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Terms & Conditions
1. Your contract
By booking a trip with Geographic Marine Expeditions (GMX) you are deemed to have agreed to these Terms & Conditions (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and GMX). Your booking will be accepted by GMX on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation invoice.
2. Deposit requirement
You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit, per person, per trip, for your booking to be confirmed. Deposit value varies and is specified on your booking invoice. If your booking is made after the due date for additional payment installments, then the deposit and all overdue installments are required to confirm your booking.
3. Acceptance of booking and payment installments
If GMX accepts your booking, GMX will issue a booking confirmation invoice. Once the booking confirmation invoice has been sent and your deposit has been received, a contract will then exist between GMX from the date of the booking confirmation invoice. Following the initial non-refundable deposit, the remaining balance of the trip price is due 30 days before the departure date, is non-refundable and non-transferable to other GMX offerings. If any of these payments are not paid on or before their due date, GMX reserves the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
4. Cancellation by the traveler
If you cancel some or all portions of your booking, cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a tour:
5. Tour minimum numbers
All our tours are subject to minimum numbers. GMX may, at its sole discretion, cancel any tour due to minimum numbers not being reached. See section 6 below for our trip cancellation policy.
6. Cancellation by GMX
GMX may, at its sole discretion, cancel any tour prior to departure. If GMX cancels your tour, you can transfer amounts paid to any available alternate departure date, or to another available GMX tour, or alternatively receive a full refund. In circumstances where the tour cancellation is due to external events outside the reasonable control of GMX (including but not limited to flood, fire, act of God, natural disasters, disease, war or threat of war, physical unrest, political instability, riots, civil disturbances, threatened or actual terrorist activities, strikes, port or airport closures, or technical problems with, or unavailability of, necessary transport or services), then refunds or transferable value will be less any unrecoverable costs. GMX is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including, but not limited to, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.
7. Inclusions
Items and services included in the price of your tour vary, and are detailed in the tour itinerary. However, typically:
• All accommodations upon checking in to the tour (listed as provided in the tour itinerary)
• All ground and air transportation associated with the tour (listed as provided in the tour itinerary)
• All park access, and other sightseeing fees (listed as provided in the tour itinerary)
• The reasonable services of a GMX guide
• All food (listed as provided in the tour itinerary
8. Exclusions
Items and services not included in the price of your tour vary and are detailed in the tour itinerary. However, typically:
• International or domestic flights to/from your home to the tour start/finish, unless otherwise specified
• Excess baggage charges
• Meals other than those specified in the Trip Notes
• Visa and passport fees
• Travel insurance
• Alcohol (unless specified)
• Optional extra activities and all personal expenses
9. Tips and gratuities
You are welcome and encouraged to provide a tip (gratuity) to anyone you feel is especially deserving – perhaps to a crew members who has gone above and beyond to help you. Where appropriate, GMX will tip our local service providers on your behalf, so please do not feel pressured to pay tips or gratuities yourself.
10. Your details
In order for GMX to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details with or before the final payment is due (30 days before the departure date). Necessary details include full name as listed on your passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any preexisting medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. Your booking cannot be confirmed without provision of these details.
11. Age and fitness requirements
GMX tours have no minimum age requirement. However, all travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or, in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee must book and pay in full for a place on the tour for themselves, and will be responsible for the underage traveler's day to day care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document to delegate their authority. Please note that GMX cannot guarantee triple or joining rooms for families; accompanying adults may be required to share with others in the group on a twin share basis.
GMX tours have no upper age limit, though you are reminded that some GMX tours can be physically demanding – refer to each tour's itinerary and ‘physical activity’ level to determine your suitability. GMX reserves the right to decline bookings at its sole discretion if it feels you may be unsuited to the level of activity required. GMX is unable to provide specific mandatory health requirements, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice, requirements, and recommendations for your destination at least two months prior to travel. Where you do not do so and either are not allowed to enter any country, or suffer personal injury or death as a result, GMX has no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer, nor will GMX refund the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
12. Accommodation arrangements
Accommodation arrangements vary for each location and each tour. However, unless otherwise stated, all GMX tour accommodation is twin-share. So, if you’re booking on your own, expect to share a room with someone else. For solo travelers, GMX will charge a 25% surcharge upon booking, which is refundable if GMX is able to pair you with a paying solo traveler of the same gender. If a suitable roommate is identified and a solo traveler declines the arrangement, he/she will be given the option book out an entire stateroom to themselves for a 100% surcharge (essentially booking two spots).
13. Passport and visas
For international GMX tours, you must carry a valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits, and certificates for travel in the U.S. GMX is not responsible if you are refused entry to the U.S. because you lack the correct passport, visa, or other travel documentation.
