Travels Terms & Conditions

PRIVACY POLICY:

Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels is committed to safeguarding your privacy. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please click here to review our current Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy also governs your use of our website.

• Booking: Your contractual agreement is with Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels. The contract becomes valid once we have confirmed your reservation for our tour, hotel booking, or any other travel-related services of your choice, and we have received your booking request and deposits. All correspondence related to tour and travel service bookings should be directed to M/s. Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels.
• Rights to Amend the Itinerary if Required: Once the tour has commenced, it will strictly adhere to the finalized itinerary. However, in the event of circumstances or events beyond our control, we reserve the right to modify all or parts of the itinerary to ensure the safety and well-being of our valued guests.

Please note that all itineraries provided are sample itineraries intended to give you a general idea of the expected trip schedule. Several factors, such as weather conditions, road conditions, and the physical capabilities of the participants, may necessitate changes to the itinerary either before or during the tour. We reserve the right to modify any schedule in the interest of ensuring the safety, comfort, and overall well-being of the trip participants. The itinerary is tentative, and the specific days and timings may be altered based on ferry and boat availability.

BOOKING & PAYMENT POLICY

Budget, Standard & Premium Tour Packages

• 25% of Total Tour Package Cost
• Rest of the 75% balance Amount to be paid on the day of Arrival.

Deluxe & Luxury Tour Packages

• 50% of Total Tour Package Cost
• Rest of the 50% balance Amount to be paid one week before the commencement of tour.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you wish to cancel your booking with Andaman Ocean Tours & Travels, please notify us in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following charges:

Cancellation Charges

A cancellation charge of INR 2500/- will be applicable.
Rescheduling Program: Free No Cost

If you wish to reschedule your program, there will be no additional charges.

Please note that bookings made for hotels and private cruises may have their own cancellation policies. In such cases, the cancellation charges will be as per the policies set by the respective establishments.

It is important to inform us about your cancellation or rescheduling request as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience. The cancellation charges will be deducted from the amount already paid, and the remaining balance will be refunded to you.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we will do our best to accommodate your requests and assist you accordingly. If you have any further questions or require clarification regarding the cancellation policy, please feel free to contact us.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Guests can make payment through local clearing cheques or use online banking options such as Gpay or PayU Payment Gateway. Please contact us for the bank account details to proceed with the payment.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE POLICY

The first day of the tour will commence at any time, depending on the arrival of your respective flight or cruise, whether it be in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Similarly, the last day of the tour will conclude at a time based on your departure arrangements. In this context, a ‘Day’ refers to a part of the day, a full 24 hours, or any portion thereof.

Please note that all hotels in Andaman have an early check-out time. Requests for late check-out are subject to availability and may require an additional payment. While we can make a request for early check-in or late check-out on your behalf, we cannot guarantee its availability. The possibility of early check-in or late check-out depends on the hotel’s policy, the time of year, and room availability. Additionally, please be aware that breakfast is not included on the day of arrival, and if you choose to have breakfast at the hotel, an extra charge will apply.

RIGHT TO RESERVE

Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels reserves the right to cancel the booking or registration of any tourist after accepting the payment but before the commencement of the tour, without providing any specific reason. In such cases, the Company will refund the payment received from the tourist for the tour, but no interest will be paid on the refunded amount.

The guest acknowledges and agrees to comply with the policies, rules, and regulations set forth by Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels. If a guest’s behavior poses a threat to the tour, its employees, or other guests, we reserve the right to refuse service or expel the guest from the tour. In such circumstances, the guest will be responsible for any associated costs, and no refund will be issued for any unused portions of the tour. We retain the right to refuse service to anyone at our discretion.

RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE BOOKING

Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels reserves the right to terminate the booking or registration of a tourist during the tour if the tourist fails to adhere to the decorum of the tour, engages in misconduct, or for any reason deemed necessary, without providing any specific explanation. In such an event, no refund or compensation will be provided to the tourist, and the tourist will be solely responsible for arranging and bearing the expenses associated with their return travel.

