General
These terms apply to all services purchased from Espaço Talassa Lda, whether through our website (www.espacotalassa.com), booking platforms (Viator, GetYourGuide, and other partners), or directly at our base. Espaço Talassa – Exploração Turística Marítima, Lda. is located at Rua dos Baleeiros, 9930 Lajes do Pico, Azores, Portugal (NIF: 512 025 240 | RNAVT: 6541).
Before booking, please consult the description of each service to understand exactly what you are purchasing. Our activities are reliant on nature — we can never guarantee sightings of any specific species.
Bookings and Payment
Full payment is required at the time of booking. No booking is considered confirmed without payment. A confirmation email will be sent to the address provided during the booking process. Please ensure all personal details are filled in correctly.
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfer. Additional payment methods may be available when booking in person at our base.
Cancellation and Changes by the Client
- More than 7 days before departure: full refund of the amount paid.
- Less than 7 days before departure: no refund of the amount paid.
- No-shows: no refund.
All cancellation and change requests must be made in writing by email to espacotalassa@espacotalassa.com.
In exceptional circumstances such as illness, hospitalisation, accident, or bereavement, management may consider a full or partial refund upon receipt of supporting documentation. We recommend taking out travel insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations.
Cancellations by Espaço Talassa
If whale watching or outdoor activities are cancelled by Espaço Talassa due to weather or safety conditions, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule to an alternative date. Espaço Talassa reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries, or departure times in the interest of safety.
Health and Safety
For safety reasons, the following individuals cannot participate in our sea activities: pregnant women, children under 5 years old, people with back or heart conditions, and anyone who has had surgery within the last 6 months.
Our boats are fast semi-rigid vessels and conditions at sea can be challenging. All participants must be able to swim. Espaço Talassa reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone whose condition may pose a risk to themselves or others. No refund will be issued when participation is refused on safety grounds if the client failed to disclose a relevant condition at the time of booking.
Liability
Participation in all activities offered by Espaço Talassa is at the client’s own risk. Espaço Talassa shall not be held liable for personal injury, loss, or damage to personal belongings, except in cases of proven negligence on our part. Clients are responsible for ensuring they meet the health and fitness requirements for the activity booked. We strongly recommend that all participants hold valid travel and personal accident insurance.
Right of Withdrawal
In accordance with Portuguese consumer law (Decree-Law No. 24/2014, Art. 17(1)(l)), the right of withdrawal does not apply to leisure services provided on a specific date or period, which includes all activities and accommodation offered by Espaço Talassa.
Privacy
Your personal data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. All online payment transactions are protected by SSL encryption.
Comments or Complaints
We welcome all feedback. If you are not satisfied with any of our services, please contact us as soon as possible at espacotalassa@espacotalassa.com or +351 292 672 010. Complaints may also be submitted through the European Online Dispute Resolution platform at https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms are governed by Portuguese law.
Espaço Talassa – Exploração Turística Marítima, Lda. Rua dos Baleeiros, 9930 Lajes do Pico, Azores, Portugal NIF: 512 025 240 | RNAVT: 6541 espacotalassa@espacotalassa.com | +351 292 672 010