14. Itinerary changes
While GMX endeavors to operate all tours as described, GMX reserves the right to change the itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of GMXs control (i.e., weather). In emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you, if requested. There will be no refunds offered due to itinerary changes forced upon us by factors outside GMX's control, nor will GMX be responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result.
15. Authority on tour
Our tours are run by a GMX guide. The decision of the guide is final on all matters likely to affect the safety, well being, or experience of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a guide, or interfere with the well being or mobility of the group, the guide may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right to a refund. GMX may also elect not to carry you on any future tours. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange, and drug regulations of the U.S. and Alaska.
16. Photographic and video consent and release
You consent and agree that GMX has the right to take or use photographs or record video of you (and/or your property) and to use these in any and all media, including online, for any purpose whatsoever. You further consent that your name and identity may be revealed therein or by descriptive text or commentary. You grant GMX a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such photos and videos in print and electronic form publicly or privately and to market and sell copies. You waive any rights, claims or interest you may have to control the use of your identity or likeness in the photographs and videos and agree that any uses described herein may be made without compensation or additional consideration to you.
17. Acceptance of risk
You acknowledge that GMX tours take you to places where the wildlife and geographical attributes present dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in our daily lives. GMX uses the best weather data available to determine whether and how itinerary should operate. However, it is also your own responsibility to acquaint yourself with all possible relevant travel information and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your decision to travel is made in consideration of this information, and you accept that you are aware of the personal risks associated with such travel.
The risks include, among other things: boat capsize and entrapment; tidal conditions, surf and currents; travel in remote areas; collision with objects or other watercraft; prolonged exposure to cold water, hypothermia, accidental drowning; illness in remote areas; exposure to sun, strong wind, cold, storms, large waves, eddies and whirlpools; aggressive and/or poisonous marine life; wrist, arm, shoulder, and/or back injuries; slips and falls while hiking; and rapidly changing adverse weather and water conditions.
You acknowledge there are also inherent risks in participating in boat trips, plane, helicopter, car travel, etc., and you participate in this tour at your own risk and shall be responsible for all loss and damage to yourself and/or your properties while attending this tour. Any equipment that belongs to GMX that you borrow and/or use (Borrowed Equipment) during the tour (with or without consent) will be at your own risk and you unconditionally acknowledge that GMX does not warrant the suitability and the purpose of the Borrowed Equipment.
18. Limitation of liability
You acknowledge that a portion of GMX tours are carried out on third party premises to which GMX does not have any control in relation to the safety, security, and layout of the premises. You also acknowledge that GMX utilizes a network of third party companies, agencies, and individuals to assist in the running of tours. GMX is not responsible for any acts and omissions of these third parties. You assume all risks, liabilities, and hazards connected with the participation in this tour howsoever and whatsoever caused, including physical injury, sickness, or even death.
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
• Any liability for any loss, death, injury or damage which you may suffer (directly or indirectly) in connection with or arising out of your participation in a tour, or any breach of the Booking Conditions, is excluded
• You release GMX and our officers, employees, agents, and representatives from any liability and expressly waive any claims you may have against GMX arising out of or in connection with your participation in a tour
• Any condition or warranty which would otherwise be implied by law into these Booking Conditions (Implied Warranty) is excluded.
To the extent an Implied Warranty cannot be excluded, our liability in respect of the Implied Warranty is limited to (in GMX's absolute discretion): (i) the provision of a similar trip to an equivalent value; or (ii) a refund of the total amount received by GMX from you in connection with your booking.
Any claim by you is excluded to the extent that it is for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profits or economic loss, however it arises, or for indirect, special, punitive or exemplary damages.
19. Consumption of alcohol
Alcohol may be available on some GMX tours. GMX will not be held responsible for your actions while under the influence.
20. Optional activities
Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the tour or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your tour leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render GMX liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider.
21. Claims & complaints
If you have a complaint about your tour please inform your guide at the time, so they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means, then any further complaint should be sent in writing to GMX within 30 days of the end of the tour.
22. Severability
In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.
23. Privacy policy
Any personal information that GMX collects about you may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour. GMX will otherwise treat your details in accordance with the GMX privacy policy available at: www.geographicmarineexpeditions.com/privacy.html.
24. Communication consent
You grant GMX the right to contact you following the tour to provide information and marketing materials, but only in accordance with the GMX privacy policy available at: https://www.geographicmarineexpeditions.com/privacy.html.
25. Applicable law
The laws of Alaska govern these Booking Conditions to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with a tour or these Booking Conditions must be initiated in the courts of Alaska.
26. Updating of terms and conditions
GMX reserves the right to update and/or alter these terms and conditions at anytime, and it is your responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest terms and conditions can always be found on the GMX website at: www.geographicmarineexpeditions.com/terms.html and will supersede any previous versions.
By booking a trip with Geographic Marine Expeditions (GMX) you are deemed to have agreed to these Terms & Conditions (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and GMX). Your booking will be accepted by GMX on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation invoice.
