Welcome to Hoonah Matata Whale Watching! These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of our website, www.hoonahmatatawhalewatching.com (“Website”), and your participation in our whale watching tours (“Tours”). By accessing our Website or booking a Tour, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our Website or services.

1. About Our Services

• Hoonah Matata Whale Watching offers 3-hour whale watching tours departing from the marina in Hoonah, Alaska. We pick up customers from the cruise ship dock at Icy Strait Point, take you out on our boat to explore the waters of Southeast Alaska, and return you to the same cruise dock at the end of the Tour. Our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable experience showcasing Hoonah’s wildlife, with a guarantee to see whales or your money back.

2. Booking and Payment

• Reservations: Tours must be booked through our Website or authorized agents. Availability is subject to weather, capacity, and operational constraints.
• Payment: Full payment is required at booking unless otherwise stated. We accept major credit cards and other methods listed on the Website. Prices are in U.S. dollars and include applicable taxes unless noted.
• Confirmation: You’ll receive a booking confirmation via email. Bring this (digital or printed) to the pickup point.

3. Tour Details

• Duration: Tours last approximately 3 hours, including travel to and from the marina.
• Pickup/Drop-off: We meet you at the Icy Strait Point cruise dock at the scheduled time and return you there afterward. Be punctual—late arrivals may forfeit their spot without refund.
• What’s Included: The Tour includes boat transportation, guided narration, and safety equipment (e.g., life jackets). Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included unless specified.
• Whale Sighting Guarantee: We guarantee you’ll see at least one whale during your Tour. If no whales are sighted, we’ll refund your full payment, subject to Section 4.

4. Cancellation and Refund Policy

• By You:
  • Cancel 24+ hours before departure: Full refund.
  • Cancel within 24 hours or no-show: No refund.
• By Us: We may cancel or modify Tours due to weather, safety, mechanical issues, or insufficient bookings (minimum 4 passengers). If we cancel, you’ll receive a full refund or rescheduling option, at our discretion. We’re not liable for additional costs (e.g., missed cruises).
• Whale Sighting Guarantee: If no whales are sighted during your Tour, notify us within 24 hours of the Tour’s end via email ([email protected]) or phone ((858) 324-5807). We’ll process a full refund within 7 business days. This applies only to whale sightings, not other wildlife or Tour aspects.
• Process: Email cancellations or refund requests to [email protected] or use the Website’s booking portal.

5. Safety and Conduct

• Safety First: Follow all crew instructions, including wearing life jackets when directed. Tours involve inherent risks (e.g., rough seas, wildlife). You participate at your own risk.
• Conduct: Be respectful to staff and passengers. No smoking, drugs, or excessive alcohol. We may refuse service or remove disruptive individuals without refund.
• Health: Tours involve boat motion. If you have medical conditions (e.g., pregnancy, back issues), consult a doctor first. Notify us of special needs at booking.

6. Liability and Risk

• Assumption of Risk: Whale watching involves natural and maritime risks (e.g., weather, boat motion, injury). By joining, you accept these risks and release Hoonah Matata Whale Watching, its owners, and staff from liability for injury, loss, or damage unless caused by our gross negligence.
• Property: We’re not responsible for lost or damaged personal items (e.g., cameras, phones). Secure your belongings.
• Insurance: We carry required maritime insurance, but we recommend personal travel insurance for additional coverage.

7. Website Use

• Content: All text, images, and materials on www.hoonahmatatawhalewatching.com are our property or used with permission. You may not copy or distribute them without consent.
• Accuracy: We strive for accurate Website info (e.g., pricing, schedules), but errors may occur. We’re not liable for reliance on outdated or incorrect data.
• Links: Third-party links are for convenience; we’re not responsible for their content.

8. Privacy

• We collect personal info (e.g., name, email, payment details) to process bookings and improve services. We won’t sell your data. See our [Privacy Policy](insert link) for details.

9. Changes to Tours or Terms

• We may alter Tour schedules, routes, or these Terms at any time. Website updates reflect the latest Terms, effective upon posting. Check before booking.

10. Governing Law

• These Terms are governed by Alaska law. Disputes will be resolved in Hoonah, Alaska courts, unless federal maritime law applies.

11. Contact Us

• Questions? Reach us at:
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: (858) 324-5807
  • Address: Hoonah Matata Whale Watching, 228 Hemlock, Hoonah, AK 99829

Thank you for choosing Hoonah Matata Whale Watching. We can’t wait to share Alaska’s whales with you!

Hoonah Matata Whale Watching