Terms & Conditions

1. Booking & Confirmation

1.1 How to Book

All bookings are made directly with Safari Aphrodite Ltd. via email ([email protected]).

1.2 Confirmation

A booking is not confirmed until you have received a written booking confirmation from us and your deposit has been received and cleared. We will issue a written confirmation within 48 hours of receiving your deposit, stating the route, dates, cabin type, number of guests, price and what is included.

If you believe any detail in the booking confirmation is incorrect, you must notify us in writing within 7 days of receiving it. Changes cannot be guaranteed after this period.

1.3 Guest Information Required

To finalise a booking we require for each guest:

• Full name (as on passport)
• Date of birth and nationality
• Passport copy (photo/scan) — required for coast guard safari permits. Egypt law requires all guests to be registered with the authorities before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Egypt. The passport you send us must be the same passport you bring on board.
• Dive certification card copy (photo/scan) — PADI, SSI, CMAS or equivalent
• Dive certification number and issuing agency
• Number of logged dives
• Dive insurance provider and policy number
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Any medical conditions, dietary requirements or special needs

All documents must be submitted at least 10 days before the safari departure date. Bookings cannot be finalised and the boat cannot depart without complete documentation for all guests.

1.4 Certification Verification

On the first day of every safari, the yacht manager on board will verify all original documents for each guest, including: passport (original, valid 6+ months), dive certification card (original), dive logbook and valid dive insurance certificate. On the second day, an Egyptian coast guard inspection takes place — all documents must be present and available. Guests who do not hold the required minimum certification for a booked route will not be permitted to dive at restricted sites. No refund or compensation is issued in this case. For Brothers Islands specifically: AOWD card and logbook showing a minimum 50 logged dives are required — this is an Egyptian National Park regulation, strictly enforced.

2. Payment Terms

2.1 Individual Cabin Bookings — 100% Payment Upfront

Individual cabin bookings require full payment (100%) at the time of booking. Your cabin is confirmed only upon receipt of full payment. We do not hold cabins on deposit for individual bookings.

Payment must be received within 5 days of the booking being agreed. If payment is not received within this period, we reserve the right to release the cabin without notice.

2.2 Private Charter Bookings — Deposit + Balance

Private charter bookings are confirmed on a 50% deposit. The deposit must be received within 7 days of the charter agreement being issued.

The remaining 50% balance is due 90 days before the charter departure date. If the charter is booked within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

If the balance is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled and apply the relevant cancellation charges set out in Section 10.

2.3 Currency

All payments are made in Euros (EUR). Prices quoted in other currencies are for reference only — the amount charged will be in EUR at the rate quoted at the time of booking.

2.4 Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods:

• Bank transfer (preferred) — transfer in EUR. Bank charges are the responsibility of the guest; please ensure the full EUR amount is received after all fees.
• Credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard) — a processing surcharge of 3% applies. Cards are accepted for pre-departure payments online and on board.

2.5 On-Board Payments

Marine park fees, equipment rental, optional courses, dive add-ons and any other extras not included in the booking price are paid on board. Accepted on-board payment methods:

• Visa or Mastercard — 3% processing surcharge applies
• Cash — EUR or USD only (USD accepted at EUR equivalent rate on the day)

3. Cancellation Policy — Guest

3.1 Scope

The cancellation charges below apply to individual cabin bookings. Private charter cancellation terms are set out separately in Section 10. All cancellations must be made in writing — by email to [email protected]. A cancellation is effective from the date we receive written notice. Verbal cancellations are not accepted.

3.2 Cancellation Charges

The following charges apply, calculated on the total booking value:

3.3 Individual Guest Cancellation Within a Group

If one guest in a group cancels, the cancellation charges above apply to that guest’s portion of the booking. If the cancellation reduces the group below the minimum required for a confirmed departure, we will contact remaining guests to discuss options.

3.4 Substitution of Guests

You may substitute another guest in your place at any time before departure, provided the replacement guest meets all certification and insurance requirements. An administration fee of EUR 150 per substitution applies. Notify us in writing as soon as possible.

