Conditions of carriage

We recognise the immense privilege that it is to travel and will continue to act on our moral obligation and duty of care to the communities we visit.  

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19 but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit. We continue to support global vaccine equity and continue to strongly encourage all travellers and leaders to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  

We also follow recommendations from the World Health Organization and the World Travel Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols. 

All our itineraries undergo a comprehensive risk assessment and audit and our leaders and operators complete ongoing COVID-19 health and safety training and adhere to COVID-19 standards. In addition, the hotels, transport providers and other suppliers that we use must meet enhanced COVID-19 standards.

If a traveller feels unwell during their trip, our Intrepid leader will assist them to access medical care. This may include facilitating COVID-19 testing if requested by the customer. We also encourage customers to bring their own RAT tests from home as a precaution. Any tests required or requested are at the traveller’s expense. We recommend travelling with your own rapid antigen tests from home, where possible. 

If a traveller tests positive for COVID-19, they will be required to leave the trip and access medical care (if required). Depending on the destination, they may be required to isolate for a period of time.  

In the case of a positive test in the group, leaders and crew are required to take a test. Other travellers do not need to be tested, however, your leader can help to arrange tests for anyone who requests one.   

Our goal is to keep the trip going wherever possible unless we are required to end the trip in line with local regulations.  

Our operations teams are keeping up to date with local developments, including any closures or changes to visiting sights, attractions, restaurants and more. We may need to make some changes to the activities or destinations included on your trip to comply with advice from local authorities or our health and safety protocols.

We will endeavour to keep travellers updated before departure, including through our Essential Trip Information online. An open mind and sense of flexibility will help you get the most out of your trip.

Intrepid supports the use of masks as one way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We follow the guidance and requirements of local governments and individual businesses around mask wearing. Where masks aren’t required, we respect all travellers’ choices around personal mask usage. 

If you are unwell prior to travelling, please contact us to make alternative arrangements. Please refer to our Flexible Bookings for the options available to you.   

Polar trips and select adventure cruises require proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination and a pre-embarkation health screening. All polar passengers aboard the Ocean Endeavour will also be required to declare that they’ve completed a negative COVID-19 test within the past 72 hours. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour to determine the requirements in place. 

Vaccination 

Where required, please provide a copy of your vaccination record (either paper or digital) at the group meeting on the first day of your trip. 

If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.    

On applicable trips, children between 6 and 17 years of age are exempt from vaccination policies.  

In order to join one of these trips, they must provide:   

• Proof of vaccination status (for children who are eligible); or   

• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted no more than 72 hours before day 1 of your trip; or   

• Proof of recovery from COVID-19 (a medical clearance certificate from a medical professional)     

Children aged 5 years and under are not required to provide any vaccination or testing documentation to travel with Intrepid.  

Due to the smaller spaces and types of activities, marine trips have some additional protocols, including:  

• All boats and yachts will have enhanced sanitation protocols in place in line with local regulations. 

• All travellers, leaders and crew must agree to any additional health screening measures on board (rapid antigen testing, temperature checking, etc.). These may vary on different boats in line with local regulations. 

• Our sailing trips are on board a sailing yacht, so living spaces, bathrooms and cabins are shared with other travellers and sleeping quarters can be quite compact. This makes it difficult to maintain physical distancing. 

• Single supplements are available for purchase on all trips if you prefer a cabin to yourself. 

• Travellers are encouraged to bring their own snorkelling gear, if possible. 

• All snorkelling gear available for traveller use/hire must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Travellers will be given one set of snorkelling equipment for use for the entire trip.