FERRY SCHEDULE POLICY

We would like to inform you that ferry timings are subject to change without prior notice. Please be aware that all ferry transfers are contingent upon factors such as weather conditions, sea conditions, sailing permits, and the schedules set by the Department of Shipping. These factors may influence the availability and timing of ferry services. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in accommodating any changes that may arise due to these circumstances.

TRANSFER POLICY: PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING TRANSFER POLICY

We do not guarantee the sailing of Government ferries or Private Ferry In the event that these services are unable to sail due to bad weather or technical issues, we cannot be held liable for the inconvenience caused.

To avail transfer services, we kindly request that you provide us with the names and ages of all passengers. This information is necessary to book the tickets for the PB – Havelock – PB route.

Passengers are responsible for carrying their own luggage during the journey. Our management and staff are not liable for any loss of belongings such as cash, valuable articles, or mobile devices.

Our liability is limited to the value of the ticket. In the event of any loss or additional payments required for extra services, Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels will not be held responsible.

Please be aware that the charges mentioned are for the base category. If the base category is not available, we will make efforts to secure a booking in the upper category. Any price difference for the upgraded category can be settled upon arrival.

Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels assists guests with transfers, and in case of ticket unavailability or cancellations, our liability is limited to the value of the ticket. We will make every effort to arrange alternative options and present them to the guest. Any additional payments for these alternatives are the responsibility of the guest.
Please take note of these policies and feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns.

MISCELLANEOUS

BAGGAGE POLICY

We would like to bring the following baggage policy to your attention:

Tourists are responsible for their own baggage throughout the duration of their trip. This includes keeping track of their baggage at the airport, during air travel, in coaches, and at immigration points. It is essential for tourists to personally verify and take responsibility for their belongings.

The handling of baggage, such as porterage or tipping for assistance in carrying luggage to hotel rooms, is the responsibility of the guests. These charges are to be paid directly to the service provider offering such assistance.
Any porters or helpers arranged by the tourists at airports, immigration points, or any other location are solely the responsibility of the tourists. Guests are expected to pay tips directly to these individuals for the services provided.
We kindly request that you carefully manage your baggage and ensure its safety throughout your journey. Should you have any queries or require further assistance regarding baggage-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact us.

VALUABLE ITEMS

We would like to provide the following advice regarding valuable items:

The Company strongly advises tourists to avoid carrying valuable items with them during the tour, if possible. It is recommended to minimize the number of valuable possessions taken on the trip.

If tourists do carry valuable items, it is recommended to keep them on their person when leaving the hotel premises for any reason. It is advised not to store valuables, money, important travel documents, etc., in suitcases. Instead, it is preferable to utilize safe deposit lockers provided by the hotel or other secure storage options.

Please note that in the event of any loss of valuable items experienced by the tourist, the Company cannot be held liable or responsible for the loss. It is the responsibility of the tourist to take necessary precautions to safeguard their valuable belongings.

We encourage tourists to exercise caution and use the available safety measures to protect their valuables during the tour. Should you have any further inquiries or require additional guidance regarding the handling of valuable items, please do not hesitate to contact us.

SHOPPING POLICY

We would like to inform you of our shopping policy:

Shopping is considered an important activity during any tour. However, Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels does not endorse or promote any specific shop or vendor for shopping purposes.

We trust that our guests are capable of making their own informed decisions regarding what to buy and where to buy. It is entirely at the discretion of the guest to choose their preferred shopping destinations.

Please be aware that Andaman Ocean Tours and Travels cannot be held responsible or liable for any instances of cheating or misleading behavior on the part of shop owners or vendors. It is the guest’s responsibility to exercise caution and make prudent purchasing decisions.

We advise guests to exercise their own judgment while shopping and to be aware of the risks involved. Should you require any recommendations or guidance regarding shopping options in the area, we would be happy to provide general information.

HEALTH POLICY

The health and well-being of our guests are of utmost importance to us. Therefore, we have implemented the following health policy:

Any person who has a contagious disease is strictly prohibited from participating in the tour. This measure is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all tour participants.

If any individual is found to have a contagious disease during the tour, they will be asked to leave the tour immediately. It will be their responsibility to make their own arrangements for returning home, considering their health condition.

