Terms of Services

Welcome to Ocean Lens Retreats!

These terms of services outline the rules and regulations for the use of Ocean Lens Retreats's Website, located at https://oceanlensretreats.com.

By accessing this website, we assume you accept these terms and conditions. Do not continue to use Ocean Lens Retreats if you do not agree to take all of the terms and conditions stated on this page.

1. Organization

Bookings of services (technically or operationally) with Ocean Lens Retreats constitute full acceptance of these Terms of Service, which are incorporated into the contract between the client and Ocean Lens Retreats.

2. Booking, Registration and Payment

2.1. All information provided in the initial technical datasheet or retreat offer is indicative and provisional. Final details (route, price, included services) will be provided in the final retreat documents sent by email.

2.2. Reservation requests must be sent by email to the address provided by Ocean Lens Retreats. A booking is only confirmed when Ocean Lens Retreats has received:
(a) the completed booking form,
(b) acceptance of these Terms,
(c) proof of purchase of the client’s flight tickets, and
(d) payment of the deposit.

2.3. A non-refundable deposit of €700 per person is required at the time of booking, unless specific supplier conditions require a different advance payment. The remaining balance must be paid at least 45 days before departure. If full payment is not received within the deadlines above, the booking will be considered cancelled by the client and cancellation fees will apply (see section 18).

2.4. Payments can be made by bank transfer (details provided on request). Clients may request an invoice for each payment.

3. Transfer of a Booking (Name Changes)

A client may transfer their confirmed booking to another person who meets the trip requirements. The transfer must be notified in writing by email at least 46 calendar days prior to the trip start date. The original client will only be charged for the actual costs incurred as a result of the transfer.

4. Prices and Price Revisions

4.1. Trip prices include only those services listed as “included” in the trip description and where applicable VAT. Prices are based on current rates, exchange rates, taxes and official fees in effect when the program is prepared.

4.2. Changes in the cost components above may lead to a price adjustment. If a price increase exceeds 15% of the total trip price, the client may cancel the booking without penalty or accept the revised price. No upward price revisions will be made within 30 days of departure for confirmed bookings.

4.3. Prices do not include visas, vaccination certificates, optional extras, tips or any services not expressly listed as included.

5. Liability of Ocean Lens Retreats

5.1. Ocean Lens Retreats is responsible for the proper performance of the retreat services it organizes or contracts. Liability is proportional to Ocean Lens Retreats’ role in the provision of the service.

5.2. Ocean Lens Retreats is not liable for defects due to: (a) the client’s actions or omissions; (b) third parties outside the contract whose actions are unforeseeable or unavoidable; or (c) force majeure events beyond reasonable control.

5.3. In exclusion cases above, Ocean Lens Retreats will provide reasonable assistance, but costs for accommodation, transport, repatriation or sustenance caused by such events are not Ocean Lens Retreats’ responsibility.

5.4. When trips use vehicles owned or leased by Ocean Lens Retreats, applicable accident law of the country where the vehicle is registered shall apply.

5.5. Incidents in air travel (denied boarding, delays, cancellations, baggage loss/damage, route changes for safety/weather) must be claimed by the passenger with the carrier or responsible authority at the place of occurrence. Air tickets are contracts between carrier and passenger; Ocean Lens Retreats is not the carrier.

6. Cancellations by Ocean Lens Retreats: Minimum Group and Force Majeure

6.1. If a trip requires a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not reached, Ocean Lens Retreats may cancel the trip and will notify clients in advance. In such cases clients will be entitled to a refund of amounts paid minus reasonable administrative costs.
6.2. Ocean Lens Retreats may also cancel for force majeure reasons. In such cases clients are entitled to a refund of amounts paid, excluding handling fees.

7. Alterations and Modifications by the Organizer

7.1. Ocean Lens Retreats will use reasonable efforts to provide the services contracted. If, before departure, Ocean Lens Retreats must make significant changes to essential elements of the contract (including price), clients will be notified immediately. If the change is significant, clients may either: (a) accept the change; or (b) cancel the contract without penalty and receive a full refund.
7.2. Clients must notify Ocean Lens Retreats of their choice within three days of being informed of the change. Failure to respond will be deemed acceptance of contract termination without penalty.
7.3. If Ocean Lens Retreats cannot provide a major part of the contracted services after departure, it will take reasonable steps to continue the trip at no additional cost and compensate the client for any reduction in service quality. If alternative solutions offered are unacceptable or impossible, Ocean Lens Retreats will arrange comparable transportation to return the client to the trip start point or another agreed location at no additional cost.

8. Documentation, Visas and Health Requirements

8.1. All clients are responsible for having valid travel documents (passport, ID, visas, vaccination certificates, etc.). Ocean Lens Retreats provides information as guidance, but it is the client’s sole responsibility to confirm requirements with the relevant authorities and obtain the necessary documentation in time.
8.2. Airlines will not board passengers without required documentation. If a client is denied boarding or entry due to missing or invalid documents, cancellation fees will apply and no refund will be given.

9. Freediving Certifications and Insurance

9.1. All freediving participants must carry valid certification from a recognized agency (Molchanovs, AIDA, PADI, SSI, FEDAS, CEMAS, etc.). Lack of documentation may prevent participation in freediving activities.
9.2. Freedivers must know and respect their personal limits. Ocean Lens Retreats reserves the right to refuse participation or require refresher training if instructors judge a client unfit or unsafe to dive. No refund will be given for missed freediving activities for lack of documentation or fitness.
9.3. Each freediver must purchase and present diving insurance covering recreational freediving accidents. Failure to present adequate insurance is the diver’s responsibility and may prevent participation. Ocean Lens Retreats accepts no liability for accidents resulting from freediving activities beyond the limits of its own legal responsibility.

