1. Acceptance
By booking an excursion with Taormina Sailing Experience, the customer confirms they have read, understood, and fully accepted these Terms and Conditions. Acceptance is binding for all participants, including accompanied minors.
2. Booking and Confirmation
Bookings may be made via the website form, by email, or by phone. A booking is confirmed only upon written confirmation from Taormina Sailing Experience. The operator reserves the right to decline a booking where capacity is insufficient or other impediments exist.
3. Payment
Payment terms are communicated at confirmation. A deposit may be required to secure group tour bookings. Published prices are per person (group tours) or per vessel (private tours) and include only the services listed in each tour description.
Bank transfer. The transfer must be ordered within the deadline shown at booking (normally 72 hours). The date the transfer is ordered counts, not the date it is credited: the booking is confirmed at the terms in force when it was made, even if the funds arrive after the deadline. To speed up confirmation, send the transfer receipt to info@taorminasailing.com quoting your booking code.
Fuel cost adjustments. Published prices may be updated during the season to reflect changes in fuel costs. Any adjustment applies to new bookings only: the price of a confirmed booking is guaranteed and will not be subject to any later surcharge.
4. Customer Cancellation
Cancellation terms depend on the rate chosen at the time of booking, as stated in the confirmation.
4.1 Standard rate
- Up to 48 hours before departure: refund of the amount paid, net of transaction costs (payment processing fees), set at a flat 3.5% of the amount paid.
- Between 48 and 24 hours before departure: refund of the amount paid, less a retention of 50% of the total booking value and less transaction costs (3.5% of the amount paid). The retention never exceeds the amount paid: the customer is never asked to pay anything further.
- Less than 24 hours before departure or no-show: no refund.
4.2 Early booking rate
The Early booking rate can be purchased until 31 December 2026, at a price 5% lower than the Standard rate for purchases made by 30 November 2026 and 4% lower for purchases made from 1 to 31 December 2026. Cancellation terms are the same in both periods.
- Up to 15 days before departure: refund of the amount paid, minus a fee equal to 5% of the total booking value.
- Less than 15 days before departure or no-show: no refund of the amount paid. Any unpaid balance is not due.
4.3 Examples
- Standard rate: half day at €480, paid in full, cancelled 5 days before departure. Transaction costs 3.5% = €16.80: refund of €463.20.
- Standard rate, 48 to 24 hours, paid in full: half day at €480, paid in full, cancelled 30 hours before departure. Retention 50% of €480 = €240, transaction costs 3.5% of €480 = €16.80: refund of €223.20.
- Standard rate, 48 to 24 hours, deposit only: half day at €480 with a 30% deposit (€144), cancelled 30 hours before departure. The 50% retention (€240) exceeds the deposit: no refund and nothing further due.
- Early booking rate, paid in full: half day at €456, paid in full, cancelled 30 days before departure. Fee 5% of €456 = €22.80: refund of €433.20.
- Early booking rate, deposit only: half day at €237 with a 30% deposit (€71.10), cancelled 20 days before departure. Fee 5% of €237 = €11.85: refund of €59.25.
4.4 How to cancel
Cancellation must be communicated in writing to info@taorminasailing.com or via message to +39 351 427 7322, quoting the booking code. Refunds are made to the original payment method within 10 business days of cancellation.
Bookings made before 10 October 2026 remain subject to the cancellation terms in force at the time of purchase. If the operator cancels, section 5 applies regardless of the rate.
5. Operator Cancellation — Weather and Safety
Passenger safety is the absolute priority. Taormina Sailing Experience reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a tour due to:
- adverse weather conditions (strong winds, rough seas, storms);
- orders from the relevant Maritime Authorities;
- technical failure or force majeure.
In such cases, the customer may choose a full refund of any amount paid or an alternative date. No further compensation is due for ancillary costs (transport, accommodation, etc.).
6. Health and Physical Fitness
Tours take place at sea. Customers are responsible for assessing their own fitness to participate. We advise against boarding in the following circumstances:
- pregnancy beyond the first trimester without medical clearance;
- serious cardiac or respiratory conditions;
- uncontrolled epilepsy;
- intoxication or impairment from substances.
Crew members reserve the right to refuse boarding to anyone whose condition may compromise the safety of themselves or other passengers.
7. Minors
Passengers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who assumes full supervisory responsibility throughout the tour.
8. Allergies and Dietary Requirements
Tours including tastings of Sicilian food and beverages (wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks) involve products that may contain allergens. Customers must disclose any allergy or intolerance at the time of booking. Taormina Sailing Experience will take reasonable steps to accommodate requirements but cannot guarantee total absence of cross-contamination.
9. Pets
Small and medium-sized pets are welcome on private tours only, subject to prior notification at booking. Animals must remain under the owner's control at all times. Aggressive animals or animals without valid health documentation will not be admitted.
10. On-Board Conduct
Passengers must follow all instructions from the skipper and crew, who hold full authority on board. The following are prohibited:
- consuming alcohol to the point of compromising one's own or others' safety;
- damaging the vessel, equipment, or the marine ecosystem;
- diving in areas not authorised by the crew.
Seriously disruptive behaviour may result in early return to port without refund for the passenger concerned.
11. Personal Belongings
Taormina Sailing Experience is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings, electronic devices, documents, or valuables brought on board. Customers are advised to leave non-essential valuables ashore.
12. Operator Liability
Taormina Sailing Experience holds the civil liability insurance required under Italian maritime regulations. Operator liability is limited to damages directly caused by the operator's own negligence and within the limits set by applicable law.
13. Photography and Privacy
Photographs or video footage may be taken during tours for promotional purposes. Customers who do not wish to be filmed should notify staff before departure. For personal data processing, please refer to the Privacy Policy on this website.
14. Accessibility
All vessels have shaded areas. Passengers with limited mobility are welcome — please contact us in advance so we can arrange the most suitable solution. Boarding and disembarkation take place from Spisone Beach (or the agreed point for private tours); suitable footwear is recommended.
15. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by Italian law. Any dispute arising from their interpretation or execution shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Messina.