Whale Swim Activity Regulations

Whale swim activities must comply with the local regulations applicable in each area, as well as the relevant association guidelines.

• Kerama Islands (Zamami and Tokashiki): Whale swim activities are strictly prohibited. In November 2025, the whale-watching associations of Zamami and Tokashiki further signed an agreement to strengthen the prohibition on participants entering the water to observe whales, including whale swims, diving, and snorkelling.
• Northern Okinawa Main Island: Whale swim activities have been prohibited since February 2025.
• Central and Southern Okinawa Main Island: Whale swim activities may be conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Central and Southern Okinawa Whale Watching Association. However, participants may only observe whales while floating at the surface. Breath-hold diving (skin diving), freediving, scuba diving, or entering below the surface in any way to approach, follow, or disturb whales is strictly prohibited.

• Participants must follow the instructions of the captain, guides, and crew at all times. Whales are wild animals, and their presence and sightings are affected by factors such as weather, sea conditions, and whale activity. The Company cannot guarantee that participants will sight whales or be able to enter the water for a whale swim on the day of the activity.

• If whales are not sighted on the day of the activity, the activity will still proceed as originally scheduled. The Company will not provide any refund, return of tour fees, rescheduling, or any other form of compensation.

• By registering for the activity, participants are deemed to have understood and agreed to the above arrangements.

Terms and Conditions

Deposit and Payment Terms

1. All participants must pay the designated deposit at the time of registration to secure their booking.
2. The balance payment must be settled no later than 90 days prior to the departure date.
   Failure to pay the balance on time may result in cancellation of the booking, and the deposit will be non-refundable.

Amendment Policy

3. Any request to amend or alter the itinerary must be submitted at least 90 days before departure, and an amendment fee may be charged depending on the circumstances.

Cancellation Policy

4. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.

5. Standard cancellation charges are as follows:

   • More than 120 days before departure: 50% of the deposit will be forfeited.
   • Between 120 and 90 days before departure: 70% of the deposit will be forfeited.
   • Within 90 days before departure: No refund will be made.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Travelers are responsible for checking and ensuring that they and their companions:

• Use the same English name as shown on their travel documents for registration.
• Hold travel documents valid for at least six (6) months from the departure date.
• Possess all required transit or entry visas.
• Have sufficient blank pages in their passports for immigration use.

Passport and visa regulations are subject to change. Travelers must verify the latest requirements with relevant embassies or consulates in advance.

The Company shall not be liable for any problems, losses, or denial of entry resulting from incomplete documentation, visa issues, or personal reasons.

Travel Insurance and Recommendations

Insurance Requirement:
For your safety and protection, all travelers are required to purchase travel insurance before joining any tours organized by the Company. The insurance policy should cover risks including personal accidents, medical expenses, recreational diving up to 40 meters, trip cancellations, and baggage loss.

Insurance Offer:
Travelers who successfully book with YoYo Holidays are entitled to a 15% discount on Zurich Travel Insurance. Please contact our staff during or before booking to obtain a discount code and purchase instructions.

Submission of Policy Number:
Once insurance has been purchased, please provide your insurance policy number to us before departure to complete your booking process.

Important Reminder:
Please read your travel insurance policy carefully to understand the coverage, limitations, and terms. If you have any questions, please contact the insurance company or our staff for assistance.

Bad Weather & Flight Disruption Policy

If a scheduled flight is cancelled or rescheduled before departure due to bad weather (including but not limited to typhoons, storms, Black Rainstorm Warnings, or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above) or other force majeure events, travelers must notify the Company as soon as possible and provide relevant proof from the airline or agent.

The Company will make every effort to arrange an alternative flight on the same day or at the earliest possible time.
If cancellation or rescheduling prevents participation in the original itinerary, the Company will assist in rescheduling; however, all incurred and non-refundable costs (including accommodation, insurance, and transport expenses) will not be refunded.

If a flight is cancelled, delayed, or rerouted after departure (e.g., in transit) due to bad weather or airline-related causes, the Company will assist in coordinating the updated itinerary.
However, any additional accommodation, transport, or meal expenses resulting from such disruptions shall be borne by the traveler, and the Company accepts no responsibility for any resulting loss or inconvenience.

If travelers have arrived at the destination but are unable to dive due to bad weather (including but not limited to Signal No. 8 or above, Black Rainstorm warning, or unsafe sea conditions as assessed by the Company), the diving session will be cancelled or rescheduled.

If a make-up dive cannot be arranged, a refund of HK$700 per diving day will be provided.
Other tour components — including accommodation, meals, transport, and sightseeing — will continue as scheduled, and no further refunds will be provided.

If the return journey is delayed or prevented due to bad weather or rough sea conditions, the Company will prioritize traveler safety and postpone the return as necessary.
During such delays, the Company will assist in arranging accommodation or meals when possible; however, all additional expenses must be borne by the traveler.

The Company will not be responsible for any delay, loss, or expense caused by weather, flight, or transport disruptions.

“Bad Weather” includes but is not limited to Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, Black Rainstorm Warning, or any weather condition deemed unsafe for departure by the local authorities, maritime departments, or the Company.
The Company reserves the final right of decision regarding whether it is safe to proceed with marine or diving activities.

The Company strongly recommends that travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering bad weather, flight delays or cancellations, and itinerary changes to ensure a safe and worry-free journey.

All additional costs, losses, or itinerary changes caused by weather or flight issues will be considered force majeure, for which the Company shall bear no legal or financial liability.

Fluctuations in fuel prices Terms and Conditions

Due to recent fluctuations in fuel prices and operational adjustments by airlines, certain flight schedules may be subject to change.
If an originally scheduled flight is cancelled or delayed for any reason, the Company will make every effort to arrange an alternative flight on the same day.

If the replacement flight is operated by an airline with a higher fare, travelers may be required to pay the fare difference charged by the airline.
All final flight arrangements — including schedules, carriers, and routes — will be confirmed at the time of ticket issuance.

The Company shall not be held liable for any costs, delays, or losses arising from airline operations, fuel price changes, or flight schedule adjustments.

Additionally, local dive centers or partner operators may impose a fuel surcharge due to changes in fuel prices.
Such surcharges, if applicable, will be collected directly by the dive center.