4. Cancellation by M/Y Aphrodite

4.1 Minimum Numbers

Departures require a minimum number of guests to operate. If this minimum is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the departure. In this case, you will be offered: (a) transfer to an alternative departure date at no charge, (b) transfer to another vessel of the same or higher service level at no charge, or (c) a full refund of all payments made. We will notify you of any cancellation for this reason no later than 30 days before departure.

4.2 Force Majeure

In the event that a departure cannot proceed due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control — including but not limited to severe weather, Egyptian coast guard or authority orders, political instability, pandemic, natural disaster, vessel mechanical failure or safety concerns — the following applies:

• Before departure: All payments received will be transferred in full to an alternative departure date of your choice within 24 months. If no suitable alternative date is available, a refund less the 30% non-refundable deposit will be issued.
• During the safari: If a departure is terminated early due to force majeure, a pro-rata refund for unused nights will be issued, less any costs already incurred. No compensation is payable for any costs you may have incurred in connection with your travel arrangements.

Force majeure includes but is not limited to: acts of God, extreme weather, government intervention, port authority decisions, coast guard orders, acts of terrorism, epidemics or pandemics, and vessel mechanical emergencies.

4.3 Vessel Substitution

In exceptional circumstances we may need to substitute the vessel. If this occurs, we will endeavour to provide a vessel of equal or superior standard. If a suitable substitute cannot be found, a full refund will be issued.

5. Itinerary & Schedule Changes

5.1 Captain’s Discretion

All routes, itineraries and dive site selections are subject to weather conditions, sea state, coast guard permits, Egyptian National Park regulations and the captain’s final decision. The captain’s authority over all safety, navigation and scheduling decisions is absolute and not subject to negotiation.

5.2 No Guarantee of Specific Sites

Publication of a route itinerary does not constitute a guarantee that all listed sites will be visited. No refund, compensation or reduction in price is issued for itinerary changes made due to weather, sea conditions, coast guard decisions or any other circumstance beyond our control. This is a standard condition for all Red Sea liveaboard operations.

5.3 Marine Life

We do not guarantee encounters with any specific marine species — including hammerhead sharks, dolphins, whale sharks, oceanic whitetips or any other wildlife. Marine life encounters described on route pages reflect typical conditions and historical sightings. They are not contractual commitments.

5.4 Brothers Islands Stay Limit

Egyptian National Park regulations permit a maximum of 2 consecutive days at Brothers Islands marine park. This applies to all operators and is not negotiable regardless of charter type.

5.5 Night Dives

Night dives are not permitted at Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, Rocky Island, Ras Mohamed National Park or Tiran Island (Egyptian National Park regulations). Night dives at other sites are subject to conditions and captain’s discretion.

6. Insurance Requirements

6.1 Dive Insurance — Mandatory

Valid dive insurance (DAN, PADI DiveMaster or equivalent) covering emergency medical treatment and recompression chamber evacuation is mandatory for all diving guests. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Hurghada. Guests without valid dive insurance will not be permitted to dive. No refund is issued in this case.

You must provide the name of your insurer and policy number in writing before departure. If this information is not provided within 14 days of booking (or before departure for late bookings), we reserve the right to cancel the diving portion of your booking without refund.

6.2 Travel Insurance — Strongly Recommended

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering: trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, personal liability, dive accident, lost or damaged luggage, and curtailment. Safari Aphrodite Ltd. is an Egyptian company and no third-party liability insurance of European standard is available in Egypt. Your travel insurance must be adequate to cover all personal risk.

7. Diving Requirements & Safety

7.1 Minimum Certification

Certifications and logbooks are checked on board before departure. Guests who do not meet the minimum requirements for their booked route will not be permitted to dive at restricted sites. No refund is issued.

7.2 Nitrox

Nitrox 32% is provided free of charge on all fills. A valid Nitrox / EANx specialty certification is required to dive Nitrox. Guests without Nitrox certification will be provided air from dedicated air tanks.

7.3 Technical Diving

Technical divers (twin set, rebreather, decompression) are welcome. Technical equipment configurations must be declared at the time of booking. We reserve the right to decline technical dive configurations that cannot be safely accommodated on the vessel.

7.4 Guest Responsibility

All guests dive at their own risk. You are responsible for your own dive planning, equipment operation and buoyancy control. A dive computer is mandatory for all diving guests — all dives must be planned and conducted within your dive computer limits. Our dive guides are experienced professionals who will brief every dive — but the final responsibility for your dive is yours. Never dive beyond your training, certification level or physical condition.

