top of page
Whales of Lemuria Logo
Whale Retreats and Dolphin Retreat

Cancellation Terms & Policies

Please read these Terms and Policies carefully. They are not subject to change once agreed, and our administrators are instructed to follow this policy and our company guidelines. They apply to every retreat. The only differences are the refund and credit rules, set out at the end under "Where the retreats differ".

Last updated: October 2026

Terms for both retreats

Cancellation Policy

  • If you cancel within 72 hours of booking, whatever you have paid is refunded, less any payment processing fees.

  • After that, it depends on your retreat.

    • Whale Retreats: 4 months or more before the retreat begins, the $500 deposit is kept and the rest is refunded. Less than 4 months: no refund; payment held as credit toward the next Whale Retreat.

    • Dolphin Retreat: 2 months or more before, full refund less $500. Between 1 and 2 months, 50% refund. Less than 1 month, no refund; place can be transferred with approval.

  • All cancellations will be confirmed via email after the request has been received.

  • Refunds made via platforms that charge fees for international guests are refunded less any payment processing fees and charges. Refunds from within Australia are made by direct deposit through internet banking.

Reservation Policy

  • Your $500 deposit, paid when you book, holds your place.

    Your place is confirmed once your retreat fee is paid in full, or your agreed payment plan is in place, and your Health, Medical and Swimming Declaration has been submitted.

    Your Retreat Conduct and Shared Space Agreement is also required. It can be signed on arrival.

Leaving early, illness and no-shows

  • If the guest arrives and decides to leave the retreat early, the total price of the retreat fee and booking fee will be charged and is non refundable.

  • If the guest becomes unwell with seasickness, or other illness and cannot participate in the boat trips, the total price of the retreat fee including accommodation, boating, taxis and spiritual mentoring is non refundable.

  • In case of a "no-show", the total price paid for the retreat fee including accommodation, boating, taxis and spiritual mentoring is non refundable.

  • If you attend our retreats or workshops, you will not be entitled to a refund. No refunds will be issued at the time of, during or after our retreat or workshop has taken place. Dissatisfaction with our retreats or workshops does not entitle you to an exchange or refund.

Travel insurance

We strongly suggest Travel Insurance that will cover all your travel expenses including the retreat, airfare, accommodation and any transfers. Here are three recommendations for you to begin choosing your insurance. We are not affiliated with these companies in any way, and do not receive any commissions or payments of any kind in recommending them to you: Fastcover, 1Cover and Covermore.

Whale and Dolphin swimming opportunities

  • We and the Skippers of our hired boat will do everything to ensure an unforgettable experience. Our tours work with nature, and we meet the Whales or Dolphins in their natural environment, always on their terms.

  • Whales and Dolphins can be social and choose to interact with us, and some may be unsuitable to swim with, like mothers and calves, or those who are feeding, mating, breaching, tail slapping or pec slapping.

  • We reserve the right to decide when entering the water with Whales or Dolphins is not appropriate, and appreciate your understanding in these cases, as our staff, Skipper and crew prioritise the safety of both our guests and the animals.

  • We will also determine each guest's readiness for in-water participation, and may ask you to remain on the boat if your swimming capability is not as you have stated in your Health, Medical and Swimming Declaration, or if in-water circumstances, such as choppy seas, make it difficult for you to hold a calm and steady floating position, or to enter and leave the water safely.

  • If we do not have the opportunity to swim with the Whales or Dolphins there will be no refunds given.

If Whales of Lemuria cancels a retreat or workshop

If unforeseen circumstances force us to cancel a retreat or workshop, you will be contacted immediately. You will have the option of your payment in full being refunded, or exchanged for another retreat or workshop. Your refund will be made prior to the time the event was to take place.

Retreat or workshop changes

Our retreats and workshops are subject to change. We reserve the right to alter our program at any time, and at all times we will endeavour to provide an equal to or better experience for our guests.

COVID-19

  • Whales of Lemuria strongly advises guests not to attend our retreats if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. In this case, please call Letina Russell on 0418 516 869 so we can talk through your options of attending another retreat or workshop within this season, or receiving a full credit toward a retreat or workshop within the next 15 months.

  • In the event of any restrictions enforced by the Government, Whales of Lemuria will be guided by the State Governments of Victoria and Queensland and any health authorities of the regions (Whale Retreats), or the State Governments of Victoria and South Australia and any health authorities of the regions (Dolphin Retreat).

Photography

Whales of Lemuria request that any photos of our retreats or workshops that are posted on social media include a tag to both #letinarussell and #whalesoflemuria. Please consider others, and request permission before using photos containing other participants. Your permission for images that clearly show your identity to be used on the Whales of Lemuria Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, and on the Whales of Lemuria website, is given by an optional tick box on the booking form.

​Conscious Invocations Pty Ltd T/A Whales of Lemuria · www.whalesoflemuria.com · P.O Box 52 Sassafras Vic 3787, Australia · info@whalesoflemuria.com | (+61) 418 516 869

bottom of page