RESERVATIONS, PAYMENTS

To secure your reservation, Blue Waters needs to receive a $350 non-refundable deposit, due at the time of reservation, payable by check, money order, or visa, mastercard with the remaining due 90 days prior to your tour.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

If you are traveling alone and would like to share accommodations, please let us know and we will make every effort to match you with another tour participant.  If you prefer your own accommodations or if we are unable to match you with roommates, there is an $80 single supplement fee.

CANCELLATION

Participants may cancel up to 90 days prior to the scheduled departure date. If you must cancel within 90 days of the tour, a credit or refund will be issued only if Blue Waters is able to replace you from our waiting list.  Otherwise, no refunds or credit will be issued. We regret that no exceptions to this cancellation policy can be made, even for family or medical reasons. That is why we strongly recommend trip insurance.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This inexpensive insurance covers your non-refundable air flight if you have to cancel at the last minute, baggage loss, accidental medical and tour cancellation/interruption costs.  If your arrival is delayed and you need special livery to join the group in progress, or you need to be evacuated, you are responsible for covering the expenses of water and land transportation, extra hotel nights, etc. Rapid emergency evacuation to U.S. medical facilities is extremely difficult and not guaranteed.  We highly recommend travel insurance in case of such emergencies. Travel insurance operates on a reimbursement basis, so you must get receipts for submission to your insurance company.   There are many insurance companies, enclosed you will find an application for one of them. Please read the details carefully.

TOURIST VISA

During your stay in Baja you must have a Mexican Tourist Visa with you at all times and relinquish it at the airport when you leave the country. The airline provides a tourist visa application for you while in flight to Baja. For issuance of a tourist visa you must have current identification either a current driver's license and birth certificate, or a current passport.

PASSPORT

Beginning in 2007, the Dept of Homeland Security has stipulated that travelers must have a valid passport to re-enter the United States from Mexico.

WHAT IS PROVIDED

Blue Waters provides roomy double occupancy tents with sleeping-pads. If you wish to have a tent to yourself you may bring your own or we have them available for rent. Likewise you may bring your own sleeping bags or rent one from us.  Kayaking farmer john wetsuits in a variety of sizes are available at no charge. Snorkeling gear will be available to rent for the period of your stay.

WHAT TO BRING

Most importantly, bring your ability to work and play with others and a desire to make this trip an once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone. We have enclosed an equipment list to assist you in your preparations. Kayak space is limited, so please bring only those items listed; this will simplify and enhance your vacation. Once in Baja your guides can help you adjust your gear to the current conditions. Luggage and travel clothes can be left in storage at the hotel during your kayak trip.

You may want to bring a small dry bag for personal belongings such as binoculars, camera or wallet that you may want easy access to while kayaking. Blue Waters provides four medium sized dry bags, for clothing, personal gear, and your sleeping bag. If you want to bring your own medium dry bags please see exact size specifications on the equipment list.

MONEY

It is not necessary to exchange currency, as the locals prefer to receive dollars. We recommend that you bring about $300 in small denominations to pay for tips, eating out and small purchases. If you are driving, bring enough dollars or pesos for gas, meals, showers and shopping. MasterCard and Visa are accepted at some hotels, large shops and large restaurants. The local banks will not advance you American dollars from your credit card and the cash machines will only dispense pesos, so come prepared if you need cash for your return trip.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities for your kayak guides are not included in the cost of the trip. Of course, your guides work hard to provide you with a wonderful vacation and are eager to serve you in every way. If you wish to acknowledge them for their exceptional service, your tip is always welcome and appreciated. A gratuity of 10% of the tour fee is suggested.

THEFT/ACCIDENTS

Blue Waters Kayaking is not responsible for loss of personal items or injury. There is always a risk of theft or injury wherever you are. Even though present statistics show Baja to be safer than California, it is wise to be cautious. When we leave our campsite for several hours bring along your valuable items.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH

Although our Sea of Cortez tour is not rigorous, it can be physically challenging, and there is no immediate access to medical facilities. Blue Waters carries a well-supplied first-aid kit and our guides have Wilderness First Responder and C.P.R. training to handle emergencies. However, Blue Waters Kayaking is not responsible for medications, inoculations or the provision of health care. Please bring first-aid items you know you need as well as your personal supply of medications.

If you do have medical problems or disabilities, it is important that you call our office well before your departure and make them known to us.  You and your private physician should decide what is necessary for your safe participation on this trip.

CHANGE OF ITINERARY OR CANCELLED TRIPS

Blue Waters Kayaking reserves the right to change the itinerary due to hazardous weather, change in government regulations, and/or circumstances that render the trip unsafe or unsatisfactory to the welfare of the group.  Blue Waters Kayaking reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient registration or logistical and safety complications that may impede trip operations.  A trip cancellation due to insufficient registration normally occurs no later than 3 weeks prior to departure, in which case your complete fee will be returned.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY

Trip participants have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their interests and abilities.  We are happy to discuss the trip with you if you have any questions.  You are responsible for being in sufficient good health and for bringing appropriate clothing and equipment.  Read all the pre-trip information carefully.  Please complete and return the release form, reservation checklist and confidential questionnaire with your final payment no later than 90 days prior to your departure date.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

A release of liability form must be signed by al participants prior to each trip, both in the U.S. and in Mexico. Participants will not be allowed on our trips without a signed release of liability form and we cannot issue a refund if a release form has not been signed.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

It is difficult and expensive to contact participants during the kayak trip, so please ask to do so in case of extreme emergency only.  Participants are responsible for all costs incurred in the delivery of an emergency message. Please call the Blue Waters office @ 415-669-2600 in case of emergency or if you should miss your flight into Loreto.