Terms & Conditions
Updated 3/3/26
These Terms and Conditions govern the use of services provided by Riptide Cruises, LLC, operating as Riptide Cruises (“Riptide Cruises,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By booking a cruise or charter with Riptide Cruises, you agree to the following terms.
Booking & Reservations
All reservations are subject to availability and are confirmed once payment has been successfully processed.
By booking a cruise with Riptide Cruises, you confirm that:
- You are at least 18 years old or have permission from a parent or guardian.
- You agree to these Terms and Conditions.
- You understand that boating activities involve inherent risks.
Riptide Cruises reserves the right to refuse service or cancel bookings when necessary for safety, operational, or legal reasons.
Minimum Charter Duration
The minimum charter duration is three (3) hours. Bookings must meet or exceed this minimum reservation requirement.
Charter Capacity (U.S. Coast Guard Regulation)
The maximum passenger capacity is six (6) passengers per trip, including children and infants.
This capacity limit is regulated by the United States Coast Guard and cannot be exceeded under any circumstances.
Guests may not challenge or request exceptions to this federal safety requirement.
What is included in the Charter Price
The charter price includes:
- Private use of the vessel
- Captain services
- Fuel within our normal operating waters
- U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers (including children and infants)
- A cooler stocked with ice-cold bottled water
Additional costs may apply for:
- Travel outside of our typical operating waters
- Special water toy floats or equipment
- Special requests or custom experiences
Any additional fees will be communicated before confirmation when possible.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Bookings are non-refundable within 48 hours of your scheduled cruise.
Riptide Cruises reserves the right to cancel any cruise at any time due to:
- Weather conditions
- Safety concerns
- Mechanical issues
- Behavioral issues involving guests
If a tour is canceled, guests will typically be issued a rain check to rebook at another time.
However, cancellations due to behavioral issues or alcohol-related incidents will not be rescheduled or refunded under any circumstances.
Weather Policy
Your safety and comfort are our top priority.
Weather conditions may change quickly on the water. Depending on the situation, Riptide Cruises may choose to:
- wait out a brief shower
- proceed with the cruise
- reschedule the charter for another date
- provide a refund if rescheduling is not possible
The Captain reserves full discretion to determine the safest and most appropriate course of action.
Guests will be contacted if weather conditions may impact their scheduled cruise.
No-Show Policy
Guests are responsible for arriving on time.
If guests fail to arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled departure time, the reservation will be considered a No Show.
NO SHOWS will never be refunded or rescheduled under any circumstances.
Arrival Policy
Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure to allow time for boarding and safety instructions.
Late arrivals may result in shortened trip time or cancellation according to the No Show policy.
Safety & Captain Authority
The Captain has full authority over vessel operation and passenger safety at all times.
All guests must follow safety instructions provided by the Captain or crew.
Riptide Cruises reserves the right to terminate a trip immediately without refund if a guest:
- behaves in a reckless or unsafe manner
- refuses to follow safety instructions
- appears excessively intoxicated
- creates a disturbance or safety risk to others
Safety decisions made by the Captain are final.
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol may be permitted on certain charters where legally allowed.
However:
- Alcohol must be consumed responsibly.
- Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
- The Captain may limit or prohibit alcohol consumption at any time for safety reasons.
Guests who become excessively intoxicated or disruptive may have their trip terminated without refund.
Dogs & Pets
Dogs are welcome aboard; however, advance notice is required prior to the charter.
Guests are responsible for their pets and must ensure they are well-behaved and safe around other passengers and equipment.
Riptide Cruises reserves the right to decline pets if proper notice is not provided.
Wildlife & Dolphin Sightings
Riptide Cruises operates in areas where marine wildlife such as dolphins are commonly present.
While sightings are frequent, wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.
All interactions with wildlife must follow applicable federal wildlife protection laws. Guests may not touch, feed, or harass marine animals.
Personal Property
Guests are responsible for their personal belongings.
Riptide Cruises is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items, including phones, cameras, bags, jewelry, or clothing.
Items brought onboard are at the guest’s own risk.
Photography & Media
Photos or videos may occasionally be taken during cruises for promotional or marketing purposes.
By participating in a charter, guests grant Riptide Cruises permission to use images or video that may include their likeness for marketing or promotional use.
Guests who prefer not to appear in promotional content should notify the Captain before departure.
Vessel Care, Damage, and Excessive Cleaning
Guests are expected to treat the vessel and all onboard equipment with respect and care.
The booking party is financially responsible for any damage caused by themselves or members of their group during the charter, including but not limited to:
- damage to the vessel interior or exterior
- damage to upholstery, cushions, flooring, or equipment
- broken safety equipment or onboard gear
- excessive trash, spills, or staining
- damage caused by pets brought onboard
If the vessel requires excessive cleaning or repairs beyond normal use, Riptide Cruises reserves the right to charge the booking party for the reasonable cost of cleaning, repair, or replacement.
Examples of situations that may result in additional fees include, but are not limited to:
- vomiting requiring deep cleaning
- spilled drinks or substances that stain upholstery
- broken or damaged equipment
- intentional damage or misuse of the vessel
Guests are encouraged to notify the Captain immediately if any damage occurs so that it can be addressed safely and appropriately.
Riptide Cruises reserves the right to charge cleaning, repair, or replacement fees to the booking party if damages occur during the charter.
Footwear Policy
To protect the boat’s flooring and upholstery, guests may be asked to remove their shoes before boarding.
The Captain reserves the right to require shoe removal if footwear may damage the vessel.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Riptide Cruises, LLC shall not be liable for personal injury, property damage, trip delays, weather interruptions, mechanical issues, or loss of personal belongings.
Participation in boating activities is voluntary and undertaken at the guest’s own risk.
Guests may be required to complete a separate liability waiver before departure.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Alabama.
Any disputes arising from services provided by Riptide Cruises shall be resolved in the appropriate courts located within Alabama.
Changes to These Terms
Riptide Cruises reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time.
The most current version will always be available on our website.
Contact Information
For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact:
Riptide Cruises, LLC
Operating as
Riptide Cruises
Website:
https://www.riptidecruises.com
Email:
riptidecruises@gmail.com
