Refund and Cancellation Policy
Website: www.deep-sea-fishing.co.za
Operator: Hooked on Africa Fishing Charters
Last updated: July 2025
This Refund and Cancellation Policy applies to all bookings made through www.deep-sea-fishing.co.za or directly with Hooked on Africa Fishing Charters. It is published in compliance with Section 43(1)(n) of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECT Act) and Section 17 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA).
You have the right under Section 17 of the Consumer Protection Act to cancel any advance booking or reservation. We may charge a reasonable cancellation fee as set out below. A flat ‘no-refund’ policy is not applied.
1. Cancellations by the Client
1.1 All cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@deep-sea-fishing.co.za. Verbal cancellations will not be accepted. The date of the written notice received by us determines which cancellation tier applies.
1.2 The following cancellation fees apply:
| Notice Period Before Departure | Cancellation Fee | Refund Due |
| More than 14 days | 10% (admin fee) | 90% of total paid |
| 8 – 14 days | 25% | 75% of total paid |
| 4 – 7 days | 50% | 50% of total paid |
| 48 – 72 hours | 75% | 25% of total paid |
| Less than 48 hours | 100% | No refund |
| No-show | 100% | No refund |
1.3 Cancellation fees represent a genuine pre-estimate of the costs and losses incurred by us through re-marketing the berths and the administrative cost of the cancellation. They are not a penalty.
1.4 Refunds will be processed within 15 business days of our receipt of written cancellation notice, to the original payment method.
1.5 We will not issue refunds by cash or to third-party accounts.
2. Rescheduling by the Client
2.1 A client may request to reschedule a confirmed booking, subject to vessel and date availability.
2.2 One free rescheduling is permitted where the request is made more than 7 days before the scheduled departure. Rescheduling requests made within 7 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation and the cancellation fee schedule in clause 1.2 will apply.
2.3 Rescheduling is at our discretion and is subject to availability.
3. Cancellations by Us — Weather and Sea Conditions
3.1 Where we cancel a trip prior to departure due to weather, unsafe sea conditions, or mechanical issues with the vessel, you will be offered:
- A full rescheduling of the trip to a mutually agreed alternative date; or
- A full refund of all amounts paid.
3.2 We will notify you of a weather cancellation as early as practically possible, and in any event no later than 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.
3.3 Our decision to cancel due to weather or sea conditions is made by the skipper as master of the vessel and is final. We are not liable for any consequential losses you may suffer as a result of a weather cancellation, including non-refundable travel, accommodation, or other arrangements.
4. Trips Curtailed After Departure
4.1 Where a trip commences but is curtailed or cut short due to deteriorating weather or sea conditions after departure, no automatic right to a full refund arises as the service will have been partially performed. We will, at our sole discretion, consider a partial credit toward a future booking having regard to the proportion of the trip completed.
4.2 Where a trip is curtailed due to mechanical failure of the vessel that occurs after departure and which renders the service incapable of continuation, we will offer a partial refund proportional to the service not delivered.
5. Seasickness and Early Return
5.1 If an individual passenger requests an early return to harbour on account of seasickness or personal discomfort, no refund is due as the service will have been commenced. At our goodwill and sole discretion, we may offer a partial credit toward a future booking.
5.2 Seasickness is a foreseeable and normal risk of deep sea fishing. Clients are advised to take appropriate medication prior to departure.
6. No Catch — No Refund
As we make no guarantee of any specific catch, the absence of a catch or a poor fishing day does not constitute grounds for a refund or price reduction. By booking, clients acknowledge that fishing outcomes are subject to natural conditions beyond our control.
7. Group Bookings
7.1 Where a booking is made for a group or private charter, the cancellation schedule in clause 1.2 applies to the booking as a whole.
7.2 Where individual members of a group cancel but the remaining group wishes to proceed, no refund is due for the departing members’ portion if the notice period under clause 1.2 has not been met. Where notice is given within the applicable period, the relevant cancellation fee applies to the individual’s share of the booking.
8. Contact for Cancellations and Refund Requests
- Email: info@deep-sea-fishing.co.za
- Website: www.deep-sea-fishing.co.za
- Please include your booking reference number and the names of all passengers in your cancellation request.