2. Deposit requirement
You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit, per person, per trip, for your booking to be confirmed. Deposit value varies and is specified on your booking invoice. If your booking is made after the due date for additional payment installments, then the deposit and all overdue installments are required to confirm your booking.
3. Acceptance of booking and payment installments
If GMX accepts your booking, GMX will issue a booking confirmation invoice. Once the booking confirmation invoice has been sent and your deposit has been received, a contract will then exist between GMX from the date of the booking confirmation invoice. Following the initial non-refundable deposit, the remaining balance of the trip price is due 30 days before the departure date, is non-refundable and non-transferable to other GMX offerings. If any of these payments are not paid on or before their due date, GMX reserves the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
4. Cancellation by the traveler
If you cancel some or all portions of your booking, cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a tour:
- 30 days or more prior to departure, GMX may retain your deposit only.
- Between 0 and 30 days prior to departure, GMX reserves the right to retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking.
- In the event GMX can replace your reservation with new traveler(s), GMX will retain no more than 10% of your total travel fee.
5. Tour minimum numbers
All our tours are subject to minimum numbers. GMX may, at its sole discretion, cancel any tour due to minimum numbers not being reached. See section 6 below for our trip cancellation policy.
6. Cancellation by GMX
GMX may, at its sole discretion, cancel any tour prior to departure. If GMX cancels your tour, you can transfer amounts paid to any available alternate departure date, or to another available GMX tour, or alternatively receive a full refund. In circumstances where the tour cancellation is due to external events outside the reasonable control of GMX (including but not limited to flood, fire, act of God, natural disasters, disease, war or threat of war, physical unrest, political instability, riots, civil disturbances, threatened or actual terrorist activities, strikes, port or airport closures, or technical problems with, or unavailability of, necessary transport or services), then refunds or transferable value will be less any unrecoverable costs. GMX is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including, but not limited to, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.
7. Inclusions
Items and services included in the price of your tour vary, and are detailed in the tour itinerary. However, typically:
• All accommodations upon checking in to the tour (listed as provided in the tour itinerary)
• All ground and air transportation associated with the tour (listed as provided in the tour itinerary)
• All park access, and other sightseeing fees (listed as provided in the tour itinerary)
• The reasonable services of a GMX guide
• All food (listed as provided in the tour itinerary
8. Exclusions
Items and services not included in the price of your tour vary and are detailed in the tour itinerary. However, typically:
• International or domestic flights to/from your home to the tour start/finish, unless otherwise specified
• Excess baggage charges
• Meals other than those specified in the Trip Notes
• Visa and passport fees
• Travel insurance
• Alcohol (unless specified)
• Optional extra activities and all personal expenses
9. Tips and gratuities
You are welcome and encouraged to provide a tip (gratuity) to anyone you feel is especially deserving – perhaps to a crew members who has gone above and beyond to help you. Where appropriate, GMX will tip our local service providers on your behalf, so please do not feel pressured to pay tips or gratuities yourself.
10. Your details
In order for GMX to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details with or before the final payment is due (30 days before the departure date). Necessary details include full name as listed on your passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any preexisting medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. Your booking cannot be confirmed without provision of these details.
11. Age and fitness requirements
GMX tours have no minimum age requirement. However, all travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or, in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee must book and pay in full for a place on the tour for themselves, and will be responsible for the underage traveler's day to day care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document to delegate their authority. Please note that GMX cannot guarantee triple or joining rooms for families; accompanying adults may be required to share with others in the group on a twin share basis.
GMX tours have no upper age limit, though you are reminded that some GMX tours can be physically demanding – refer to each tour's itinerary and ‘physical activity’ level to determine your suitability. GMX reserves the right to decline bookings at its sole discretion if it feels you may be unsuited to the level of activity required. GMX is unable to provide specific mandatory health requirements, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice, requirements, and recommendations for your destination at least two months prior to travel. Where you do not do so and either are not allowed to enter any country, or suffer personal injury or death as a result, GMX has no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer, nor will GMX refund the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
12. Accommodation arrangements
Accommodation arrangements vary for each location and each tour. However, unless otherwise stated, all GMX tour accommodation is twin-share. So, if you’re booking on your own, expect to share a room with someone else. For solo travelers, GMX will charge a 25% surcharge upon booking, which is refundable if GMX is able to pair you with a paying solo traveler of the same gender. If a suitable roommate is identified and a solo traveler declines the arrangement, he/she will be given the option book out an entire stateroom to themselves for a 100% surcharge (essentially booking two spots).
13. Passport and visas
For international GMX tours, you must carry a valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits, and certificates for travel in the U.S. GMX is not responsible if you are refused entry to the U.S. because you lack the correct passport, visa, or other travel documentation.
