TERMS AND CONDITIONS

We are excited to show you our home and give you the experience of a lifetime. The following Terms and Conditions outline the rules and regulations governing the use of our services. By booking a tour with us or making a deposit, you accept and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.

Please read them carefully before making a reservation.

1. Booking and Payment

  • A deposit is required to secure a spot on the tour and to book the round-trip flight ticket from Jeddah to Socotra.
  • Accepted methods of payment for the deposit include:
    • All major credit cards via Stripe payment link (USD)
    • Bank transfer (USD or AED)
  • The remaining tour balance is due either:
    • One (1) week before the tour via bank transfer, or
    • In USD/AED cash upon arrival on the island.
  • USD bills must be issued in 2011 or later and be in excellent condition (no pen/pencil marks, tears, stamps, or damage).

2. Changes

  • If you wish to change your tour dates and we have not yet booked your flight, you may do so at no additional cost, provided your requested dates are available.
  • If you wish to change your tour dates more than thirty (30) days prior to your flight, you may do so for a fee of $100 per ticket, plus any difference in airfare, provided your new requested dates are available with both us and the airline.
  • Changes are not permitted within thirty (30) days of the scheduled flight date.

3. Cancellations and Refunds

Before Flight Booking

  • If you cancel before the flight has been booked, your deposit is 100% refundable, minus any fees associated with the payment and refund methods.

After Flight Booking (More Than 30 Days Before Departure)

  • If you cancel after the flight has been booked but more than thirty (30) days before departure, 50% of the deposit will be refunded, minus any payment and refund processing fees.

After Flight Booking (Within 30 Days of Departure)

  • If you cancel within thirty (30) days of the flight date:
    • No refund of the deposit will be issued.
    • Any expenses incurred for the tour (including visa fees, food purchases, etc.) will be charged.
    • Any tour balance already paid will be refunded, less incurred expenses and transfer fees.

Flight Cancellation by Airline

  • In the unlikely event that the flight to Socotra is cancelled:
    • If the airline issues a refund, you will be reimbursed the amount received from the airline, minus fees associated with the initial payment and refund.
    • Any tour balance already paid will be refunded, less applicable transfer fees.

4. Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the Tour

  • Round-trip flights from Jeddah
  • Socotra visit visa
  • Complete guided tour
  • 4×4 vehicle and experienced driver
  • English-speaking guide
  • All meals and beverages
  • Camping equipment, including:
    • Tent
    • Mattress
    • Mattress cover
    • Pillow
    • Pillow cover
    • Blanket
  • Insulated stainless-steel water bottle
  • Tour t-shirt
  • All location and entry fees

Not Included

  • Travel to Jeddah from your current location
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional extras, including:
    • Snorkel rental
    • Scuba diving
    • Gyrocopter tour
  • Personal expenses

5. Travel Documents and Insurance

  • It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess:
    • A valid passport with at least six (6) months of remaining validity
    • Any other required travel documents
  • Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover unforeseen events, emergencies, cancellations, or medical expenses.

6. Health and Safety

  • You must notify us at the time of booking of any:
    • Medical conditions
    • Allergies
    • Dietary restrictions
    • Special accommodation requirements
  • We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your needs.
  • If medical attention is required while on the island, all costs associated with treatment and care are your responsibility.

7. Liability

We strive to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for all guests. However, Socotra Specialty Tours shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, delay, inconvenience, or additional expenses caused by:

  • Third parties
  • Acts of nature
  • Weather conditions
  • Government actions
  • Transportation disruptions
  • Any circumstances beyond our reasonable control

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen situations.

8. Privacy

During the tour, photographs and videos may be taken to document the experience.

Unless otherwise communicated in writing before the tour begins, Socotra Specialty Tours reserves the right to use such photographs and videos for:

  • Website content
  • Social media platforms
  • Marketing materials
  • Customer reviews and promotional purposes

9. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws applicable in Socotra.

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Socotra, Yemen.

By booking a tour or making a deposit, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.