Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Philippines Wildlife Adventures! By booking wildlife tours, participating in conservation programs, or using our platform, you agree to these Terms and Conditions and our commitment to wildlife protection and sustainable eco-tourism.

These terms govern all services including wildlife tours, conservation experiences, educational programs, research participation, and platform usage. By proceeding, you acknowledge understanding and agreeing to responsible wildlife interaction guidelines.

• You must be 18+ to book independently, or have guardian consent for minors
• All participants must complete wildlife safety briefings and conservation orientation
• Medical clearance may be required for certain wildlife adventures
• Participants agree to follow Leave No Trace principles and wildlife protection protocols

Wildlife safety is our highest priority. The Philippines hosts diverse ecosystems with potentially dangerous wildlife including venomous species, large marine animals, and unpredictable wild animals requiring strict safety protocols.

Wildlife Interaction Guidelines:

• Minimum Distances: Maintain specified distances from all wildlife (varies by species)
• Feeding Prohibition: Never feed wild animals - strictly prohibited and dangerous
• Noise Control: Maintain quiet voices to avoid disturbing wildlife behavior
• Movement Restrictions: Follow designated trails and stay with your guide at all times
• Emergency Protocols: Know emergency signals and evacuation procedures for each location
• Gear Requirements: Use only approved equipment and follow gear safety checks

Protected Area Regulations:

• Obtain required permits for protected areas and national parks
• Follow Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regulations
• Respect indigenous community protocols and cultural sensitivities
• Report any wildlife injuries, unusual behavior, or conservation concerns immediately

All participants are conservation ambassadors committed to protecting Philippines wildlife and supporting sustainable eco-tourism that benefits local communities and ecosystem preservation.

Conservation Principles:

• Leave No Trace: Leave only footprints, take only photographs, kill only time
• Habitat Protection: Avoid damaging vegetation, coral, or wildlife habitats
• Species Conservation: Support endangered species protection through responsible observation
• Community Support: Respect local communities and contribute to conservation-based livelihoods
• Education Commitment: Share conservation knowledge and promote wildlife protection awareness

Environmental Responsibilities:

• Use reef-safe sunscreen and biodegradable products only
• Minimize plastic use and participate in waste reduction initiatives
• Support local conservation projects through tour participation
• Follow water conservation and energy efficiency practices
• Participate in optional conservation activities and citizen science projects

Research Participation:

Optional participation in wildlife research and conservation monitoring helps protect species and habitats. Research activities are conducted under scientific permits with university and government partnerships.

Wildlife tour bookings require advance planning for permits, safety preparations, and conservation coordination. Our booking policies ensure optimal wildlife experiences while protecting sensitive ecosystems.

Booking Requirements:

• Advance Booking: Wildlife tours require 7-30 days advance booking depending on location and season
• Group Sizes: Limited to small groups (4-12 people) to minimize wildlife disturbance
• Permits: We handle protected area permits and government clearances
• Medical Forms: Health questionnaires required for adventure-level tours
• Equipment: Gear requirements specified for each tour type

Seasonal Considerations:

• Weather Dependencies: Tours may be modified or postponed for safety and wildlife welfare
• Migration Patterns: Wildlife sightings vary by season and natural behavior patterns
• Breeding Seasons: Some areas have restricted access during sensitive wildlife periods
• Conservation Closures: Temporary closures may occur for species protection

Payment Terms:

• 50% deposit required for booking confirmation
• Full payment due 48 hours before tour departure
• Conservation fees are non-refundable and support ongoing protection projects
• Equipment rental fees apply to specialized gear requirements

Our cancellation policy balances flexibility for travelers with conservation commitments and operational requirements for responsible wildlife tourism.

Participant Cancellations:

• 30+ days: 90% refund (conservation fees non-refundable)
• 15-29 days: 70% refund
• 7-14 days: 50% refund
• 3-6 days: 25% refund
• 0-2 days: No refund (emergency exceptions considered)

Operator Cancellations:

• Weather Safety: Full refund or rescheduling option
• Wildlife Protection: Full refund if tours cancelled for animal welfare
• Government Closures: Full refund for protected area emergency closures
• Force Majeure: Refund minus non-recoverable costs

Tour Modifications:

• Alternative wildlife experiences offered when primary locations unavailable
• Equivalent conservation value maintained in modified itineraries
• Accommodation changes due to wildlife protection needs
• Transportation adjustments for seasonal access restrictions

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering adventure activities, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and wildlife tour specific coverage.

Wildlife tourism involves inherent risks including exposure to wild animals, remote locations, marine environments, and adventure activities. Participants acknowledge and assume these risks.

