Terms of service

1. Overview These Terms of Service govern the participation in all-inclusive expeditions to swim with whales in Moorea, French Polynesia. These expeditions are organized and operated by Her Trips (hereafter referred to as "the Company"). By booking and participating in these expeditions, you agree to the following terms and conditions.

2. Expedition Details Each expedition is a one-week experience, designed to offer participants an opportunity to swim with whales in their natural habitat, under the guidance of experienced professionals. The Company, led by a professional photographer and filmmaker, also provides photography services throughout the trip to document your experience. Please note these services do not guarantee photos of each participant with animals. Photographs of the whales and nature are the top priority.

3. Booking and Payment

  • A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot on the expedition.

  • Full payment must be made 61 days prior to the departure date.

  • Payments are non-refundable except in cases outlined under the Cancellation Policy.

4. Inclusions

  • Accommodation for the entire duration of the expedition.

  • 3 meals (specific dietary requirements must be communicated in advance).

  • Daily guided whale swimming tours.

  • Professional photography services, including a collection of edited photos provided post-expedition.

  • Transfers between the ferry and the accommodation in Moorea within trip dates.

5. Exclusions

  • Airfare to and from Moorea, French Polynesia.

  • Personal expenses, including but not limited to souvenirs, personal gear, and travel insurance.

  • Any activities or excursions not included in the official itinerary.

  • Transfer between airport and ferry.

  • Snack and Alcohol

6. Cancellation Policy

  • If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due at the time (prior to departure) we receive written notice of your cancellation and the cancellation form filled out and received.

    • 61 days or more - $500

    • 60 days or less - 100% of trip cost

    • Deposit is non-refundable

    If another trip in the same calendar year fits your schedule and you would like to move your deposit to another trip, we may be able to accommodate you if available.

    HER TRIPS, reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip for any other circumstances beyond our control and, in the event of such cancellation, full or partial refunds, if any, will be at our sole discretion. We also reserve the right to cancel any trip if sign-up is inadequate to make the trip economically feasible for us to operate, and in this event, we give a full refund of the trip price. However, Her Trips is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip (e.g., non-refundable air tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear or medical expenses).

    Refunds: HER TRIPS does not give refunds for unused hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips, or trek arrangements. Trip price is quoted as a package; credits are not given for services not used.

7. Health and Safety

  • Participants must ensure they are in good health and capable of participating in swimming and snorkeling activities.

  • It is the participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary vaccinations or medical clearances prior to the expedition.

  • The Company is not liable for any injuries or accidents that occur during the expedition. Participants are required to sign a waiver of liability prior to the start of the trip.

8. Photography and Media Rights

  • The Company retains the rights to use any photos and videos taken during the expedition for promotional and marketing purposes.

  • Participants will receive a selection of edited images as part of the expedition package. Additional images or requests for specific shots may incur extra charges.

9. Code of Conduct

  • Participants are expected to adhere to all safety guidelines provided by the guides.

  • Respect for the natural environment and wildlife is paramount. Any behavior that endangers the whales or other participants will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the expedition without a refund.

  • The Company reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who is deemed unfit for the expedition or who violates these terms.

  • HER TRIPS reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a trip participant, should such person's behavior, health, or mental condition impede the operation of the trip, make trip leaders or members of the group feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or otherwise be incompatible with the trip.

10. Your Trip Responsibilities

By participating in a trip or workshop with HER TRIPS, you carry certain responsibilities as a trip and team member. It is your responsibility to:

  • Understand the activities and their level of challenge depending on your trip, and select your trip based on your own physical abilities.

  • Prepare for the trip by familiarizing yourself with trip information and/or prompts that may be sent by Charyse or local guides, and by doing your own independent research.

  • Bring appropriate gear and clothing as advised by Her Trips and/or local guides

  • Obtain all necessary visas. Charyse Reinfelder and Her Trips are not able to offer official advice or counsel on how to apply for a visa, should it be necessary.

  • Follow considerate standards of personal hygiene

  • Follow considerate social behavior with other trip participants, especially as this relates to any personal development or intention-setting work

  • Respect the vulnerability and honesty of other trip participants

  • Act in an appropriate and courteous manner and be respectful of the places we visit, including cultural concerns and wildlife

  • Be punctual for activities and group sessions

  • Follow instructions of Charyse and/or trip leaders and local guides

11. Governing Law These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of California, and any disputes arising out of or relating to these terms will be resolved in accordance with these laws.

12. Contact Information For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms of Service, please contact Studio Charyse and Her Trips at admin@studiocharyse.com.

LEGAL LIMITATIONS

Charyse Schark and HER TRIPS work with independent contractors, companies, and non-profits to provide guide services, transportation, activities, entertainment, and/or other services. We assume no responsibility, however, caused, for injury, dismemberment or death, loss or damage to personal property in connection with any service provided by an independent contractor or resulting from the following: - acts of God - detention - annoyance - terrorism - thefts - pilferage - force majeure - civil disturbances - government restrictions or regulations - strikes - delays and expenses arising from quarantine - failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled - discrepancies or change in transit or hotel services over which we have no control. We reserve the right to make reasonable changes in the itinerary where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of trip members