Terms & Conditions

BOOKINGS

ALL CRUISES DEPART ON THE SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME. IF YOU ARE LATE AND MISS THE DEPARTURE YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND.
BOARDING IS 15 MIN BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE ALLOWED ENOUGH TIME TO TRAVEL AND FIND PARKING TO BE ON TIME FOR BOARDING.

Minimum Numbers

As is normally the case with group tours, a minimum number of bookings are required in order for a tour to be financially viable and to have a pleasant group atmosphere. In the event that adequate numbers cannot be achieved, it may be necessary to cancel a scheduled departure and to offer the nearest possible alternative date (or a full refund of money paid).

Booking Confirmation

To secure your seat, we recommend you book IN ADVANCE online through our website. All online bookings will receive a confirmation email once details are checked by a member of staff.

Bookings are also accepted over the telephone but require payment to confirm.
Bookings can also be made by email, please advise full name, residential address, contact phone number

All departures are subject to demand, sea and weather conditions.

Deposit/Payment

All prices are in New Zealand Dollars and inclusive of GST (Goods and Services Tax).
Prices are subject to change without notice.

The name “Barefoot Sailing Adventures” will appear on the cardholder’s statement for any transactions.

For scheduled cruise online bookings, credit card details must be provided, the card is charged at the full rate via Rezdy Pay secure payment gateway.

For private charter bookings, a 50% deposit is required to secure the booking for the day. The full amount is required 30 days prior to the departure date.

Cancellation Policy

To cancel a booking, clients are to contact Barefoot Sailing Adventures by phone and follow up with an email.

If we cancel the trip for any reason prior to departure you will receive a full refund, or an alternative day if available.

Weather Cancellations will be made on the day of the cruise at 8.30am by email “for the Island Hopper Cruise” and 3.30pm for the Sundowner Evening Cruise to the email address you have provided in your booking. Please check your email on the day of the cruise to confirm. We will try to make contact by phone but this can be difficult with international numbers, and cell phone coverage during travel. Always check your email. If you have booked via a travel agent please contact us at least 24 hours prior to advise your NZ contact phone number to allow us to be efficient and provide you the best customer service we can.

For scheduled cruise cancellations – Island Hopper or Sundowner Evening Cruise: Cancellations by the guest will incur a 10% fee of the full ticket price. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will incur the full charge. Please note, if you do not show for your booking the full charge will apply, this includes if you are late for your scheduled Cruise. Tickets are not transferable for another day in the case of cancellation within 48 hours, or a no show.
We recommend our guests hold a comprehensive travel insurance policy in case of any unexpected changes in their travel plans that may incur a cancellation fee.

For Private Charter Cancellations – cancellations by the guest:

Cancellations prior to 30 days from the charter date will forfeit 20% of the charter fee.

Cancellations within 30 days of the charter date will forfeit 30% of the charter fee.

Cancellations within 14 days of the charter date will forfeit 50% of the charter fee.

Cancellations within 7 days of the charter date will forfeit 100% of the charter fee.

In case of a “NO SHOW” no refund will be given, 100% charter fee will apply.

We recommend our guests hold a comprehensive travel insurance policy in case of any unexpected changes in their travel plans that may incur a cancellation fee.

Covid Cancellations

If lockdown restricts travel & operation of the cruise at the time it is booked, you may reschedule your booking, hold a credit or opt for a full refund of the ticket price.

Refunds

We reserve the right to cancel or amend any cruise due to sea or weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control. A full refund will be given if an alternative date cannot be arranged.
Refunds will be arranged within a reasonable time frame, usually within 48 hours. Refunds as an electronic process between banks may take 5-10 working days to process and show in your bank account.

Risk Disclosure Statement – Barefoot Sailing Adventures

We are committed to delivering a safe and enjoyable experience. We take all care to ensure your safety, however there are inherent risks in the nature of our activity. To ensure your safety, you must follow the instructions of our time, act in a safe manner, be physically capable of undertaking any activity you partake in, and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The following risks may result in serious injury or death:
Boarding and disembarking – slips, trips, falls, crushing.
Sailing equipment – impact injury from moving parts, entanglement.
Changing weather conditions – sea state, moving vessel, exposure to the elements wind cold rain sun heat, unforeseen events. Natural hazards.
Water activities – swimming snorkeling paddle boarding, encounters with marine creatures, cuts & grazes, missing person, person adrift, drowning.
Island walks – uneven terrain, slips & trips, cliffs & steep drop offs, getting lost.
Chemicals – poisoning, burns.
Remote location – medical facilities and immediate access to medical care are limited and may be significantly distant.
Vessel Emergencies – Person overboard, vessel grounding, steering, loss of engine power, fire, abandon ship, encounters with marine mammals.
Natural Hazards – Tsunami, waterspout, wildfire.
Personal Property – risk to personal property being damaged.

By participating, you signify your acknowledgment and acceptance of these inherent risks, and agree to conduct yourself in a safe manner.
Your safety and enjoyment are our priority, and we appreciate your cooperation ensuring a safe experience. You agree to inform all others in your party of the above risks.

IMPORTANT INFO

By boarding with Barefoot Sailing Adventures, you have agreed to the terms and conditions outlined here. If you have booked for a group, it is your responsibility to ensure that other people in the group are aware of the terms and conditions before they board.

IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION THAT MAY REQUIRE ASSISTANCE PLEASE NOTE THIS IN THE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS BOX WHEN REGISTERING YOUR BOOKING, AND DISCUSS THIS WITH THE SKIPPER/CREW WHEN BOARDING THE VESSEL.

The islands that we visit are a wildlife sanctuary, it is important that we take care to ensure correct biosecurity measures are in place before we visit the islands. Please check that your gear is free of any weed seeds, dirt, or pests like ants, sometimes a rat or lizard can get into your bags, shoes can carry dirt, all of which can disturb the delicate ecosystem on the islands of Ipipiri. Please help us and just take a minute to look over your gear and clean it if needed before you board the boat.

1. Passengers must be present at the Paihia Beach 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Paihia Beach is on Marsden Rd, South of the Paihia Wharf. The boat pulls right up on the beach so it’s easy to find us, the boat is sign written. You may get up to knee deep in the water, so roll up your trousers and step aboard!

2. The Barefoot crew would like to show you A DAY IN THE BAY – THE KIWI WAY! So in true kiwi spirit the Barefoot crew undertake the Sailing Adventures… barefoot, and would like to ask you to kick off your shoes as you board the boat. If you’re not barefoot, you’re overdressed!

3. Listen carefully to the pre-departure safety briefing: Your Captain will give you a safety briefing on board Kopiko. Pay close attention. These rules are in place for your ultimate safety and comfort, so please abide by them.

4. Barefoot Sailing Adventures will not be held liable for any personal injuries, equipment loss or damage sustained while travelling on any of our cruises. Nor liable for any costs incurred as a result of disruption to travel plans which may occur.

5. Photos & Videos: We often take photographs and videos for use in Social Media and Advertising. Acceptance of these terms and conditions and allowing your photo/video to be taken during the cruise will mean that you agree to the use of those images of yourself being used by Barefoot Sailing Adventures for the above purposes. Should you not wish to be included please feel free to let us know on board. Otherwise, give us your cheesiest grin!

6. We reserve the right to withdraw any person who in our opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others. We also reserve the right to cancel the cruise if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of any other person.

7. Children are the Parent/Guardian’s responsibility: Children must be under continuous adult supervision for the duration of the charter, and all activities. Maximum of two children (under 12 years) per adult sailing on the boat. Under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult on charter. There are safety regulations which we must abide by for children’s safety, please respect that we (and you) must follow them.

8. Stow your gear: We advise you to stow bags and personal belongings below decks, this keeps decks clear of trip hazards and tangles. Please note, Barefoot Sailing Adventures or Barefoot Captain/Crew cannot be held liable for loss or damage to your belongings.

9. No Smoking: For health and safety, smoking is not permitted on any cruises, including e-cigarettes & vape.

10. Sailing can be adventurous when the wind is up: your Captain/Crew know the conditions and know how the boat will respond. If asked to do something, please do as requested. At any time if you are not comfortable or feel unsafe please advise your Captain. The cruise can be adjusted so that all passengers have a good time.

11. Toilets: A marine toilet (called “head” on boats) is located below deck. Please Do Not flush sanitary items, wet wipes or rubbish as it will block the system. Use bins provided. If you’re in doubt, ask before use.

12. Dress for the conditions: Layered clothing works best. There is potential for getting wet, so bring a jacket. Hat and sunglasses sunblock recommended. (please NO SPRAY sunblock as it eats paint)
13. To participate in swimming you must be able to swim competently in open water: No lifejackets will be provided for swimmers. Keep in mind that swimming activities are not supervised or guided by Captain/crew therefore it is your own responsibility to ensure personal safety . Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

14. Island walks are a great way to really appreciate the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Please stick to the tracks, be sure to keep an eye on the time. Your Skipper will advise you of time to return, do not be late back or we will send a search party – at your cost! Again, this is not a guided activity, it is your own responsibility to ensure personal safety.

15. Snorkeling is available to those who are competent swimmers, who can swim over 200m in open water. Life jackets are not provided for snorkeling. You will be asked to declare your ability, and agree to the terms stated. Snorkeling is a supervised activity (not guided) and it will take place as a group. Children must be accompanied by a competent parent at all times.

THE CAPTAIN’S WORD IS LAW

Nature and Being Realistic. If weather conditions or other safety or time constraints prevent sailing to a given area in the Bay of Islands, please be understanding. The Skipper wants to provide you the best experience possible and, within reason, cater to your wishes – but they are also ultimately responsible for your safety and the safety of the yacht. And for the experienced sailors who join the Barefoot Crew, sometimes we don’t sail the boat to its full potential as there are certain conditions that are not comfortable for all passengers, especially those new to boats and sailing so we like to make it comfortable for everyone.

On the ocean, Mother Nature ensures that every trip is different. Each season of the year brings different conditions. Sometimes the sailing is easy, other times it can be challenging, sometimes it rains, sometimes there’s not enough wind for us to use the sails and we use our engine. But whichever way it happens it always works out great. After all, any day Barefoot is a great day!

We look forward to sharing an amazing cruise with you.
The Barefoot Sailing Adventures Crew