We kindly request all participants to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from joining the tour if they have a contagious disease. This policy is in place to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all guests.

WATER SPORTS

Please take note of the following information regarding water sports activities:

Activities such as Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing, Boating, etc., may incur additional charges. These charges are not included in the standard tour package and will need to be paid separately. Kindly check with us for the specific details and pricing of these activities.

Museum Closure and Public Holidays:

Please be aware that most museums, Ross Island, Baratang, and Redskin/Jolly Buoy may be closed on a specific day of the week and certain public holidays. It is the responsibility of the clients to check and consult the schedule to ensure they are able to visit all the desired places.

We recommend checking the availability and operational hours of the attractions and activities beforehand to avoid any disappointment during the tour. Our team will be happy to assist you in providing information about the schedule and availability of these sites.

ADDITIONAL FACILITIES

We would like to inform you about the payment arrangements for certain additional facilities:
Additional facilities such as laundry services, telephone usage, mini bar, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, food, optional excursions, excess baggage fees, shopping, and any other personal expenses are the responsibility of the tourist.

These additional facilities are not included in the tour package and will need to be paid for by the tourist directly. The payment should be settled before leaving the respective hotel, ship/cruise, or restaurant, as applicable.

Please note that the expenses for these additional facilities are separate from the tour package and are to be borne by the tourist individually. It is important to settle these payments in a timely manner to avoid any inconvenience.

PAID TOILETS

We would like to inform you about the availability of paid toilets at certain places/destinations:

In some locations or countries, there may be paid toilets available for public use. These paid toilets are not included in the tour package, and the cost associated with using them is the responsibility of the tourist.

It is important for tourists to be aware of such arrangements and make necessary provisions for using paid toilets during their tour. The expenses incurred for using these facilities should be handled by the tourist individually.
We recommend that tourists carry some local currency or small change to conveniently access paid toilets, if required, during their trip. Our team can provide you with information on specific locations where paid toilets are available, if needed.

INSURANCE POLICY

We would like to inform you about our insurance policy:

We do not provide any insurance coverage for accidents, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. It is the responsibility of the visitors to arrange for suitable insurance coverage in their home country before embarking on the tour.

We strongly advise all visitors to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers their medical expenses, personal belongings, and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the tour.

Please note that all baggage and personal property are at the client’s own risk throughout the duration of the tour. We recommend taking necessary precautions to safeguard personal belongings and valuables.

It is essential for visitors to make appropriate insurance arrangements to protect themselves against any unforeseen events. Should you have any further questions or require assistance in obtaining travel insurance, please feel free to contact us.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

To ensure a smooth travel experience to India from overseas countries (excluding citizens of Nepal & Bhutan), please take note of the following passport and visa requirements:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into India.
• Visa: A valid visa is required to enter India. The processing of passports and visas is not included in the tour cost. It is the responsibility of the individual traveler to obtain the necessary visa before the tour.
• Entry to Restricted Areas: It is important to check your visa for any separate stamp stating ‘Entry to Restricted Areas Not Permitted’. If such a stamp exists, please contact the Indian mission to have it amended.
• Visa Restrictions: Please note that there may be a pre-printed line on the visa stating ‘Not valid for prohibited, restricted and cantonment areas’. This line can be disregarded.
• Compliance with Government Rules: It is crucial to comply with the government’s rules and regulations regarding passport and visa requirements. We cannot accept liability if a guest is denied entry or has to return from the airport due to non-compliance. Our normal cancellation policy will apply in such cases.

Please ensure that you fulfill all passport and visa requirements well in advance of your travel dates to avoid any inconvenience or disruption to your trip. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding passports and visas, feel free to contact us.

