BOOKING CONDITIONS
These terms and conditions govern the contractual relationship between Manini Whales Experience (“the Provider”) and any person making a booking (“the Customer”) for a boat tour offered on maniniwhales.com: whale watching or private boat charter.
Any request submitted via the booking or contact form on the site is a request, not a final confirmation. A booking is only confirmed once validated by the Provider, communicated to the Customer by email or phone, usually within 24 hours. Secure online payment is not yet available on the site; payment is made by bank transfer, with details communicated at confirmation. On-site payment is not accepted.
Prices shown on the site are in Pacific Francs (XPF). The private tour price is quoted individually based on duration and requested itinerary. The Provider reserves the right to change prices at any time; the price applicable is the one in effect when the booking is confirmed.
Boat tours are subject to weather and sea conditions. The Provider reserves the right to cancel, postpone or modify a tour at any time, before or during it, if safety requires it, without liability. In such cases, the Customer will be offered a rescheduled date or, failing agreement, a full refund.
Whale watching involves wild animals. Manini Whales Experience does its best to maximize the chances of an encounter but cannot guarantee that whales will be observed during any given tour. The absence of a sighting does not, by itself, entitle the Customer to a refund.
If no whale was observed during the tour, Manini Whales Experience will offer the Customer a seat on a future tour within the same season, subject to availability. This offer is valid once per booking, is non-transferable, cannot be combined with other offers, and does not entitle the Customer to a cash refund. It does not apply if the original tour was itself already offered free of charge. It must be used before the end of the current season; if no seat becomes available by then, the offer lapses.
Life jackets, provided by the Provider, must be worn on board at all times. Safety instructions given by the crew must be strictly followed. The Provider reserves the right to refuse boarding to anyone whose condition would present a risk to themselves or other passengers. Passengers with reduced mobility, pregnant women, or those with a specific medical condition are asked to mention it when booking so that participation can be assessed. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult; age conditions specific to each activity are detailed on the relevant page.
The Provider is responsible for navigation safety and the proper conduct of the tour, within the limits set by maritime regulations applicable in French Polynesia. The Customer takes part in the tour at their own risk regarding hazards inherent to any nautical activity. Manini Whales Experience cannot be held liable for damage resulting from the Customer’s failure to follow safety instructions, nor for the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings on board.
Photos or videos may be taken by the crew during the tour for communication purposes (website, social media). Any Customer wishing to opt out of having their image used should inform the crew before the tour begins.
These terms are governed by the law applicable in French Polynesia. Any dispute regarding their interpretation or execution shall, failing an amicable resolution, fall under the jurisdiction of the courts of Papeete.
Last updated: August 2026.