Booking Terms

These Booking Terms apply to all reservations and charter bookings with Prestige Charters (“Prestige Charters,” the “Company,” “we,” “us”) made through www.prestigecharterscr.com, WhatsApp, email, phone, or any other channel. By requesting a quote, placing a deposit, making any payment, or boarding the vessel, you agree to these Booking Terms, the Cancellation & Refund Policy, and any written booking confirmation.

Booking Confirmation

A booking is considered confirmed only when Prestige Charters has (1) confirmed availability in writing and (2) received the required deposit or otherwise confirmed in writing an alternative payment arrangement. Any verbal communications are non-binding unless confirmed in writing by Prestige Charters.

Deposit and Reservation Hold

A booking deposit of USD $500 is required to secure the date, vessel, and crew, and is applied to the total charter price. The Company may, at its discretion, allow bookings made within 72 hours of departure to be paid in full at the dock prior to departure. Until the deposit is received, Prestige Charters may release the requested date to other clients without notice.

Final Payment and Payment Deadline

Unless confirmed otherwise in writing, the remaining balance is due 48 hours before departure. If Prestige Charters authorizes payment at the dock, the full balance must be paid before boarding and/or before the vessel departs, as instructed by the crew. Failure to pay on time may result in cancellation, release of the reservation, and forfeiture of the deposit as described in the Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Accepted Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods may include SINPE Móvil, bank transfer, Zelle, and soon credit/debit cards (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, American Express), subject to availability and verification. Payment processing fees, bank fees, and currency conversion fees may apply and are the customer’s responsibility unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing.

Pricing, Taxes, and Currency

Prices may be quoted in USD (or in CRC where applicable) and may be subject to exchange rate differences when paying by card or bank transfer. Unless otherwise stated in writing, quoted prices include the charter service as described in the booking confirmation and exclude any optional add-ons not explicitly listed. Any applicable fees (marina fees, port fees, special permits, transportation, catering upgrades) will be disclosed in the booking confirmation when known.

What’s Included

Each charter includes the vessel, captain and/or crew, and the standard inclusions listed in your booking confirmation (for example: beverages, ice, snacks, fishing gear, etc.). Inclusions vary by vessel and by package and are not guaranteed unless explicitly confirmed in writing.

Guest Count and Capacity

Guest capacity limits are set by the vessel’s legal certification and safety rules. The confirmed number of guests must be provided prior to departure. Exceeding the vessel’s capacity is not permitted. Children count as guests. Prestige Charters may refuse boarding to additional passengers beyond the confirmed capacity without refund.

Arrival Time, Boarding, and Departure

Guests must arrive at the designated meeting point at the time indicated in the booking confirmation. Late arrival may reduce your time on the water and does not qualify for refunds or extensions. Departure times may be adjusted slightly for operational or marina reasons; however, the captain’s schedule and safety requirements will always prevail.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and Captain’s Authority

Safety is our priority. The captain has final authority regarding departure, route, speed, anchoring locations, and early return based on weather, sea conditions, port authority restrictions, mechanical considerations, passenger safety, and any other safety-related reason. Itineraries are estimates and may change without refund due to safety or operational needs.

Route and Itinerary

Charter routes and destinations are subject to change due to weather, sea state, marine traffic, port regulations, and safety considerations. Wildlife sightings (e.g., dolphins, whales) cannot be guaranteed. Any time estimates provided are approximate.

Fishing Terms (If Applicable)

When a charter includes fishing, gear may be included as specified in the booking confirmation. Catch outcomes are not guaranteed. Guests must follow the captain’s and crew’s instructions regarding safe handling, licensing requirements where applicable, and any conservation or regulatory rules.

Guest Conduct and Safety Rules

Guests must follow all crew instructions at all times. The use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Excessive intoxication, unsafe behavior, harassment, damage to the vessel, or refusal to follow safety instructions may result in refusal of boarding or termination of the charter without refund. The captain may also refuse service if a guest’s condition presents a safety risk.

Damage, Loss, and Cleaning Fees

Guests are responsible for damage caused by negligence, misuse, or failure to follow instructions. Prestige Charters may charge reasonable fees for repairs, deep cleaning, stains, broken equipment, or missing items caused by the guest party. This includes (without limitation) damage to upholstery, speakers, interior finishes, fishing equipment, and onboard amenities.

Personal Belongings

Guests bring personal items at their own risk. Prestige Charters is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings, including phones, cameras, jewelry, passports, cash, or any items dropped into the water. We recommend using waterproof protection for electronics.

Medical Conditions and Pregnancy

Guests are responsible for assessing their own fitness to participate. If you have medical conditions, limited mobility, or are pregnant, you should consult a medical professional before booking and notify Prestige Charters in advance so we can advise on suitability and safety. The captain may refuse boarding if a situation presents a safety risk.

Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk

Boating involves inherent risks, including slips, falls, sea motion, weather exposure, and equipment hazards. By booking and participating, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with the charter to the fullest extent permitted by law. You agree to release and hold harmless Prestige Charters and 3-102-949316 S.R.L., their owners, employees, contractors, captains, and crew from claims arising from ordinary risks of maritime activities, except where liability cannot be excluded under applicable law.

Photography and Marketing Use

Unless you opt out in writing before departure, you authorize Prestige Charters to use photos or videos taken during the charter that may include you or members of your party for marketing purposes (website, social media, ads). If you prefer not to appear, notify us in writing prior to departure.

Third-Party Services

Add-ons such as transportation, catering, photographers, DJs, or external vendors may be provided by third parties. Prestige Charters is not responsible for third-party performance, and third-party terms may apply. Any third-party fees are non-refundable if the third party’s policy states so.

Changes to These Booking Terms

Prestige Charters may update these Booking Terms at any time. The version in effect at the time of your deposit/payment will apply to your booking unless a change is required by law.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Booking Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica. Any dispute or claim arising from these terms or a booking shall be submitted to the competent courts of Costa Rica.

Contact

Official contact channels are listed on www.prestigecharterscr.com. For changes, special requests, or confirmations, please contact us through the same channel used to book and request written confirmation.