Out Of The Blue Adventures COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Policy
As a responsible tour operator, we are committed to providing our guests with unforgettable nature-based tours in Ballina & Byron Bay. COVID-19 restrictions have begun to be eased across New South Wales and Australia, but we must not be complacent. As such, Out Of The Blue Adventures has taken a number of additional measures to keep our experiences as safe and as comfortable as possible for our guests.
NOTE: these measures are subject to change depending on Local, State and Federal requirements surrounding COVID-19. Updates to Out Of The Blue Adventures operations will be available on this page, and will also be communicated to existing customers.
Out Of The Blue Adventures latest safety measures are based on the latest COVID-19 infection rates in our region, at the current time these rates are low, and therefore participating in Out Of The Blue Adventures experiences poses a low-risk. This may be subject to change.
NSW Case Data and National Case Data
While Out Of The Blue Adventures is fortunate to operate in an open-air environment, it is critical that crew and passengers, where practical, practice effective physical distancing and hygiene procedures to keep everyone safe.
Our latest safety measures are detailed below:
- Seats will be allocated on the day to allow for passengers to stay together with their group.
- Passengers will be required to apply an alcohol-based hand sanitiser prior to boarding the vessel.
- Hand sanitiser will be made available for any passengers requiring the use of the toilet.
- All high-touch surfaces will be disinfected before and after each tour using an alcohol-based sanitiser – as per Safe Work Australia guidelines.
- All bookings and waivers will be contactless.
- Out Of The Blue Adventures has informed all crew of the risks of COVID-19, as well as implementing new policies and procedures to keep crew and passengers safe.
- Passengers will be greeted from a safe distance and not greeted with a handshake.
- Passengers are required to help stop the spread of coronavirus while following government advice for COVID-19, this includes coughing or sneezing into your elbow, using a tissue and binning the tissue and washing your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- Out Of The Blue Adventures safety and risk management procedures have been updated in accordance with the latest government advice and regulations surrounding COVID-19.
- This webpage will be supplied to all passengers.
Once booked on an Out Of The Blue Adventures Tour:
- Out Of The Blue Adventures would usually offer premium waterproof jackets to all customers aboard our tours, unfortunately in light of COVID-19 requirements, we request passengers bring their own warm clothing. Passengers will be reminded of this the day prior to the tour.
- Out Of The Blue Adventures would usually offer re-usable drinking water bottles to all customers aboard our tours, unfortunately in light of COVID-19 requirements, we request passengers bring their own drinking water.
- NON-REFUNDABLE TICKETS (Cancellation & Refund Policy) – Any booking made for this coming Whale Watching season from April 20th 2020 will fall under our new Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- All tickets purchased will be non-refundable, unless Out Of The Blue Adventures cancels the cruise due to weather/ocean conditions. If cruises are postponed due to COVID-19 temporary shut down as per government order, each participant will receive a Gift Card credit valid for a period of three years to use another time. No refunds will be issued if this occurs.
- If you need to cancel your cruise for any other reason, you must provide at least 48hrs notice via phone (in opening hours) and your ticket will become a Gift Card credit valid for a period of three years. If you give less than 48hrs notice before cruise departure, you will forfeit your money and will not receive a credit. Passengers wishing to reschedule or change their booking up until departure will be subject to Out Of The Blue Adventures new standard terms and conditions.
- All passengers will be contacted the day prior to your tour and will be asked to complete a COVID-19 Questionnaire in order to keep everyone safe. Should you answer yes to any of the questions, or be unwell on the day of the tour, unfortunately you will not be permitted to join the tour on that date. Instead, you may re-schedule to another date. Alternatively, you may be entitled to a gift card valid for a period of three years, refunds will not be issued. If you are unwell it is the passengers responsibility to notify Out Of The Blue Adventures. To contact Out Of The Blue Adventures click here.
In addition to the below questionnaire, to find out if you meet the Australian Government guidelines for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing – try this online tool.
Your assistance in following Out Of The Blue Adventures latest safety procedures is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to providing you with an unforgettable experience!
For more Frequently Asked Questions – click here.
For full Terms and Conditions – click here.
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