Travel & Cancellation Policy
1. Overview
Columbus Scuba Inc. (“Columbus Scuba,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) organizes dive travel experiences in partnership with third-party vendors including resorts, liveaboards, and dive agencies. By registering for or participating in a Columbus Scuba-organized trip, you (“the customer”) agree to the terms of this Travel & Cancellation Policy. Please read it carefully before booking.
2. Deposits and Payment
A deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your spot on any Columbus Scuba-organized trip. The deposit amount will be communicated at the time of booking and is typically approximately 20% of the total trip cost. Deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances unless Columbus Scuba is directly responsible for the cancellation of the trip (see Section 6).
A payment schedule for the remaining balance will be provided at the time of booking. All payments made toward a trip are non-refundable once submitted, except as outlined in Section 6.
3. Cancellation by the Customer
If you choose to cancel your participation in a trip for any reason, all payments made to Columbus Scuba — including the deposit — are non-refundable. This policy applies regardless of the reason for cancellation, including personal emergencies, illness, scheduling conflicts, or change of plans.
We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage prior to or at the time of booking. In the event of a cancellation, Columbus Scuba will provide you with documentation of your booking and payments upon request to support any insurance claim you may file. Columbus Scuba does not communicate directly with travel insurance providers on your behalf.
4. Cancellation Due to Weather, Natural Disasters, or Force Majeure
Columbus Scuba does not issue refunds for cancellations or interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, government travel restrictions, acts of war or terrorism, or other force majeure events.
In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to work with third-party vendors on your behalf to explore options such as rescheduling or credits, but we cannot guarantee any particular outcome. Travel insurance that covers force majeure events is strongly recommended.
5. Cancellation by a Third-Party Vendor
Columbus Scuba organizes travel through third-party vendors including resorts, liveaboards, and dive agencies. If a trip is cancelled due to the actions, insolvency, or operational failure of a third-party vendor, any refund issued to you is contingent upon the funds Columbus Scuba is able to recover from that vendor. Columbus Scuba will make good-faith efforts to recover funds on your behalf but cannot guarantee any refund beyond what is returned to us by the vendor.
We are not responsible for the financial obligations, operational decisions, or actions of third-party vendors.
6. Cancellation by Columbus Scuba Inc.
In the event that Columbus Scuba Inc. is directly and solely responsible for cancelling a trip — due to our own operational failure, staffing issues, or similar circumstances within our direct control — customers will receive a full refund of all payments made, including the deposit.
This provision applies only when Columbus Scuba is the direct cause of cancellation and does not apply to cancellations triggered by third-party vendors, weather, force majeure, or customer decisions.
7. Age Requirement
Travelers must be 18 years of age or older to independently book a Columbus Scuba-organized trip. Minors may participate in trips when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who assumes full responsibility for their participation. Please note that third-party vendors — including resorts, liveaboards, and dive agencies — may impose their own age restrictions on specific diving activities. It is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to confirm that any minors in their party meet the requirements set by those vendors.
8. Certification and Diving Prerequisites
Columbus Scuba does not impose a blanket certification requirement for participation in organized trips. However, third-party vendors — including resorts, liveaboards, and dive agencies — may require specific certifications or experience levels as a condition of participation in their diving activities.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet any certification or experience prerequisites set by the third-party vendors involved in your trip. Columbus Scuba will communicate known prerequisites at the time of booking, but we are not responsible for vendor requirements that are updated or communicated after booking. Failure to meet third-party certification requirements does not entitle you to a refund.
9. Photography and Videography
By registering for a Columbus Scuba-organized trip, you consent to being photographed or filmed during the trip for use in marketing, social media, educational content, or other promotional purposes by Columbus Scuba Inc. No compensation will be provided for the use of your likeness.
If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, you must submit a written opt-out request to Columbus Scuba prior to the start of the trip. Requests made verbally or after the trip has begun may not be honored.
10. Changes to Itinerary
Columbus Scuba reserves the right to modify trip itineraries, including but not limited to changes in dive sites, accommodations, transportation, instructors, or the order of activities. Changes may occur due to weather, safety concerns, vendor availability, or other factors.
Itinerary modifications do not entitle customers to a refund or credit. We will communicate changes as promptly as possible and will make reasonable efforts to maintain the overall quality and character of the trip.
11. Responsibility and Limitation of Liability
Columbus Scuba Inc. acts as an organizer and intermediary between customers and third-party vendors. We are not the direct provider of dive services, accommodations, transportation, or other travel-related services offered by third parties.
Columbus Scuba is not liable for personal injury, death, property damage, loss, delay, inconvenience, or additional expense resulting from the actions or omissions of third-party vendors, force majeure events, or the actions of other trip participants. Participation in scuba diving and related activities involves inherent risks. By registering for a Columbus Scuba-organized trip, you acknowledge those risks and agree that Columbus Scuba’s liability, to the extent permitted by law, is limited to the amount paid directly to Columbus Scuba for the trip.
12. Policy Updates
Columbus Scuba Inc. reserves the right to update or modify this Travel & Cancellation Policy at any time. The most current version will be made available upon request and will apply to all bookings made after the effective date of the updated policy. For trips already booked, the policy in effect at the time of your deposit will govern your booking unless you are notified of and agree to updated terms.