing a credit for future travel, monetary refunds are generally not provided under Force Majeure. Guests are explicitly required to hold comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for trip interruption and cancellation due to Force Majeure events, to protect their investment in a Raja Ampat diving trip. The company will communicate any such developments promptly.
Pre-Trip Requirements and Guest Declarations
To ensure a safe and enjoyable raja ampat diving trip for all participants, guests are required to meet specific conditions and acknowledge certain declarations before departure. Adherence to these guidelines is mandatory:
- **Valid Passport & Visa:** Guests must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond the trip return date and secure all necessary visas for entry into Indonesia.
- **Dive Certification:** A minimum of PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent is required. Many advanced dive sites in Raja Ampat demand an Advanced Open Water certification and recent dive experience.
- **Dive Insurance:** Mandatory comprehensive dive insurance (e.g., DAN, PADI Travel) covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and hyperbaric chamber treatment.
- **Travel Insurance:** Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, and personal liability.
- **Medical Fitness:** Guests must be medically fit for diving and travel. A medical statement from a physician may be requested, especially for pre-existing conditions.
- **Equipment Proficiency:** Guests are expected to be proficient in the use of their personal dive equipment, including having a working dive computer and surface marker buoy (SMB).
- **Respect for Local Culture & Environment:** Adherence to local customs and strict marine conservation guidelines, including no touching or collecting marine life.
- **Briefing Compliance:** Compliance with all dive briefings, safety rules, and instructions from the dive guides and crew is essential.
- **Emergency Contact:** Provide an emergency contact person and their details prior to departure.
- **Financial Responsibility:** Acknowledge financial responsibility for any damage caused to property or equipment due to negligence.