Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: January 2025

Welcome to Philippines Island Hopping. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website and services. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. About Our Services

1.1 Platform Description

Philippines Island Hopping is an information and connection platform that:

• Provides destination guides and travel information for Philippine islands
• Connects travelers with licensed tour operators and service providers
• Offers comparative information about island hopping tours and packages
• Facilitates communication between travelers and tourism service providers
• Provides travel resources, tips, and destination insights

1.2 What We Are NOT

• We are NOT a travel agency or tour operator
• We do NOT directly provide boat services, accommodation, or tours
• We are NOT responsible for the quality or safety of third-party services
• We do NOT handle payments or bookings directly
• We are NOT liable for tour cancellations or modifications

2. User Eligibility and Account Terms

2.1 Age Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old to use our services
• If under 18, you must have parental consent and supervision
• Parents/guardians are responsible for minors' use of our platform

2.2 Account Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and current information
• Maintain the confidentiality of any account credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

3. Third-Party Tour Operators and Services

3.1 Independent Service Providers

All tour operators, boat services, accommodations, and activity providers listed on our platform are independent businesses. We:

• Do not employ, control, or supervise these service providers
• Do not guarantee their licensing, insurance, or compliance with regulations
• Are not party to any contracts between you and service providers
• Do not handle disputes between users and service providers

3.2 Service Provider Vetting

While we make reasonable efforts to list reputable operators, we:

• Do not guarantee the accuracy of operator information
• Cannot verify real-time availability or pricing
• Do not inspect boats, equipment, or facilities
• Recommend that you verify operator credentials independently

4. Booking and Payment Terms

4.1 Booking Process

• Our platform facilitates connections; actual bookings are made directly with tour operators
• Prices displayed are indicative and subject to change by operators
• Availability is not guaranteed until confirmed by the tour operator
• Booking terms, conditions, and policies are determined by each operator

4.2 Payment Processing

• We do not process payments for tours or services
• All payments are made directly to tour operators or their authorized agents
• We are not responsible for payment disputes or refund issues
• Verify payment methods and policies with operators before booking

5. Cancellations, Refunds, and Weather Policies

5.1 Cancellation Policies

• Cancellation policies are determined by individual tour operators
• We are not responsible for enforcing or mediating cancellation disputes
• Review operator-specific policies before making any commitments
• Contact operators directly for cancellation requests

5.2 Weather-Related Cancellations

Condition	Typical Operator Response	Our Responsibility
Heavy Rain	May proceed with modifications	None - Contact operator
Strong Winds	May cancel for safety	None - Contact operator
Rough Seas	Likely to cancel	None - Contact operator
Typhoon Warning	Will cancel	None - Contact operator

6. Safety Disclaimers and Liability Limitations

6.1 Marine Activity Risks

Island hopping involves inherent risks including but not limited to:

• Boat travel and potential mechanical failures
• Swimming and snorkeling in open water
• Exposure to marine life and underwater hazards
• Weather-related risks and changing sea conditions
• Remote locations with limited emergency services
• Sunburn, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses

6.2 Our Liability Limitations

Philippines Island Hopping is NOT liable for:

• Injuries or accidents during tours or activities
• Loss or damage to personal property
• Boat breakdowns or transportation failures
• Poor service quality from third-party operators
• Medical emergencies or health issues
• Flight cancellations or travel disruptions
• Natural disasters or force majeure events

6.3 Maximum Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Philippines law, our total liability for any claim shall not exceed PHP 1,000 (One Thousand Pesos).

7. Travel Insurance and Recommendations

7.1 Travel Insurance Requirement

Recommended coverage includes:

• Medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• Water sports and marine activity coverage
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Personal property and equipment coverage
• Emergency transportation to nearest medical facility

7.2 Health and Safety Preparations

• Consult a physician before engaging in marine activities
• Inform operators of any medical conditions or limitations
• Bring appropriate sun protection and medications
• Verify swimming ability before booking snorkeling or diving tours
• Stay hydrated and follow operator safety instructions

8. Island Access and Environmental Regulations

8.1 Marine Protected Areas

Many Philippine islands are within protected areas with specific regulations:

• Environmental fees may be required for island access
• Some areas have visitor limits or seasonal restrictions
• Anchoring and fishing may be prohibited in certain zones
• Tour operators should hold necessary permits and licenses

8.2 Visitor Responsibilities

• Follow Leave No Trace principles on all islands
• Do not collect shells, corals, or marine specimens
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems
• Respect local communities and cultural sites
• Follow operator guidelines for wildlife interactions

9. Content and Intellectual Property

9.1 Our Content

• Destination guides, photos, and descriptions are our intellectual property
• You may not reproduce content without written permission
• Information is provided for personal, non-commercial use only
• We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of all information

9.2 User-Generated Content

• You retain ownership of content you submit (reviews, photos, comments)
• You grant us a license to use, display, and promote user content
• You are responsible for ensuring you have rights to any content you submit
• We may remove content that violates these terms or applicable laws

10. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of our platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Philippines Data Privacy Act of 2012.

11. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use our platform for:

• Any illegal activities or to violate any applicable laws
• Harassment, threats, or abuse of other users or operators
• Posting false information or fraudulent reviews
• Commercial activities without our written consent
• Attempting to harm or compromise our platform security
• Distributing viruses, malware, or harmful code
• Impersonating others or misrepresenting your identity

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Disputes with Tour Operators

• Contact operators directly to resolve service-related issues
• We can provide operator contact information but cannot mediate disputes
• Consider filing complaints with relevant tourism authorities
• Review operator policies and local consumer protection laws

12.2 Disputes with Our Platform

• Contact us first to attempt informal resolution
• Philippines law governs these Terms and any disputes
• Disputes will be resolved in Philippines courts
• You waive any rights to class action or jury trial

13. Modification of Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective when:

• Posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date
• Communicated to registered users via email (for material changes)
• Your continued use constitutes acceptance of modified terms

14. Termination

14.1 Termination by You

• You may stop using our services at any time
• Contact us to request account deletion if applicable
• Outstanding obligations to third parties remain your responsibility

14.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend access for:

• Violation of these Terms or applicable laws
• Fraudulent or abusive behavior
• Technical or security reasons
• Business reasons (with reasonable notice)

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

• These Terms are governed by Philippines law
• Any legal proceedings must be filed in Philippines courts
• If any provision is unenforceable, the remainder remains valid
• These Terms constitute the entire agreement between us

16. Contact Information

Legal Questions:
Email: legal@islandhopping.ph
Response Time: 5-10 business days

General Inquiries:
Email: support@islandhopping.ph
Response Time: 1-3 business days

Emergency Contact (for serious safety concerns only):
Philippines Coast Guard: 911 or (02) 8527-8481
Department of Tourism Hotline: (02) 8524-2384

17. Acknowledgment

These Terms and Conditions were last updated on January 2025. Please review them periodically for any changes.

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