10. Luggage

10.1. Baggage rules (checked and carry-on) depend on each transport provider. For land transfers, the client is responsible for personal luggage and valuables. Ocean Lens Retreats is not responsible for loss, delay, damage or deterioration of luggage during transport unless attributable to Ocean Lens Retreats’ negligence and to the extent permitted by applicable law. Airline liability is governed by international conventions such as the Montreal Convention where applicable.

11. Accommodation

Check-in and check-out times and occupation rules depend on each accommodation provider’s policies.

12. Schedules and Communication

12.1. For flights, clients are advised to arrive at airports at least two to three hours before departure depending on the airport. Ocean Lens Retreats will send retreats information by email or WhatsApp as provided by clients; clients must ensure they can receive these communications.
12.2. Clients who do not receive retreats information should reconfirm meeting points, dates and times with Ocean Lens Retreats within 48 hours prior to departure. Failure to reconfirm relieves Ocean Lens Retreats of responsibility for subsequent issues.
12.3. Clients are responsible for punctuality; costs caused by delays or no-shows are the client’s responsibility.

13. Route and Number of Dives

Dive sites, dive counts and routes are subject to sea and weather conditions; safety is the priority. Itineraries are indicative and may change during the trip. If fewer dives or route changes are required for safety reasons, no refunds will be provided. In case of suspension of an activity for safety, the guide may cancel it after consulting the group.

14. Appropriate Equipment and Fitness

14.1. Proper equipment for each activity is mandatory. For freediving this typically includes wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt and weights. Clients may rent additional items but should reserve in advance.
14.2. Clients must disclose at booking any medical conditions, disabilities or limitations that could require special assistance. Clients with reduced mobility must inform Ocean Lens Retreats prior to booking to allow assessment of trip feasibility. Ocean Lens Retreats may refuse bookings that are unsafe or impossible to accommodate.

15. Guides and Instructors

Clients must follow the instructions of guides and instructors. Disrespectful or disruptive behavior may result in removal from activities or the trip without refund.

16. Risks

Freediving and adventure travel involve inherent risks, including remote locations, wildlife encounters, and changing weather or sea conditions. Clients acknowledge these risks and accept responsibility for their decisions and conduct.

17. Trip Extras

17.1. Equipment Rental: Some basic items (e.g., weight belt and lead) may be included; other equipment is generally not included unless specified. Rental must be requested in advance. Ocean Lens Retreats is not responsible for rented equipment; clients must check equipment condition on delivery. Replacement fees for lost/damaged rental items may apply (example fees may be listed on request).
17.2. Diving Insurance: All freedivers must have diving insurance. Clients who purchase insurance through Ocean Lens Retreats will receive the policy terms before purchase. Clients are responsible for reviewing coverage.
17.3. Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance appropriate for freediving and adventure travel is mandatory.
17.4. Transfers, Hotels and Excursions: Ocean Lens Retreats may act as an intermediary to arrange accommodation, transfers and excursions. The contractual relationship for these services is between the client and the local supplier; Ocean Lens Retreats acts as intermediary and issues a booking voucher on the supplier’s behalf.

18. Changes, Cancellations and Refunds by the Client

18.1. If a client cancels a confirmed booking, the refund (if any) depends on the time of cancellation before departure. Administrative handling fee: minimum €200. Additional cancellation charges vary depending on supplier costs (air tickets, hotels, local suppliers) and the proximity to departure. The general cancellation schedule is:

• More than 180 days before departure: no cancellation fee (excluding non-refundable supplier costs).

• Between 180 and 120 days: 50% of the trip price (plus non-refundable supplier costs).

• Between 120 and 60 days: 75% of the trip price (plus non-refundable supplier costs).

• Less than 60 days: 100% of the trip price (no refund), except as otherwise stated in the specific trip terms.
  18.2. To cancel, the client must notify Ocean Lens Retreats in writing by email. Refunds will be made by bank transfer to an account in the name of the client who made the booking, subject to the above fees and supplier conditions.
  18.3. No refunds will be made for unused services due to client decisions or omissions (late arrival, lack of required documents, voluntary non-use of services, misconduct leading to removal from the trip).

19. Travel in Remote Areas

Some trips involve remote areas with limited infrastructure. Clients must be flexible and accept possible changes. Evacuation or prompt medical assistance may be difficult or delayed; clients accept these limitations.

20. Communications and Data Protection

20.1. Ocean Lens Retreats and clients will comply with applicable data protection laws (including EU Regulation 2016/679/GDPR where applicable). Reservation-related communications should be in writing by email so there is a record. Ocean Lens Retreats may create group WhatsApp chats for each trip unless a participant explicitly opts out.
20.2. Ocean Lens Retreats’ full Privacy Policy (available on the website) explains how personal data is collected, used and protected.

21. Client’s Duty to Cooperate

Clients must follow Ocean Lens Retreats’ instructions and generally act in a manner that does not impede the normal conduct of the trip or the safety and comfort of other participants.

22. Amendments to these Terms

Ocean Lens Retreats reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time for legal, safety or operational reasons. Material changes will be notified to clients. If a client does not accept the changes, contractual remedies (including cancellation where appropriate) may be available. If any provision is held invalid, the remainder of the Terms remain in force.

23. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of Spain. Any dispute arising from these Terms or from bookings with Ocean Lens Retreats shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the company’s registered office, unless mandatory law provides otherwise.

Ocean Lens Retreats is a collaboration between The Water Cycle Experience by Laura JuanMartí and Below the Wave by Laura Mommicchi. Both companies registered in Spain and in France respectively.