Cancellation Period

Cancellation of a booking or part thereof will incur the following fees based on the notice period prior to any tour. Once travel has commenced, no refunds will be made for any unused services and clients will be responsible for their travel arrangements and insurance.

A deposit for any tour is made upon booking to secure your place on the tour, this is non-refundable. By paying the invoice for deposit you accept these terms and conditions.

If a cancellation is made less than 1 month (30 Days) prior to the tour date, we will not reimburse the cost of the tour.

If a cancellation is made within 1-2 months (60 Days) prior to the tour date, we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 10% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

If a cancellation is made within 3 months (90 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 15% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

If a cancellation is made within 3 – 6 months (180 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 20% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

Cancellations made by the organiser to a tour will be reimbursed in full (Not including the deposit which is Non-refundable).

Note: If the booking has been rescheduled and the cancellation is requested, this will be considered a new booking and subject to our standard terms and conditions.If for any reason weather or operational cancellation of a single day occurs during the tour, there is no refund provided if the circumstances are out of the control of the organiser.

Itinerary Disclaimer

The itineraries on our websites are correct at time of publishing and may differ slightly depending on changes to local operations, foreign policy and laws, availability of resources, flight schedules, and supplier cost. In the case of any changes, the organiser will endeavour to provide an alternative option to continue your itinerary.

Insurance Policy

Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your tour. We strongly recommend that passengers arrange their own travel insurance. Insurance is required before arriving at your destination to ensure you are covered for unforeseen situations that may arise to cause loss of luggage, cancellation of flights and tours or medical emergencies.

Scott Portelli and affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage of any equipment whilst participating in these activities. Appropriate travel insurance should be arranged prior to visiting your destination.

Release Forms/Waivers

While the organiser makes every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events beyond our control.  Wildlife tourism carries inherent risk as you are interacting with wild animals and a signed release form is required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure or prior to arriving at your destination on each separate tour. Guests are encourage to download this liability waiver and return back to us prior to your tour.

Foreign Currency

As of October 2023, all general tour costs are quoted in $USD as suppliers and operations in the region move to a more stable currency for services rendered. Current exemptions are Norway (quoted in Euros), Falkland Islands (quoted in GBP Pounds), and Australia (Australian Dollars).

For local currency, please notice that Tongan Pa’anga is still the currency used while visiting the Tongan islands and will be the only accepted form of currency for tourist in Tonga.  For other destinations, please check which local currency will be required. NOTE: Tour prices are subject to change year on year and will be reflected in the tour itinerary prior to each season.

Visas for Tonga

Please review the visa requirements for your country here

Visas for Norway

Norway’s visa requirements vary according to the traveller’s country of origin, the purpose of traveling and the period of stay. Please review the visa requirements for your country here

Visas for Australia

Please review the visa requirements for your country here

We recommend bringing your own mask, snorkel and fins for the best fit and comfort. A suggested packing list includes:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)

• Sunglasses and a wide-brim hat

• Swimwear

• Wetsuit (primarily for buoyancy, as water temperatures are typically 24–29°C)

• Mask, snorkel and fins

• Underwater camera and housing (if you have one)

• Lightweight clothing, sandals and a spray or windproof jacket

• Beach towel

• Insect repellent

• Personal medications and basic first aid items

• Reusable water bottle

Every encounter is unique. Some interactions may last only a minute, while others can continue for much longer as the whales choose how closely they interact. Dwarf minke whales are naturally curious, often approaching swimmers for remarkable close encounters.

Absolutely. In addition to dwarf minke whales, you may encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, giant potato cod, manta rays, dolphins and an extraordinary diversity of tropical reef fish throughout the expedition.

No. All meals, tea, coffee and soft drinks are provided while onboard. If you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know before departure. While every effort is made to cater for dietary needs, we recommend bringing any essential speciality snacks if required.

Yes. Please advise us of any allergies or dietary requirements when completing your booking so arrangements can be made wherever possible.

Yes. You'll spend five nights aboard a comfortable liveaboard vessel, allowing maximum time on the Great Barrier Reef and quick access to the best whale encounters each day.

Participants should be comfortable swimming and snorkelling in open water. Sea conditions can vary, although we generally operate in sheltered reef areas whenever possible. No advanced fitness level is required, but confidence in the water is essential.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. However, the annual dwarf minke whale aggregation on the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most reliable whale encounters, and Scott's expeditions have enjoyed an exceptional success rate over many seasons.

Yes. Qualified divers are welcome to scuba dive, while snorkellers can enjoy equally rewarding whale encounters from the surface.

No problem. Whether you're bringing a professional camera, a compact system or simply want to improve your skills, Scott provides personalised guidance suited to your level of experience.

Limited underwater camera systems and prescription masks are available for hire, subject to availability and a refundable deposit. Please enquire before your expedition.

Internet access is extremely limited while on the Great Barrier Reef. We encourage guests to enjoy the opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

July is one of the best times to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Daytime temperatures typically range between 21°C and 27°C, while water temperatures are generally between 24°C and 26°C, providing comfortable conditions for extended time in the water.