Q: What is the minimum age limit for taking a Snorkeling Safari?
A: We expect folks to be at least over 12 years old and can swim. You don't need to be a “Super Gold Medal Olympic Swimmer” as most waters are very shallow and protected from the open sea, but it does help if you feel comfortable in the water. Children under 12 can join the safari if they are the full responsibility of their parents.
Q: Is it dangerous?
A: Well, the sea can always be dangerous; you can essentially drown in a bathtub. But overall, compared to swimming in the surf, diving or you average day on the beach, you’re safe as houses. We do encounter some creatures that can sting or harm you, but to date, we have never had a bad experience. You’re safe with us. You’re biggest risk is slipping on a rock, and for that reason we ask you to be of a reasonable fitness and agility level. Our guides are all accredited and registered First Aiders. Our focus is to ensure you have a fun time, don't get hurt and do no harm to the environment.
Q: Can’t I just go snorkeling alone?
A: You can, and we hope you do. The marine life here deserves to be explored by everyone. But, simply put, we have put a lot of time into finding snorkeling spots and understanding the conditions that we feel you would have a far more enriching experience by coming with a guide. At least for your first time, we recommend a tour to get to know the area and what’s around. We also have special holes and secret spots, which we are pretty certain, would be worth your while exploring with us. And a final note on this, spotting unusual creatures such as Eels, Nudibranchs Octopus etc… takes some special skills and experience of the area. We know where to go and where to look.
Q: Do we need any equipment or snorkeling gear?
A: No, we can supply everything you need. But if you have your own and feel more comfortable using your own gear, feel free to bring it along. We do recommend a rash vest or wear an old t-shirt to avoid your back being burnt by the sun (a classic side effect of too much snorkeling) ....and of course sunscreen, always wear sunscreen. If you're joining one of our more advanced tours, we also recommend a good pair of all terrain sandals / shoes for walking on rocks and other slippery places.
Q: What must we bring?
A: Sunblock is essential. We also recommend a rash vest or T-Shirt to keep your back from getting sunburnt, the most likely risk in the water. If you have a wetsuit, that is even better.
Q: We want to book our own tour, just ourselves and no strangers?
A: Yes, we can do that. In fact, we like that. It gives us a chance to really spend quality time. Just give us a shout and we will try slot you in where we can.
Q: Why do you only take such small groups and so few tours?
A: Well, we like to keep things personal and ensure you have a great time. We don’t believe that is possible with a big group. Large groups also make a lot of noise and tend to scare off much of the marine life as well as greater risk of damage to corals and similar underwater critters. We also try ensure that we only take tours in the right conditions, tides, wind, weather, swell, visibility all play a big role.
Other Essential Info
What To Bring
Sunblock
Good flip flops, crocs or other comfortable beach shoes
Camera
If you're likely to get a spot hungry in 2 hours...pack some snacks and cold drinks
Old T-shirt or rash vest
Generally, we supply everything you're likely to need
Our Rules
We don't like rules as a general rule of thumb BUT.....
You must be able to swim and complete the "tasks" in our training session to do the snorkeling safari - if you can't swim please don't try this.
If you damage the coral, remove any organism from the sea, litter, cause a disruption to anyone else on the snorkeling safari or behave like a plonker to the point that it disturbs other people's experience on the snorkeling safari, we will end your snorkeling trip. Simple. It sounds harsh, but looking after the environment and ensuring everyone has a great time is our priority.
Children under 12 years of age are the sole responsibility of their parents
No indemnity form = no snorkeling with us
Cancellation Policy
Cancelations less than 24 hours before the scheduled snorkeling safari will be charged in full or you will be given the option to join another trip at a later stage
We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any snorkeling safari if the weather or sea conditions are deemed to be poor. In this case, we will give you a full refund or the option to reschedule
Disclaimers
...We will ask you to sign one of these
I acknowledge that I am aware that the activities organized and conducted by Tidal Tao in which I will be participating during the tour (the activities) are dangerous and can result in personal injury including fatal injury to myself.
I confirm that I fully appreciate the nature of the risks that I will be exposed to whilst participating in the activities.
I hereby voluntarily assume all risks which are associated with the activities and consent to the risk of any harm which may befall me whilst participating in such activities including bodily injury and death.
I agree that I shall have no claim of whatsoever nature against Tidal Tao, its owners, shareholders, directors, members, employees, agents or other persons contracted to conduct all or part of my Safari Tour (hereinafter referred to as the parties) for any injury, harm or loss of whatsoever nature which I may suffer whilst participating in the activities even if such injury, harm or loss is caused by the negligence of any of the parties.
I accordingly indemnify all the parties against any injury, harm or loss which I may suffer whilst participating in the activities.
In addition to the exemption from liability detailed above I further agree that none of the parties shall be liable to me for any injury, harm or loss of whatsoever nature suffered by me at any time during the tour (and not only whilst participating in the activities) arising from any cause whatsoever including but not limited to illness, accident, theft, injury or death. This exemption from liability shall apply even where the injury, harm or loss referred to above is caused by the negligence of any of the parties.
