These Booking Conditions govern the contracting of vessel rental services, sea trips, private charters, and related services provided by Skipper Portugal Yacht Charters, through the website skipper.pt and/or by direct contact with our team.

By making a reservation, the client declares that they have read, understood, and fully accepted these conditions.

Skipper Portugal Yacht Charters
Operated by Estrelas e Caravelas, Unipessoal, Lda
Registered office: Avenida José da Costa Mealha 162 1 D, 8100-500 Loulé, Portugal
Tax Identification and Corporate Number (NIPC): PT514872683
Email: info@estrelas-e-caravelas.pt or info@skipper.pt
Telephone: +351 289 316 214
Website: https://skipper.pt
RNAAT 2386/2018 | RNAVT 10548 – Turismo de Portugal
Security deposit and civil liability insurance: €75,000
Travel and Tourism Guarantee Fund (FGVT) subscribed with Turismo de Portugal.

The Travel and Tourism Guarantee Fund (FGVT) is intended to ensure the reimbursement of amounts paid by travellers or the payment of additional expenses in the event of non-performance of services contracted with a travel agency duly registered in Portugal.

The main cover includes:

• Refund of payments: reimbursement of amounts paid in advance for trips or services not carried out due to fault of the agency.
• Repatriation and assistance: payment of accommodation and transport expenses necessary to ensure the traveller’s return to the place of origin if the contracted service fails during the trip.
• Insolvency: protection in scenarios where the travel agency ceases activity or declares bankruptcy.

Share Capital: €150,000.00

The reservation of any vessel or experience shall only be considered confirmed after:

• receipt of the reservation request;
• validation of availability by our team;
• payment of the deposit amount or the total amount, as applicable;
• sending the respective confirmation to the client by email or other agreed means, including the invoice describing the contracted service and its value, the receipt of the initial payment, and, additionally, a voucher may or may not be issued.

The mere submission of a form or contact request does not guarantee the reservation until express confirmation is provided.

The reservation amount, as well as the payment terms, will be indicated to the client at the time of contracting.

Unless otherwise stated, the following payment methods may apply:

• 30% deposit to confirm the reservation;
• 70% balance payable by a previously defined date;
• 100% advance payment, where required;
• other payment arrangements, namely instalment payments, may be agreed. In such case, a 4% processing fee shall be added.

Failure to make payment within the agreed deadline may result in the automatic cancellation of the reservation.

For certain reservations, especially in the case of bareboat rental or in specific situations, a security deposit may be required.

In such cases:

• the amount of the security deposit will be communicated to the client in advance;
• the security deposit may be used to cover damage, losses, delays attributable to the client, or contractual non-compliance;
• the refund shall be made after inspection of the vessel and confirmation that no damage or outstanding amounts exist.

The prices presented refer to the services expressly identified in each proposal, vessel page, or booking confirmation.

Unless otherwise stated, prices may or may not include:

• skipper / crew;
• fuel;
• final cleaning;
• drinks or catering;
• nautical equipment and water toys;
• port fees;
• VAT at the legal rate in force.

Whenever extra or optional services exist, these will be indicated separately and invoiced accordingly.

The client must comply with the agreed times for check-in, boarding, disembarkation, and the end of the experience.

Delays on the part of the client may:

• reduce the actual duration of the experience;
• not entitle the client to an extension of the service;
• not give rise to any refund, except by express decision of the company.

If the client does not appear at the agreed place and time, the reservation may be considered a no-show.

Unless specific conditions have been agreed in writing, the following policy applies:

• cancellations made well in advance may entitle the client to a full or partial refund;
• cancellations made close to the reservation date may imply the total or partial loss of the amounts paid;
• in the event of no-show, no refund shall be due;
• bank charges, payment commissions, or administrative costs may be deducted where applicable.

The current conditions are:

• more than 30 days: 100% refund (less any debit or credit card commissions, processing fees, and bank charges);
• between 29 and 15 days: 50% refund (less any debit or credit card commissions, processing fees, and bank charges);
• less than 14 days: no refund.

The safety of passengers and crew is a priority.

For this reason, Skipper Portugal Yacht Charters may change, postpone, or cancel the reservation in case of:

• adverse weather conditions;
• unsuitable sea conditions;
• breakdown or technical unavailability of the vessel;
• instructions from maritime authorities;
• any circumstance compromising the safety of the service.

In such cases, whenever possible, one of the following solutions will be proposed:

• rescheduling the experience;
• replacement with an equivalent vessel, when available;
• issue of a voucher;
• full or partial refund, as the case may be.

We shall not be liable for indirect costs borne by the client, such as travel, accommodation, or other services contracted with third parties.

The client undertakes to provide, truthfully and completely, all data requested for reservation, safety, passenger manifest, and compliance with legal obligations.

The maximum capacity of the vessel must be respected at all times.
Additional passengers beyond the authorised number shall not be allowed to board.

The company reserves the right to refuse boarding whenever:

• the number of passengers exceeds the legal or operational limit;
• mandatory information is missing;
• safety is at risk;
• in the above cases, the situation shall be considered a no-show.

All passengers must maintain appropriate behaviour, respecting:

• the instructions of the skipper and crew;
• safety rules;
• the vessel, equipment, and the other occupants.

The following are prohibited or restricted, as applicable:

• boarding under the excessive influence of alcohol or illicit substances;
• carrying substances or objects prohibited by law;
• engaging in dangerous behaviour;
• intentionally causing damage to the vessel or equipment.

The company may interrupt the activity or refuse boarding without any right to refund if the conduct of the client or their companions compromises safety, the vessel, or third parties.

Mandatory safety instructions may be given before or during boarding.
The client and their companions undertake to comply fully with them.

The use of life jackets or other safety equipment may be mandatory, namely for:

• children;
• persons with specific needs;
• certain navigation conditions;
• specific activities.

Minors must always be accompanied by a responsible adult other than crew members.

The client must inform us in advance of any physical condition, mobility limitation, pregnancy, allergy, or other relevant situation that may affect participation in the experience.

Participation is the client’s responsibility, and the client must ensure that they and their companions are fit and in suitable condition to board.

The company reserves the right to refuse participation in the experience to any person whenever there are objective safety reasons.

The client shall be liable for any damage caused by them or their companions to the vessel, equipment, accessories, or third parties, whenever resulting from negligent, reckless, or wilful behaviour.

In the event of damage, the company may claim compensation corresponding to the losses incurred, without prejudice to the total or partial retention of the security deposit, where applicable.

The company undertakes to provide the contracted service with diligence, professionalism, and in accordance with the rules applicable to maritime-tourism activities.

The company’s liability shall be limited to damage directly attributable to its actions, excluding, to the maximum extent permitted by law, liability for:

• indirect losses;
• loss of profits;
• personal belongings lost, damaged, or forgotten on board;
• delays or impossibility of performance caused by force majeure.

Each passenger is responsible for their personal belongings throughout the experience.

We recommend that valuables, documents, electronic equipment, and other sensitive items be properly protected.
The company shall not be responsible for loss, theft, water damage, breakage, or misplacement of personal belongings.

The admission of pets shall depend on prior and express authorisation.
Whenever authorised, the client shall be fully responsible for their transport, behaviour, hygiene, and any damage caused.

During the experience, photographs or videos may be taken for promotional and brand communication purposes, where legally permissible.

If the client or any passenger does not authorise the use of their image, such objection must be communicated in writing before boarding.

Personal data collected in connection with the reservation shall be processed exclusively for the purposes of booking management, compliance with legal obligations, communication with the client, and provision of the contracted service, in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation.

For more information, the client should consult our Privacy Policy.

Any complaint relating to the reservation or the service provided must be communicated as soon as possible through the official contact channels (see #2) of the company.

Where applicable, the client may also resort to the legal complaint and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms provided for under Portuguese law.

These conditions shall be governed by Portuguese law.

In the event of a dispute, and without prejudice to mandatory legal rules, jurisdiction shall lie with the court legally determined in Portugal.

By confirming the reservation, the client declares that they:

• have read and understood these Booking Conditions;
• fully accept their contents;
• provide truthful and up-to-date information;
• undertake to comply with the applicable operational and safety rules.

These conditions may be updated without prior notice, and the version in force on the date of reservation confirmation shall apply.

In certain circumstances, the client may have made a reservation through a third party, such as a hotel, booking agency, ticket office, online platform, or concierge service.

In such cases, Estrelas e Caravelas, Unipessoal, Lda shall not be held liable or responsible for any misinformation, cancellation, or communication errors arising from or related to such third-party intermediaries.

The client agrees to use the vessel in a responsible and careful manner at all times.

Damage to the Vessel

In the event that any of our vessels is damaged as a result of the actions or negligence of the client or their guests:

• Skipper Portugal Yacht Charters shall notify the client within 24 hours;
• the nature and cause of the damage shall be documented and communicated in writing within 48 hours;
• a quotation for repair or replacement shall be obtained from a relevant contractor and shared with the client.

The client shall be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.

The company may request a provisional payment of up to €5,000 to cover potential damages, pending full assessment.
Any excess amount shall be refunded once the final repair cost has been determined.

Any dispute must be submitted in writing to the operations manager or company management.

Additional Cleaning

Any additional cleaning required as a result of the client’s use of the vessel shall be chargeable.

Fines and Legal Responsibility

Any fines, penalties, or sanctions imposed by maritime or local authorities, resulting from actions or failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or Skipper Portugal rules, shall be entirely the responsibility of the client.

Conduct and Onboard Rules

The client and all guests must comply with the following rules:

• smoking is strictly prohibited inside the vessel; it is only permitted on the designated external areas (e.g., swim platform);
• failure to comply may result in the immediate termination of the charter without refund;
• red wine, port wine, blackcurrant juice, or similar staining beverages are not permitted on board;
• any food or beverages brought by the client must be approved in advance and communicated at least 24 hours prior to the trip.

Minors

All persons under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult who is not a member of the crew.

Liability

The client is responsible for any damage, loss, or additional costs arising from their actions or those of their guests.

The company shall not be liable for indirect losses or additional expenses arising from incidents such as accidents, injury, illness, or other unforeseen events, except where required by applicable law.