Inherent Risks Include:

• Wildlife Encounters: Unpredictable animal behavior despite safety protocols
• Environmental Hazards: Terrain challenges, weather changes, natural disasters
• Marine Risks: Ocean conditions, marine life interactions, water-based activities
• Medical Emergencies: Remote location access limitations for emergency care
• Transportation: Rural transportation and access to remote wildlife areas
• Allergic Reactions: Exposure to plants, insects, marine life, or food allergens

Limitation of Liability:

• Liability limited to tour package cost for operational issues under our control
• No liability for wildlife behavior, weather conditions, or natural phenomena
• Participant responsibility for personal safety and following guide instructions
• Medical expenses and evacuation costs are participant responsibility
• Equipment damage or loss beyond normal wear is participant responsibility

Participant Responsibilities:

• Disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies, and physical limitations
• Follow all safety instructions and guide directions without exception
• Maintain adequate travel and medical insurance coverage
• Bring required personal medications and safety equipment
• Report safety concerns or incidents immediately to guides

Wildlife photography requires ethical practices that prioritize animal welfare over photo opportunities. Our guidelines ensure responsible documentation of Philippines wildlife.

Photography Ethics:

• No Flash Photography: Flash prohibited around all wildlife to prevent disturbance
• Minimum Distances: Telephoto lenses required - maintain safe distances
• Nest Protection: No photography near active nests or young animals
• Behavior Priority: Natural behavior more important than photo opportunities
• Guide Discretion: Photography may be restricted based on wildlife conditions

Protected Species Guidelines:

• Philippine Eagle: Extreme telephoto required, minimal exposure time
• Sea Turtles: No flash, maintain 3+ meter distance, avoid blocking path
• Whale Sharks: Underwater photography only with guide supervision
• Tarsiers: Daylight photography prohibited (nocturnal species)
• Endemic Birds: Dawn/dusk photography requires special permits

Media Rights & Usage:

• Participants retain rights to personal wildlife photography
• Commercial use of protected species images may require additional permits
• Social media sharing encouraged with conservation messaging
• Location tagging of sensitive habitats strongly discouraged
• Philippines Wildlife Adventures may request photo usage for conservation promotion

Video & Drone Restrictions:

• Drone photography prohibited in all protected areas without special permits
• Video recording requires prior approval and wildlife welfare assessment
• Professional filming requires conservation impact agreements
• Underwater videography allowed only with certified dive guides

Wildlife tour data contributes to conservation research and species protection efforts. We handle all personal and wildlife observation data with strict privacy and scientific ethics protocols.

Conservation Data Collection:

• Wildlife sighting data for population monitoring and research
• GPS locations for habitat mapping and protection planning
• Behavioral observations for scientific research partnerships
• Conservation impact metrics from your tour participation
• Environmental condition data for climate change research

Data Usage for Conservation:

• Species population monitoring for endangered species protection
• Habitat quality assessment for protected area management
• Tourism impact analysis for sustainable eco-tourism development
• Climate change adaptation research for ecosystem resilience
• Community conservation program effectiveness evaluation

Privacy Protections:

• Personal information separated from scientific data collection
• Participant identification removed from research datasets
• Sensitive habitat locations protected from public disclosure
• Data sharing agreements maintain conservation focus only
• Right to withdraw from research participation maintained

Certain behaviors are strictly prohibited to protect wildlife, preserve habitats, ensure participant safety, and maintain ethical eco-tourism standards.

Strictly Prohibited Activities:

• Wildlife Disturbance: Touching, chasing, cornering, or harassing any wild animals
• Feeding Wildlife: Giving food to any wild animals (dangerous and illegal)
• Collection: Taking shells, coral, plants, rocks, or any natural specimens
• Habitat Damage: Littering, breaking branches, disturbing nests, or damaging ecosystems
• Noise Pollution: Loud noises, music, or sounds that disturb wildlife
• Unauthorized Access: Entering restricted areas or ignoring guide boundaries

Legal Violations with Severe Penalties:

• Wildlife Trade: Attempting to capture, purchase, or transport wildlife
• Protected Species Harm: Any action harmful to endangered or protected species
• Coral Damage: Standing on, breaking, or removing coral (₱10,000+ fines)
• Protected Area Violations: Violations of DENR regulations in national parks
• Cultural Disrespect: Disrespecting indigenous communities or sacred sites

Consequences for Violations:

• Warning for minor infractions with educational intervention
• Tour modification or restriction for repeated minor violations
• Immediate termination without refund for serious violations
• Legal reporting for illegal activities affecting protected species
• Lifetime ban from Philippines Wildlife Adventures for severe violations

We are committed to resolving any concerns while maintaining our conservation mission and wildlife protection standards.

Resolution Process:

• Direct Communication: Contact our conservation team immediately for immediate concerns
• Field Resolution: On-tour issues addressed by experienced guides with conservation authority
• Post-Tour Review: Formal complaint process within 48 hours of tour completion
• Conservation Mediation: Third-party mediation through conservation organizations if needed
• Legal Jurisdiction: Philippines law and courts govern all agreements and disputes

Governing Law:

• Philippines law governs all terms, conditions, and wildlife tour operations
• Department of Environment and Natural Resources regulations supersede tourism interests
• Protected area management plans take precedence in conflict situations
• International conservation agreements influence our operational standards