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How does booking work, and can I pay a deposit?

Q: How does booking work, and can I pay a deposit?

Most trips take a deposit rather than the full amount, commonly 20%, with the balance due before you travel. You get a confirmation naming the operator and the departure, and extras can usually be added later.

Most trips take a deposit rather than the full amount, commonly 20%, with the balance due before you travel. You get a confirmation naming the operator and the departure, and you can usually add extras later rather than deciding everything now.

Checked on 6 October 2026.

Booking through us costs the same as booking the operator directly — we are paid a commission by them, not a markup by you. What follows is how the mechanics work.

Deposits

Most trips take a depositand the most common amount is 20% of the trip price.
Some take less5% or 10% on a few — and some take the full amount at booking. The trip page says which.
The balance is due before you travel.How far before depends on the operator; we will tell you the date when you book.
A deposit holds your place.On the popular departures that matters, because they do sell out.

What you get

A confirmation naming the operatorthe departure date and the meeting point. You travel with them, not with us.
Pick-up detailswhere the trip includes accommodation transfers, which most do.
Someone to call.If a flight moves or your plans change, we deal with the operator for you — that is most of what we do.

Extras and add-ons

You can usually add them laterso you do not have to decide everything at the point of booking.
Some need booking in advancethe ones with limited places, like a scenic flight or a dive. If it is one of those, we will say so.
Some are booked on the daybecause they depend on weather — whale shark swims and reef dives work that way.

What if the trip doesn't run?

Most trips have a minimum numberto operate. It is rare for a departure not to reach it, but it happens.
If it is cancelled for numbers, you're not out of pocket.You move to another date or get your money back — that's the operator's obligation and we will handle it.
Ask before you book flightsif you're looking at a quiet departure. We can tell you how full it is.

Dietary requirements and anything else

Tell us when you book rather than on the morning. The guide shops for the whole group before leaving, so vegetarian, vegan and allergy needs have to be on the operator's manifest in advance. The same goes for anything about mobility or a medical condition — we would far rather put you on the right trip.