7.5 Right to Refuse Diving

Our dive guide or captain reserves the right to refuse to allow any guest to dive if, in their professional judgement, that guest presents a safety risk to themselves or others — regardless of certification held. This decision is final and no refund is issued.

8. Health & Medical

8.1 Medical Fitness

All diving guests must be medically fit to dive and should complete a PADI Medical Statement (or equivalent) before departure. If you have any medical condition that may affect your fitness to dive, you must obtain written clearance from a physician before travelling. Bring this clearance with you.

8.2 Conditions that May Affect Diving

Common conditions that require physician clearance before diving include: heart conditions, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy, recent surgery, ear or sinus problems, mental health conditions affecting judgement, and medications that may impair underwater function. This list is not exhaustive. If in doubt, consult a dive physician before booking.

8.3 Medical Emergency

In the event of a medical emergency requiring the vessel to return to port or divert from its route, the guest requiring evacuation is responsible for all associated costs including evacuation, medical treatment and any costs incurred by other guests due to the change in itinerary. Appropriate dive and travel insurance is essential.

8.4 Dietary Requirements

Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) must be declared at the time of booking — not on the day of departure. We will do our best to accommodate all declared requirements but cannot guarantee specific food items at all times at offshore locations.

9. Liability

9.1 Limitation of Liability

Safari Aphrodite Ltd. accepts no liability for any personal injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description that arises from: (a) acts or omissions of any guest; (b) circumstances beyond our reasonable control; (c) the behaviour of any third party not connected with our service; (d) unusual or unforeseeable circumstances.

9.2 Baggage & Personal Property

We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to baggage, dive equipment, cameras or any personal property — whether on board, during transfers or at any shore location. Guests bring valuables on board at their own risk. We recommend ensuring your travel insurance covers personal property.

9.3 Marine Park & Third-Party Rules

We accept no liability for changes to itinerary or inability to visit certain sites as a result of Egyptian National Park regulations, Egyptian coast guard orders or any other government authority decision. These are outside our control.

9.4 Egyptian Law

Safari Aphrodite Ltd. is an Egyptian-registered company. No third-party liability insurance of European standard is available in Egypt. The absence of such insurance is a structural feature of the Egyptian diving industry, not a deficiency specific to our operation. Adequate personal insurance is essential.

10. Private Charter — Additional Terms

10.1 Charter Confirmation

Private charters are confirmed by a written charter agreement specifying: dates, total charter fee, itinerary, guest numbers, what is included and payment schedule. The charter agreement supersedes these general terms where they conflict.

10.2 Charter Deposit & Balance

Unless a special payment arrangement has been agreed in writing by email, a deposit of 50% of the total charter fee is required to confirm a charter. The deposit must be received within 7 days of the charter agreement being issued. The remaining 50% balance is due 90 days before departure. If the charter is booked within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. Charter deposits are non-refundable.

10.3 Charter Cancellation

Cancellation of a confirmed charter by the client:

10.4 Charter Itinerary

Charter itineraries are agreed in the charter contract but remain subject to the same weather, captain’s discretion and regulatory conditions as standard departures. No refund is issued for itinerary changes due to conditions beyond our control.

10.5 Brothers Islands Maximum Stay

Egyptian National Park regulations limit stays at Brothers Islands marine park to a maximum of 2 consecutive days regardless of charter type or duration.

11. Complaints

11.1 On-Board Issues

Any issue that arises during your safari must be reported immediately to the captain or senior crew member on board so that we have the opportunity to address it. Complaints raised after disembarkation that were not reported during the safari cannot be considered for compensation, as we had no opportunity to investigate or remedy them in real time.

11.2 Post-Safari Complaints

Formal complaints must be submitted in writing to [email protected] within 30 days of disembarkation, including your booking reference and a clear description of the issue. We will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days and respond fully within 28 days.

12. Governing Law

These terms and conditions, and any dispute or claim arising in connection with them, are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Egyptian courts.

Safari Aphrodite Ltd. is registered in Egypt under company number 48768. Registered address: Hurghada Marina St., Red Sea Governorate, Egypt.