Sunshine Coast Snorkel Tour Terms & Conditions

We are excited to share the underwater beauty of the Sunshine Coast with you on this guided snorkelling experience. To ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment, please read the following terms & conditions carefully before booking.

Requirements for Participation

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of our snorkelling tour, guests must meet the following criteria:

Age & Swimming Ability

  • Participants must be at least 10 years old to join snorkelling tours. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • You don’t need prior snorkelling experience, but you must be a confident swimmer, comfortable in open ocean conditions, and in good physical health.
  • You must be able to swim 200 meters unaided, or 300 meters using mask, snorkel, and fins, in open ocean conditions.

Physical Fitness

This is an active experience. You must be physically able to:

  • Swim and float in variable sea conditions
  • Climb a ladder in open water to re-board the vessel
  • Participate in guided snorkel activities without assistance.

No refunds will be issued if you are unable to participate due to fitness, confidence, or other personal limitations.

Health & Medical Conditions

All participants must complete a medical form before the tour. Depending on your answers, you may need doctor’s clearance before participating.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant, taking prescription medications, or have had recent injuries or illnesses, please contact us prior to booking. You must affirm you are not currently experiencing:

  • Seizures, dizziness, or fainting
  • Flu, sinus, or ear infections
  • Cardiovascular or respiratory issues such as asthma or heart disease

Pregnant individuals will need to reach out to us before booking. All activities are undertaken at your own risk, and by booking, you accept the physical demands and environmental unpredictability of the ocean.

Tour Confirmation, Weather & Conditions

After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with tour details.

A final weather update will be sent via email and/or text message by 4pm the day before your trip, confirming if the tour will proceed, along with check-in time and instructions.

Even if the weather seems calm onshore, offshore conditions can differ. If a tour is cancelled due to weather, sea state, or safety reasons, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a refund.

Meeting Point & Punctuality

Tours depart from The Wharf, Mooloolaba, unless otherwise stated. Meet us between Rice Boi restaurant and The Booking Box. Please arrive at least 20-30 minutes early and wear your swimwear under your clothes to streamline check-in.

Please note: late arrivals cannot be accommodated, and no refunds or reschedules will be offered for missed tours.

What to Expect During the Tour

In the Water

  • All in-water activities are supervised by qualified guides.
  • No freediving or use of weigth belts unless certified and approved.
  • Consumption of alcohol or drugs prior to or during snorkelling is strictly prohibited.

Any guest who fails to follow crew instructions or endangers themselves, others, or marine life may be removed from the activity without refund.

Gear

  • All hired equipment, including masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits must remain on board the vessel at the end of the tour.
  • Any damage to hired equipment must be paid for by the guest. If the equipment is lost or returned in a damaged state, it will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of The Pressure Project. Charges will reflect the retail cost of replacement or repair cost.
  • Guests are required to inspect all hired equipment before departure to ensure it is functional and in good condition.

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit (preferably worn under your clothes at arrival)
  • Towel & dry change of clothes
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle & light snacks
  • Seasickness medication if prone
  • Any required medications (please inform the crew beforehand)

We kindly ask you to pack light, as space on board is limited and large bags or bulky items cannot be accommodated. Any gear you bring may get wet, so plan accordingly.

  • Personal gear is your responsibility.
  • The Pressure Project accepts no liability for lost, damaged or stolen items.
  • If personal items are left behind, guests are responsible for retrieval or postage costs.

Marine Life & Environmental Conduct

We’re committed to protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. Please:

  • Do not touch or chase marine life
  • Avoid standing on the reef and coral or disturbing the seabed.
  • Take only memories – no shells, coral, or marine items.
  • Minimise noise and splashing around marine life.
  • Dispose of all rubbish properly.

Your respect helps protect these fragile ecosystems for the future.

Important Disclaimers

Wildlife Disclaimer

We do not guarantee marine life sightings or in-water interactions. No refunds will be given if marine life is not sighted.

If you choose not to snorkel or end your snorkelling trip earlier, no refunds or credits are provided.

Safety Disclaimer

There are inherent risks in interacting with marine animals and swimming in the open ocean. By booking, you accept these risks and release The Pressure Project from liability for injury or loss during participation.

Our crew will make all safety calls, including terminating in-water activity if needed. Failure to follow instructions may result in immediate removal from the activity or tour without refund.

Behaviour Disclaimer

Any behaviour that puts guests, crew, or marine life at risk will result in immediate disqualification from the snorkel tour. This includes ignoring instructions, reckless actions, or harassment of wildlife.

Refunds, Reschedules & Cancellations

If We Cancel

If we have to cancel due to weather, technical issues, or minimum numbers not being met, you may:

  • Reschedule to another date
  • Receive credit toward a future product
  • Request a refund (if no part of the tour is delivered)

If we need to end a tour early due to worsening conditions, a partial refund, credit, or reschedule may be offered depending on the situation.

If You Cancel or Don’t Show

  • Reschedules may be possible with sufficient notice
  • Bookings can be transferred to another person or product with 12-month validity
  • No refunds or credits for no-shows, late arrivals, or last-minute cancellations
  • We do not provide refunds if you change your mind after booking. However, you may:
    • Change your booking to a different date, subject to availability.
    • Transfer your payment toward another session or retreat in the future.

Seasickness

  • Seasickness can occur even in calm conditions. If you are prone to seasickness, please take necessary precautions, such as anti-nausea medication.
  • No refunds or rescheduling will be provided if you are unable to complete the tour or activity due to seasickness or other personal circumstances.

Please read our FAQs prior to booking to ensure you are aware of all requirements and expectations for the tour or course. By booking, you agree to these terms and conditions. Refunds will not be provided due to failure in meeting the above-referenced requirements for participation.

Accessibility

At this time, our boat is not wheelchair accessible. We’re working toward improving inclusivity in the future. Please contact us in advance to discuss any mobility concerns.

Our Commitment

Our mission is to create safe, respectful, and transformative ocean experiences. Every  snorkel tour is designed to give you the best chance at meaningful encounters, but always on the marine life’s terms.

Assumption of Risk

  • By participating in this tour, you acknowledge and assume all risks, whether foreseen or unforeseen, that may arise during the program. These risks include, but are not limited to, injuries caused by heart attack, panic, hyperventilation, drowning, or marine life interactions.
  • You expressly release The Pressure Project, its guides, instructors, skippers, employees, and affiliated organisations from any liability or claim resulting from injury, loss, or damage during your participation.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share these magical moments with you—and we appreciate your understanding that nature doesn’t run on a schedule.

If you have any questions before booking, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way!