Payment Terms

A. BOOKING

A1. You may book excursions and activities directly through our website/platform.
A2. Please note that bookings for activities within 48 hours of departure are not available.
A3. For last-minute requests, the most efficient way to reach us is via phone or WhatsApp.
A4. Certain activities depend on the availability of local partners and our guides. Confirmation of your booking will be subject to their availability.

B. PAYMENT TERMS

B1. BOOKINGS MADE THROUGH THE WEBSITE

B1.1. During checkout, you may select either partial payment or full payment.
B1.2. Once the deposit is paid and received, we will confirm the selected activities and book the related services with our guides and local partners.
B1.3. The remaining balance shall be paid in cash at the start of the activity (or the first activity in case multiple activities are booked).
B1.4. Alternatively, the remaining balance may be paid via PayPal or credit card at least 5 days prior to the activity to ensure smooth operation. Please note, these payment methods incur a 5% transaction processing fee.
B1.5. Bank transfers incur no extra charge on our side, however, all transfer fees are the responsibility of the buyer. We maintain an account in Europe, as direct money transfers to São Tomé are complex.

B2. DIRECT BOOKINGS

(VIA ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION OR IN PERSON)

B2.1. A minimum 35% reservation payment is required to confirm the booking.
B2.2. All other conditions remain consistent with the bookings made through the website.

B3. TRAVEL PACKAGE PAYMENTS

B3.1. Travel packages must generally be paid in full before the trip commences.
B3.2. A partial payment is requested at the time of booking, and the balance may be paid either via online payment (10 to 7 days prior to arrival) or in cash upon arrival.

B4. Service Confirmation and Payment Policy

B4.1 Payment Requirement for Booking Confirmation

The confirmation of services with our partners (including hotels, vehicles, activities with external providers, independent guides, restaurants, etc.) is only valid upon receipt of the required booking deposit or full payment (if chosen).

Until payment is completed, we do not guarantee the availability of the requested services and will not be held liable for any unavailability due to delayed payment or confirmation by the traveler.

B4.2 Definition of Late Payment

A payment is considered delayed or late if:

  • It is made more than 5 daysafter both parties have agreed on the price and payment methods have been provided (bank details, PayPal account, or credit card payment link sent).
  • For last-minute bookings(less than 7 days before the activity), payment must be made immediately to secure availability.

By proceeding with a booking, the traveler acknowledges and accepts these terms.

B5. Refund Policy for Unavailable Services

If a service becomes unavailable due to late payment or confirmation by the traveler, a refund will be issued for the amount paid, minus a €25 administrative fee for processing costs.

C. CANCELLATION POLICY

C1. Last-minute changes to activities may result in penalty fees.
C2. In the event of bad weather, we offer the following options:

  • C2.1. Alternative activities,
  • C2.2. Postponement of the activity (if your schedule permits), or
  • C2.3. A refund.

C3. Except in cases of force majeure, all cancellations or modifications must be motivated and justified.
C4. We work closely with our local partners to ensure smooth operations. Therefore, even if we cancel or postpone an activity, we may still incur fees committed to local partners.

D. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

D1. Up to 30 days before the activity: 90% refund of the amount received, minus any transfer fees. For hotel bookings made in advance, refunds will be subject to the hotel’s cancellation policy, as we act solely as intermediaries.
D2. Up to 14 days before the activity: 75% refund. The same hotel refund conditions apply.
D3. Up to 7 days before the activity: 60% refund. The same hotel refund conditions apply.
D4. Up to 48 hours before the activity: 50% refund. The same hotel refund conditions apply.
D5. Less than 48 hours before the activity: No refund.

E. LAST MINUTE MODIFICATIONS

E1. Excursions are private, and it is possible to modify the route at the last minute. However, penalty fees may apply if activities with local partners (e.g., hiking, boat tours, surfing, snorkeling, meals, etc.) have already been booked.
E2. Changing from one type of activity (e.g., boat tour, hike) to another may incur penalty fees of up to 50% of the total cost. For example, if you book a Dolphin Boat Tour but request to switch to a car excursion at the last minute, penalty fees will apply.

F. NOTICE TO CRUISESHIP TRAVELERS

F1. We strongly recommend booking activities well in advance.
F2. Most English-speaking guides are pre-booked by local travel agencies for bus excursions. Therefore, there may be a shortage of English-speaking guides.
F3. If an English-speaking guide is unavailable, we will offer French or Portuguese-speaking guides, with the assistance of a translation app if necessary.
F4. We require a 30% reservation deposit for cruise ship travelers’ activities. We do not accept full payment upon arrival. This policy ensures that we are able to cover costs for our guides and other partners (e.g., car providers and restaurants) in the event of last-minute cancellations. In case of a last-minute cancellation due to weather conditions (no tender operations), the deposit is non-refundable. If full payment has been made in advance, we can refund 30% of the total amount.
F5. We provide family-friendly services and maintain respect for all guests. We do not tolerate arrogant or disrespectful behavior. Travelers displaying such behavior will be advised to seek services from other agencies.
F6. Charity Activities: We proudly sponsor a local Youth Association. Feel free to join us in our mission and contribute through a donation.

G. EXCHANGE RATES

G1. Our base prices are quoted in Euros, with an exchange rate of 25 STN for 1 Euro. Therefore, payments in any other currency will be converted according to the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date, as determined by banks or local money changers and paid in dobras (STN)
G2. For more information regarding currency exchange, withdrawals, and the currencies in use, please refer to our dedicated article “About Money”..