Ocean Explorers PoliciesOcean Explorers HomeExpeditions About

Program Rates

Rates for Ocean Explorers Expeditions will vary from group to group. All pricing for Expeditions will be based on the following items:

  • Field activities and excursions
  • Group size
  • Location
  • Duration of trip

Pricing for Expeditions does not include the following:

  • Airfare
  • Additional fees based on location (i.e., Marine Park entry fees, certain gear rentals, etc.)

Pricing for Expeditions may include the following based on request: 

  • Accommodations and lodging
  • Associated travel to and from the location 
  • Meals and entertainment 

REEF Program Fee

A REEF Program Fee will be added to the cost of each program. The REEF Program Fee covers the group leader(s), seminars, survey and field activity materials, and data management. REEF Program Fees vary depending on the location and duration of the trip. 

Deposits and Payments

Payment installments are typically due on three occasions: upon reserving space, 180 days from departure, and 90 days from departure. Payment reminder e-mails are sent in advance of the payment due date. An adjusted payment schedule will apply if the reservation is made less than 180 days from departure. See below for complete details. Please contact REEF staff to discuss an alternative payment schedule if necessary.

To reserve a program, the following applies: 

Booking a program 180 days before departure: $500 deposit to secure your space*

  • Payment #2 (50% of remaining balance) is due 180 days/6 months before trip departure. 
  • Final payment (remaining balance plus REEF Fee) due 90 days/3 months before trip departure. 

*The deposit amount may vary depending on your group's program details. 

Booking a program between 90-180 days before departure: $500 deposit (amount may vary, please see above) plus Payment #2 (50% of remaining balance) due at time of booking.

  • Final payment (remaining balance plus REEF Fee) due 90 days/3 months before program start. 

Booking 90 days or fewer before departure: Amount in full due. 100% of the program price plus the REEF Fee. 

If payment is not received within 14 days past the due date, a 10% late fee will be added to the balance owed. If a payment is outstanding for 30 days, the group's program space may be released, and all funds paid will be forfeited. 

If you will be out of e-mail contact during a payment due date, please notify REEF staff in advance to make payment arrangements. 

Cancellations and Refunds

If your plans change and you must cancel your program, the following schedule applies. Notifications must be made in writing. 

Cancellation greater than 90 days in advance: full refund, minus a $50 processing fee

Cancellation between 60 - 90 days of the program: 50% of the total deposit on hand with REEF at the date of cancellation is refundable 

Cancellation less than 60 days from the program date: No refunds available.

REEF may alter the payment schedule or cancellation policy based on vendor rules for a particular program. Any variations from the standard policy will be provided in writing in the program-specific agreement. No refunds will be issued for unused portions of any program package (including but not limited to dives or other program activities). 

When a credit is issued due to a cancellation (by the participants or vendor), REEF will apply the credit to outstanding invoices for other programs first and then issue a refund of any remaining credit per the refund policy terms. Participants can also convert any refund owed to a charitable donation to REEF. Credit on hand needs to be used within two years of issue unless other arrangements have been made.