1. How a booking is confirmed
A booking request is created when you complete the online form and proceed to checkout. Your reservation is confirmed only after successful payment through our payment partner, or after our team confirms an assisted booking in writing by email or WhatsApp.
You must provide accurate guest names, phone or WhatsApp contact, residency category, preferred date and guest counts. Incorrect details may delay departure or require rebooking.
2. What you are buying
You are booking a private boat charter package for marine park access support, guide services and the inclusions listed for that package. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park entry fees are separate and are paid by guests at the gate unless we state otherwise in writing.
Optional hotel, Airbnb or home pickup inside Watamu is available only when requested at booking and may carry an additional fee shown in your estimate.
3. Activities are requests, not guarantees
Activities you select during booking (for example snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing, reef stops or dolphin watching) are preference requests for your day on the water. They are not sold as guaranteed deliverables.
- Wildlife is wild. Dolphin watching, turtle sightings and other wildlife encounters depend on natural movement, sea conditions and season. We do not guarantee that animals will be seen.
- Conditions change. Wind, tides, swell, visibility, park rules and safety decisions by the captain may limit or change planned stops.
- Season and date matter. Some activities are less available or impractical on certain dates, days of the week, or times of year. Selecting an activity does not create a right to a refund solely because that activity could not be completed.
By proceeding to checkout after selecting activities, you confirm that you understand these limitations and still wish to book the boat package.
4. Weather, safety and operator changes
Marine operations prioritise guest safety. We or the captain may delay, shorten, reroute or reschedule a trip when weather, sea state, equipment or park conditions make the original plan unsafe or unsuitable.
When we cancel or significantly change a trip for safety or operational reasons, we will offer a new date where possible. If a suitable alternative cannot be arranged, eligible paid amounts for the boat package may be refunded under section 6.
5. Guest cancellations and changes
Cancellation or date-change requests must be sent in writing to bookings@watamuexcursions.co.ke or WhatsApp +254 704 043 466, using your booking reference.
- 48 hours or more before the booked departure: you may request a full refund of the boat package payment, or a free date change subject to availability.
- Less than 48 hours before departure: boat package payments are generally non-refundable. We may allow a date change at our discretion if the boat and captain remain available.
- No-show: failure to arrive at the agreed meeting point on time is treated as a cancellation without refund.
Pickup fees already arranged with a driver may be non-refundable once confirmed, because that service is reserved specifically for your party.
6. Refunds
Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method where possible (for example M-Pesa or card via Pesapal). Processing can take several business days after approval, depending on the payment provider and bank.
KWS park entry fees paid at the gate are outside our control and are not refunded by Watamu Marine Excursions Bookings.
Partial activity changes during the trip (for example no dolphins sighted, or a reef stop shortened for safety) do not by themselves create a refund entitlement for the full package.
7. Liability
Boat travel and water activities involve inherent risks, including slipping, swimming, snorkeling and changes in sea conditions. Guests participate voluntarily and must follow captain and guide instructions at all times.
To the fullest extent permitted by Kenyan law, Watamu Marine Excursions Bookings and its captains, guides and partners are not liable for:
- loss or damage to personal belongings left on shore, in vehicles or on the boat;
- injury arising from failure to follow safety instructions or from swimming or snorkeling beyond ability;
- disappointment arising from wildlife not appearing, weather delays, or activity changes required for safety or park rules;
- indirect or consequential losses such as missed hotel bookings, flights or other holiday arrangements.
Nothing in this policy excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under Kenyan law.
8. Contact
Questions about bookings or refunds: bookings@watamuexcursions.co.ke · WhatsApp +254 704 043 466 · watamuexcursions.co.ke