14. Itinerary changes
While GMX endeavors to operate all tours as described, GMX reserves the right to change the itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of GMXs control (i.e., weather). In emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you, if requested. There will be no refunds offered due to itinerary changes forced upon us by factors outside GMX's control, nor will GMX be responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result.
15. Authority on tour
Our tours are run by a GMX guide. The decision of the guide is final on all matters likely to affect the safety, well being, or experience of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a guide, or interfere with the well being or mobility of the group, the guide may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right to a refund. GMX may also elect not to carry you on any future tours. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange, and drug regulations of the U.S. and Alaska.
16. Photographic and video consent and release
You consent and agree that GMX has the right to take or use photographs or record video of you (and/or your property) and to use these in any and all media, including online, for any purpose whatsoever. You further consent that your name and identity may be revealed therein or by descriptive text or commentary. You grant GMX a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such photos and videos in print and electronic form publicly or privately and to market and sell copies. You waive any rights, claims or interest you may have to control the use of your identity or likeness in the photographs and videos and agree that any uses described herein may be made without compensation or additional consideration to you.
17. Acceptance of risk
You acknowledge that GMX tours take you to places where the wildlife and geographical attributes present dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in our daily lives. GMX uses the best weather data available to determine whether and how itinerary should operate. However, it is also your own responsibility to acquaint yourself with all possible relevant travel information and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your decision to travel is made in consideration of this information, and you accept that you are aware of the personal risks associated with such travel.
The risks include, among other things: boat capsize and entrapment; tidal conditions, surf and currents; travel in remote areas; collision with objects or other watercraft; prolonged exposure to cold water, hypothermia, accidental drowning; illness in remote areas; exposure to sun, strong wind, cold, storms, large waves, eddies and whirlpools; aggressive and/or poisonous marine life; wrist, arm, shoulder, and/or back injuries; slips and falls while hiking; and rapidly changing adverse weather and water conditions.
You acknowledge there are also inherent risks in participating in boat trips, plane, helicopter, car travel, etc., and you participate in this tour at your own risk and shall be responsible for all loss and damage to yourself and/or your properties while attending this tour. Any equipment that belongs to GMX that you borrow and/or use (Borrowed Equipment) during the tour (with or without consent) will be at your own risk and you unconditionally acknowledge that GMX does not warrant the suitability and the purpose of the Borrowed Equipment.
18. Limitation of liability
You acknowledge that a portion of GMX tours are carried out on third party premises to which GMX does not have any control in relation to the safety, security, and layout of the premises. You also acknowledge that GMX utilizes a network of third party companies, agencies, and individuals to assist in the running of tours. GMX is not responsible for any acts and omissions of these third parties. You assume all risks, liabilities, and hazards connected with the participation in this tour howsoever and whatsoever caused, including physical injury, sickness, or even death.
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
• Any liability for any loss, death, injury or damage which you may suffer (directly or indirectly) in connection with or arising out of your participation in a tour, or any breach of the Booking Conditions, is excluded
• You release GMX and our officers, employees, agents, and representatives from any liability and expressly waive any claims you may have against GMX arising out of or in connection with your participation in a tour
• Any condition or warranty which would otherwise be implied by law into these Booking Conditions (Implied Warranty) is excluded.
To the extent an Implied Warranty cannot be excluded, our liability in respect of the Implied Warranty is limited to (in GMX's absolute discretion): (i) the provision of a similar trip to an equivalent value; or (ii) a refund of the total amount received by GMX from you in connection with your booking.
Any claim by you is excluded to the extent that it is for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profits or economic loss, however it arises, or for indirect, special, punitive or exemplary damages.
19. Consumption of alcohol
Alcohol may be available on some GMX tours. GMX will not be held responsible for your actions while under the influence.
20. Optional activities
Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the tour or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your tour leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render GMX liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider.
21. Claims & complaints
If you have a complaint about your tour please inform your guide at the time, so they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means, then any further complaint should be sent in writing to GMX within 30 days of the end of the tour.
22. Severability
In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.
23. Privacy policy
Any personal information that GMX collects about you may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour. GMX will otherwise treat your details in accordance with the GMX privacy policy available at: www.geographicmarineexpeditions.com/privacy.html.
24. Communication consent
You grant GMX the right to contact you following the tour to provide information and marketing materials, but only in accordance with the GMX privacy policy available at: https://www.geographicmarineexpeditions.com/privacy.html.
25. Applicable law
The laws of Alaska govern these Booking Conditions to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with a tour or these Booking Conditions must be initiated in the courts of Alaska.
26. Updating of terms and conditions
GMX reserves the right to update and/or alter these terms and conditions at anytime, and it is your responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest terms and conditions can always be found on the GMX website at: www.geographicmarineexpeditions.com/terms.html and will supersede any previous versions.
Copyright 2024 Island C Enterprises LLC, all rights reserved
Please read our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
Please read our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions