Skip to main content

Reservation Policies

How to Reserve a Trip

Reservations are required, but reserving a trip is easy! Payment in full is normally asked for at the time of reservation for a day trip, unless other arrangements have been made. If it's more than one month prior to the trip we can usually do a deposit to secure the space and a remaining balance closer to the trip. See Payment Information below for details. To reserve a trip:

Gift Certificates

We are happy to offer gift certificates. Buying a kayak tour makes an excellent gift for that outdoors enthusiast on your list. Just call us up and we can do a gift certificate over the phone with a credit card. We'll mail you the gift certificate, as well as a brochure with a link to our website so your excited friend or family member can check out everything we have to offer. Call 805-528-1080.

Payment Information

For kayak trips we normally ask for payment in full at the time of reservation. If the trip you are reserving is more than one month away, instead of payment in full you may request to pay a $15 per person deposit to secure the space and pay the remaining balance one week prior to the tour. If you wish to to utilize the deposit and remaining balance system, please phone us direct at 805.528.1080 as our online reservation system is only set up for payment in full at time of booking. We accept all major creidt cards.

Confirmation Packet

After the deposit is received a Confirmation Packet is sent to you. The packet includes more information about the trip, including meeting time and place, driving directions if relevant, a recommended clothing and gear list and a "Release of Liability, Assumption of All Risks, and Arbitration Agreement" that must be signed and in our possession prior to the trip start.

Release Form

Each participant must have a signed release form in order to come on a tour with us. Parents or legal guardians must sign for minors. Release forms are sent with confirmation packets and can also be viewed and downloaded via the link in the text above. We will also have plenty of blank release forms available at the tour start.

Cancellations by Us

Once you have received a confirmation of reservation from us, we make every effort to run the trip. However, occasionally we need to cancel a trip and we reserve the right to do so. If anyone has signed up for a trip that we cancel, we will notify them promptly and offer a full refund or the opportunity to transfer to another trip. Central Coast Outdoors is not responsible for any expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, including air fare.

 

Cancellations by You

Read below for our cancellation policies. For all trips there are no refunds for leaving a trip early or for not using any of the services that are part of the trip.

Kayak Day Trip

If you have to cancel a kayak trip for any reason, the following refund schedule applies, except for very bad weather (see below).

Days Prior to Trip Start Cancel Fee                    
8+ None
4-7 $15 per person
0-3 Full cost of trip

Large Group Day Trip

For groups of over 16 that have to cancel a day trip for any reason, the following refund schedule applies, except for bad weather on a day trip - see below.

Days Prior to Trip Start

Cancel Fee                   
8+ $50
4-7 $15 per person
0-3 Full cost of trip

 

Cancellation Policy Due to Bad Weather (Rain or High Wind)

If there is moderate to heavy rain or high winds on the day of your kayak trip, you have three choices. First, continue with the planned activities (perhaps with alternate activities worked in). Second, transfer with no additional fees to the same trip in the future. Third, cancel entirely with a $15 per person cancellation fee. We always wait until the morning of the trip (or mid day for afternoon/eveing tours) to make this decision because weather forecasts the day prior are not always 100% accurate. If the weather is so bad that it is a safety issue, the guide will cancel the trip and there will be a full refund. Note that light rain, fog and/or colder temperatures are not considered bad weather for the purposes of this policy.

Youth Discounts

On kayak trips for booking parties of less than 12 people, youths age 5-12 receive a 20% discount. Youths age 13-17 are at the full rate. On private trips only, youths age 2-4 receive a 50% discount.

Minimum ages:

Half Day Classic AND Short Paddle - minimum age 5.

Sunset Paddles - Kids need to be at least 13 to join a regular Sunset Paddle. Groups with kids less than 13 can book a private Sunset Paddle.

Private Tours - minimum age 2.

See our Kayak FAQ page for more details.

Group Discounts

Any booking party of twelve or more on a kayak trip receives a 20% discount off the regular adult rate. This does not compound with youth discounts.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase trip cancellation insurance to cover yourself in case a medical emergency or other unanticipated situation arises.

Responsibility

Clients are responsible for understanding that there are certain risks and dangers inherent in any form of outdoors activity. Central Coast Outdoors assumes no responsibility or liability for any claims or damages, for any reason, arising from these risks. Clients are responsible for choosing a trip that is within their abilities, fitness level and state of health. Clients are responsible for providing Central Coast Outdoors with a signed "Release of Liability, Assumption of All Risks, and Arbitration Agreement" form prior to the start of the trip. Clients are responsible for providing essential personal information prior to the trip start; arriving at the trip start with the clothing and gear recommended in the Confirmation Packet; respecting all applicable laws and regulations in the areas visited; and respecting the rights and privacy of other trip members. Any individual may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that person's continuing participation may be detrimental to the individual or to the well-being and enjoyment of the other clients.