Life Happens. We Understand.
Our Tiered Protection Model is designed to be fair to you while protecting our ability to deliver amazing experiences for all our students.
Why We Have This Policy
Boat spots are highly perishable—once the boat leaves the dock, an empty spot cannot be sold. Unlike a hotel room that might be rebooked, charter vessels operate on fixed schedules with limited capacity. This policy helps us maintain competitive pricing while ensuring we can honor our commitments to charter operators and instructors.
Cancellation Fee Schedule
More than 90 Days
Before course start
15%
Cancellation Fee
What it covers: Administrative costs, credit card processing fees, and reservation handling.
✓ Your spot is easily resellable at this stage
60-90 Days
Before course start
50%
Cancellation Fee
What it covers: Charter deposits become non-refundable. Higher risk of unfilled spot.
⚠ Consistent with industry charter fleet terms
Less than 60 Days
Before course start
100%
Non-Refundable
Why: Full charter balance is due. Instructor and crew are committed. Spot is unlikely to be filled.
✗ No refund available (see Goodwill Resale below)
The “Goodwill Resale” Clause
We want you on the water, not losing your shirt. If you must cancel within the 60-day window, here's what we'll do:
We will immediately place your spot back on the market and actively promote it.
If we successfully resell your spot to another student, we will refund your payment minus a $250 administrative fee.
If we cannot resell the spot, the standard cancellation fee applies.
Note: We cannot guarantee resale. Success depends on demand and timing. The earlier you notify us, the better the chances.
Before You Cancel: Consider These Options
Reschedule Your Trip
Can't make your original date? You may be able to transfer to a different course date, subject to availability and any price difference.
Rescheduling fee: $150 (if done >60 days out)
Transfer to a Friend
Know someone who'd love to take your place? You can transfer your booking to another person up to 14 days before the course starts.
Transfer fee: $100
Protect Yourself: Travel Insurance
We STRONGLY recommend (and require) travel insurance
The best protection against unexpected cancellation costs is comprehensive travel insurance. A good policy will reimburse you for:
Recommended providers:
How to Request a Cancellation
Email Us
Send your cancellation request to cancellations@sailingvirgins.com with your booking reference and reason for cancellation.
We'll Review
We'll confirm receipt within 24 hours and calculate the applicable fee based on your cancellation date (the date we receive your email).
Refund Processed
Any applicable refund will be processed within 14 business days to your original payment method.
What About Hurricanes or Extreme Weather?
In cases of force majeure (hurricanes, government travel bans, etc.) where we must cancel the course, you'll be offered either a full credit for a future course or a refund minus any non-recoverable costs. See our full Terms & Conditions for details.
Questions About Your Booking?
Our team is here to help you with any concerns about cancellations, transfers, or rescheduling.