GOVERNMENT RULES FOR NRI (NON-RESIDENT INDIAN) TOURISTS

We would like to bring to your attention the following important information regarding government rules for NRI tourists:

• Compliance with Laws: All tourists, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and foreigners, are required to abide by the laws, rules, and regulations of the Government of India and/or the country they are visiting during the tour.
• Legal Obligations: It is the responsibility of NRI tourists to familiarize themselves with the applicable laws and regulations of India and the respective country they are visiting. This includes adhering to immigration laws, customs regulations, local laws, and any other legal requirements.
• Cultural Sensitivity: NRI tourists are encouraged to respect the cultural norms and traditions of the places they visit. It is important to be mindful of local customs, dress codes, and social etiquette to ensure a positive and respectful experience.
• Documentation: NRIs should carry all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport, visa, and any additional permits or identification required by the authorities.
• Security and Safety: NRI tourists should take necessary precautions to ensure their personal security and safety during the tour. It is advisable to stay updated on travel advisories, follow local security guidelines, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

We kindly request all NRI tourists to comply with these government rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour experience. Should you have any specific concerns or require further information, please feel free to contact us.

PRIVACY OF INFORMATION

We value and prioritize the privacy of our guests’ information. Please be aware of the following policies regarding the disclosure and handling of your personal data:

• Confidentiality: Any information provided by the tourist to our tour escort, leader, manager, assistant, or the Company will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, unless required to be disclosed by law or court order, or as part of a government or statutory authority investigation.
• Data Protection: We have implemented appropriate measures to safeguard the privacy and security of your personal data. We comply with applicable data protection laws and regulations to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your information.
• Non-Disclosure to Guests: We do not disclose any data, including itinerary details or tour-specific information, to guests unless it is necessary for the smooth operation of the tour or required by legal obligations.
• Legal Compliance: In certain circumstances, we may be required by law or court order to disclose personal information. We will comply with such legal obligations and ensure that any disclosure is made within the limits prescribed by the law.
• Data Security: We employ industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, please note that no data transmission over the internet or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

We are committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of your information to the extent permitted by law. If you have any concerns or questions about our privacy practices or the handling of your personal data, please contact us.

Restriction on Non-Tourist Guests:

Please note that our tours are specifically designed for tourists, and the services provided are intended solely for their use. We kindly request all tourists to refrain from inviting or including non-tourist guests on the tour or allowing them to utilize any of the services provided.

This restriction is in place to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of our tours and to maintain the quality of our services for our valued tourists. It also helps us adhere to safety regulations and avoid any potential disruptions or conflicts.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this policy. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us.

LIABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS

Please carefully read and understand the following liabilities and limitations:

Weather Conditions: The Andaman Islands are subject to weather fluctuations and natural conditions that may impact certain activities. Activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports are weather-dependent and may be affected or canceled in case of unfavorable conditions.

