Safety and weather
Who decides whether the boat goes out, what happens to your money when it does not, and what is on board. The parts that are confirmed are below. The parts that are not are marked, because a safety page is the wrong place to sound more certain than we are.
The captain’s call
The captain decides whether a trip runs, where it goes, which boat you are on, and when to turn back. He makes that call on the morning, on the water, and it is final. Guest safety comes before finishing a route somebody planned the week before.
If the weather turns
We move the time, or we move the date. If neither works for you, the money comes back in full. Weather cancellations are always refunded. That is set out with the rest of the terms under booking and cancellation.
What is on board
Life jackets for every passenger, a radio, and a comprehensive first aid kit, on every trip. Both boats have a bathroom: the 27 ft Ticorette has a marine toilet, and the 32 ft Osprey has a private enclosed bathroom with a marine toilet, a freshwater shower and a sink, plus an air-conditioned cabin.
Alcohol
Alcohol is welcome onboard and may be enjoyed responsibly throughout your experience. The use or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. To ensure the comfort and safety of all guests and crew, our captain and crew reserve the right to limit or discontinue alcohol service or consumption when necessary.
If somebody is nervous about the boat
Jordanny is a certified Costa Rican lifeguard, and he has years behind him in water rescue and surf rescue. It is worth saying plainly, because it is usually the first thing a nervous guest wants to know.
The deck is kept clear on purpose. No hooks lying loose, no knives out, nothing to stand on. There are life jackets for everyone, and noodles and floats as well, for the child who will not wear a jacket but still wants to be in the water.
When people swim, one of the crew is in the water with them. Never the captain: the person watching the boat keeps watching the boat.
Children and older guests
The crew is used to families. The captain sets the trip to your group, the sea conditions and what people are actually comfortable with. Tell us in advance if anyone has limited mobility, so the boarding can be planned rather than improvised on the beach.
Tell us before, not on the day
If anyone in the group is pregnant, has a medical condition, gets seasick, or is not a confident swimmer, say so when you book. None of it necessarily stops the trip. All of it changes how the captain plans the day, and he would rather know on Tuesday than find out two miles offshore.
Ask before you book
If something about your group worries you, ask. It is a faster conversation than reading a policy page.