Terms and Conditions

1. General Terms

By visiting our website and choosing to join us at sea, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined here.

From time to time, we may make small updates to keep everything clear and up to date. We invite you to revisit this page occasionally, and by continuing to use our website, you accept these changes.

Everything you see on this website, from the words to the images, reflects our story and our experience. Unless stated otherwise, all content belongs to Whale Fairytale, and we kindly ask that it is not used or shared without our permission.

2. Booking, Payment & Refund Policy

To keep things simple and clear, all bookings are paid in full at the time of reservation. Once payment is received, your place on board is confirmed.

All prices are listed in Icelandic Krona (ISK) and are clearly stated at the time of booking, with no hidden fees or additional charges.

Refunds are also processed in ISK. Please note that exchange rate changes may affect the final amount received in your local currency.

3. Safety, Responsibility & Liability

Your safety is our top priority. All of our tours take place in a natural environment and are subject to changing weather and sea conditions.

By joining the tour, you confirm that you feel comfortable and physically fit to participate in this activity.

We kindly ask all guests to follow the crew’s instructions at all times and to treat others and the surrounding nature with respect.

For safety reasons, children aged 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times. Life jackets are provided on board. Children must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Whale Fairytale reserves the right to refuse boarding or to ask guests to leave the tour if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, pose a safety risk, or behave in a way that may affect others or the safe operation of the tour.

For safety reasons, we may occasionally need to adjust routes, departure times, or cancel tours due to weather or sea conditions. The duration of the tour may also vary depending on conditions at sea.

Please note that we cannot take responsibility for lost or damaged personal belongings, or for delays and changes caused by factors beyond our control. Guests are responsible for their own safety during the experience.

In line with Icelandic law, we are only liable for direct injury caused by proven negligence.

By joining the tour, you acknowledge these conditions and help us create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

4. Wildlife & Sightings Policy

Whales and dolphins are wild animals, and while sightings are very common, they can never be guaranteed.

We operate all of our tours with respect for wildlife and follow responsible whale watching guidelines at all times, ensuring a safe and ethical experience for both our guests and the animals.

In the unlikely event that no whales or dolphins are seen during your tour, we do not offer refunds. Instead, we will provide you with a complimentary return ticket, giving you the opportunity to join another tour with us free of charge.

The ticket is valid for 2 years, subject to availability, and is intended for returning guests only. When joining your return tour, we kindly ask you to bring your ticket and a valid ID.

5. Cancellation Policy & Booking Changes

We understand that plans can change, and we will always do our best to assist you.

Cancellations
You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full refund.
For groups of 10 or more guests, we kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure (48 hours for groups) are non-refundable. The same applies to no-shows.

All cancellations should be made in writing by email at info@whalefairytale.is. If this is not possible, please contact us by phone (+354 777-6697) and we will assist you.

Changes to your booking
If you need to make changes to your reservation, we kindly ask you to contact us as soon as possible, and no later than 12 hours before departure.

We will always do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that changes made less than 12 hours before departure may be subject to additional charges.

Third-party bookings
If your booking was made through a third-party provider such as Viator, GetYourGuide, or TripAdvisor, their cancellation and refund policies may apply.

Refunds
Refunds are available for cancellations made within the timeframes above. Once a tour has started, refunds are no longer possible.

For bookings made through travel agencies, please contact your provider directly to arrange your refund after confirmation from our side.

6. Check-in & Departure

We kindly ask all guests to arrive at least 25 minutes before departure to allow time for a smooth check-in and a relaxed start to the tour.

Boarding is completed before departure, and the boat leaves right on time. To avoid missing the tour, we recommend arriving early, as last-minute arrivals may not be able to join.

In case of a late arrival resulting in a missed tour, we will do our best to assist with rescheduling. Please note that this depends on availability and cannot be guaranteed.

7. Weather & Sea Conditions

All of our tours take place in nature and depend on weather and sea conditions. Your safety and comfort are always our top priority.

On rare occasions, we may need to adjust or cancel a tour if conditions are not suitable. If this happens, we will always offer you the best possible solution, either an alternative departure or a full refund.

8. Shore Excursions (Cruise Passengers)

If your cruise ship is unable to reach the harbor, our standard cancellation policy does not apply.

In this case, you will receive a full refund with no cancellation fee.

If the ship arrives as scheduled, our regular cancellation terms for day tours will apply.

9. Clothing & Travel Preparation

To fully enjoy your time at sea, we recommend dressing warmly in layers and wearing waterproof clothing, as Icelandic weather can change quickly. It is especially important to have warm, windproof and waterproof outer layers, as it always feels colder out on the sea. Hats and gloves are highly recommended for your comfort.

Sturdy, closed footwear is strongly recommended, ideally outdoor or hiking shoes, to ensure comfort and safety on board. Sunglasses can also be very helpful, especially on bright days out on the water.

If you plan to bring a camera or phone, we suggest using a strap or secure attachment, as this will help protect your equipment while moving around the boat.

We also strongly recommend that all guests have valid travel insurance covering cancellations, medical needs, and any unforeseen events.

10. Photos & Media

Many of the images you see on our website are captured by Jitka Heřmánková, whose work beautifully reflects the atmosphere of the ocean and the wildlife we encounter.

All photos remain her property and may not be used without prior permission.

If you would like to explore more of her work or get in touch, we invite you to visit her Instagram page: instagram.com/hermaneknaceste