• Seasonal Availability: Some water sports activities may be seasonal and available only during specific times of the year. It is important to check the availability and suitability of activities based on the season of your visit.
• Physical Limitations: Certain water sports activities may have physical requirements or restrictions. It is crucial to consider your physical fitness level and any health conditions that may affect your participation in specific activities.
• Safety Considerations: While we prioritize safety and work with experienced guides, there is always a minimal level of risk associated with water sports activities. It is important to follow instructions, use appropriate safety gear, and inform our team about any concerns or limitations you may have.
• Equipment Availability: Although we strive to provide high-quality equipment for all activities, there may be instances where specific equipment or sizes may not be available due to demand or unforeseen circumstances.
• Group Size and Availability: Depending on the activity and the number of participants, there may be limitations on the group size or availability of slots. It is advisable to book in advance to secure your preferred time slots and accommodate larger groups.
• Natural Calamities: The Andaman Islands can be prone to natural disasters such as cyclones, heavy rains, or tsunamis. These events may disrupt travel plans, cause cancellations or delays in activities, and affect overall accessibility to certain areas.
• Room Availability: During peak seasons or popular travel periods, there may be limited availability of accommodations. It is advisable to book your desired accommodation well in advance to secure your preferred choices.
• Political Issues: Unforeseen political events or disturbances in the region can impact travel plans. These may result in changes to itineraries, closures of certain tourist sites, or travel restrictions. It is important to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and consult with our team for any necessary adjustments.
• Last-minute Ferry Tickets: Due to high demand and limited seating capacity, last-minute ferry ticket bookings can be challenging. It is recommended to book your ferry tickets well in advance to secure your desired schedule and avoid any inconvenience.
• Standards of living: Living conditions, utilities, services, food, and accommodation may vary in different countries, regions, or destinations. Andaman Ocean tours and travels cannot be held responsible for any illness or inconvenience resulting from the services provided or omitted.
• Price modifications: After finalizing the tour/service cost, any hikes in entrance fees, taxes, fuel costs, or guide charges by the Government of India will be charged as additional expenses.
• Acting as agents: Andaman ocean tours and travels act as agents for hotels, transporters, and other service providers. All services and bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of these providers.
• Rate changes: Hotel, car rental, and ferry ticket rates are subject to change without notice. If such changes occur, the rates quoted before the modification may be adjusted accordingly by Andaman Ocean tours and travels.
• Delays and alterations: We shall not be responsible for any delays, alterations, or expenses incurred due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, accidents, machinery or equipment breakdown, transport issues, weather conditions, sickness, landslides, political closures, or other untoward incidents.
• Flight/ship delays: We shall not be responsible for flight or ship delays, rescheduling, cancellation of inter-connections, or issues related to meals not being served, among other reasons.
• Overstay expenses: We shall not be responsible for any overstay expenses due to delays or changes in air or ship schedules, special bogie cancellations, or any other reason beyond our control, including Force Majeure events.
• Missed sightseeing and curtailed programs: We shall not be responsible for any missed sightseeing or curtailed programs due to Force Majeure events, unavoidable circumstances, or reasons beyond the company’s control, such as political situations, natural calamities, monument renovations, VIP movements, heavy rush at sightseeing places, road traffic congestion, etc.
• Loss of baggage: We shall not be responsible for any loss of baggage or damage caused to the tourist’s belongings by independent contractors, hotel staff, bus/coach operators, or during the tour. This includes damage or loss due to Force Majeure events, negligence, technical faults, or any other reason related to changes, amendments, or cancellations by ship or airline authorities.
• Death of tourist: We shall not be responsible for any death occurring while on tour. All applicable rules and procedures of law must be followed strictly, and the procedures pertaining to the death should be handled by the tourist or their relatives at their own cost and consequences.
• Injury, loss, or damage: We shall not be responsible for any injury, loss, personal harm, death, or damage caused to any person or property by the acts or defaults of the management, employees, or agents of any independent contractor.
• Cancellation or alteration of services: We shall not be responsible for any damages, additional expenses, or consequential losses suffered by tourists due to the cancellation, amendment, or alteration of any services mentioned in the itinerary or brochure by the company after the booking is made.
• Acts of God and other causes: We shall not be responsible for any loss, injury, damage, or otherwise, resulting from acts of God, dangers, fire, accidents, machinery or equipment breakdowns, transport issues, wars, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferages, epidemics, medical or custom department regulations, defaults, or any other causes beyond our control.

Please note that these liabilities and limitations are in place to ensure transparency and to manage unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you carefully review and understand these terms before booking your tour with us.

COMPLAINTS OR GRIEVANCES

If a tourist has any claims, grievances, or complaints regarding the services provided by any independent contractors, it is important to follow the procedure outlined below:

Immediately notify the independent contractor in writing about the claim, grievance, or complaint.
Hand over a copy of the written notification to the tour escort, leader, manager, assistant, and/or the Company.
Ensure that the notification is submitted within 7 days of the incident or occurrence to allow the Company to address the matter with the concerned party.

By following this procedure, the Company will be able to take appropriate action and work towards resolving the issue. It is important to communicate your concerns in writing and provide the necessary details to facilitate a prompt and effective response.

JURISDICTION

In case of any disputes or claims related to the tour, the jurisdiction for resolving such matters shall be the Court of competent jurisdiction at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India. This means that any legal proceedings or litigation arising from the tour will be handled in the specified court.

It is also important to note that if any provision of these terms and conditions is deemed invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, it will not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions. Each provision is considered separate and independent, and the invalidity of one provision will not impact the others.

Please consult with a legal professional or seek advice from appropriate authorities for any specific concerns or questions regarding jurisdiction and legal matters.