Sierpe Outfitters:
Terms, Conditions,
and Risk Acknowledgment

1. Acknowledgment of Risk and Client Responsibility

All activities reserved are adventure tours in the remote, rugged, and natural environments of the Osa region of Costa Rica. Participants acknowledge that these tours carry inherent risks, including, but not limited to: severe weather, rough marine conditions, wildlife encounters (insects, snakes, crocodiles), and natural events (landslides, falling rocks, flash floods).

1.1. Physical and Health Requirements

  • Condition: Participants must be in good physical condition, free from recent health conditions that could compromise safety (e.g., recent surgery, heart conditions, pregnancy, asthma, or injury).

  • Medical Disclosure: Participants must inform the guide of any medical concerns or necessary medications.

  • Consultation: If unsure about your fitness level, please consult your doctor prior to booking.

  • Waiver: All clients are required to sign a comprehensive acknowledgment of risk and waiver of responsibility.

1.2. Ocean and River Mouth Transit

  • Tours departing Sierpe for Caño Island or Corcovado transit through the Boca Sierpe (river mouth), which may have large waves.

  • Participants with neck or back problems, or those traveling with young children, must be aware that the boat can move aggressively. Participation is at your own risk.

  • Safety Rule: Standing up in the boat is strictly prohibited.

1.3. Safety Guidelines

Participants must promote personal responsibility for their safety by following instructions, acting prudently, and:

  • Listening to the mandatory safety briefing.

  • Using life jackets when supplied.

  • Always maintaining a handhold for balance.

  • Applying adequate sunscreen.

  • Taking necessary seasickness medication prior to boarding.

  • Refraining from participating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Sierpe Outfitters and participating agents are not responsible for any personal injury, loss, damage to equipment, or illness resulting from the inherent risks of these activities.

2. Reservations, Payments, and Cancellation Policies

2.1. Payments and Confirmation

  • Booking: Full payment or a completed credit card authorization form is required at the time of booking (within 24 hours), unless alternative arrangements are made.

  • Park Entry Fees: Advance reservations are strongly encouraged due to maximum daily visitor limits set by the National Park Service.

  • Private Tours: Pricing is based on the confirmed number of participants. If a participant drops out, the per-person cost for the remaining group will increase.

2.2. Cancellation by Client

All cancellations must be submitted in writing and receive written confirmation from Sierpe Outfitters to be valid. Penalties reflect non-refundable expenses (park reservations, pre-purchased supplies, reserved guide/boat availability).

Notice Period Before Tour Start (Private or Group tours):

  • 48 hours or more prior to the tour date - Full refund MINUS non-refundable park entrance fees.

  • Less than 48 hours prior to the tour date - 100% penalty.

  • No Show (Any Reason)100% penalty.

  • Half-Day Mangrove - Cancellation 24 hours or less prior to the tour date is 100% penalty.

IMPORTANT: Cancellation and Urgent Changes

A reservation is not considered canceled until the cancellation is formally confirmed by Sierpe Outfitters.

For urgent operational changes or cancellations, especially those occurring outside of standard business hours, please call us directly at: +506 8915-8900 or +506 8915 8547 or +1 757 339 6489 to ensure timely action and adherence to the 48-hour cancellation policy. Messages received after business hours (7am - 6pm) will be addressed the following morning.

Travel Insurance is highly encouraged to mitigate these risks.

2.3. Park Entrance Fees (Non-Refundable)

  • The standard Park Entrance Fee ($25 pp) is 100% NON-REFUNDABLE once paid by Sierpe Outfitters for any reason (e.g., heavy rain, red tide, illness, client cancellation).

  • Clients remain responsible for these fees unless the National Park Service issues a "red alert" and provides a credit to Sierpe Outfitters.

2.4. Cancellation by Sierpe Outfitters

  • Weather/Safety: Tours run rain or shine (it is the rainforest). Tours will be canceled ONLY if the national parks are closed by the government, or if conditions are deemed unsafe by the Head Guide or Park Service.

  • Alternates: For safety reasons, we reserve the right to change the route or offer an alternative tour. We will refund the unused portion of any reduced operational expense.

  • Refunds: If a tour is canceled by the operator/park service, a full refund for the tour cost will be issued, and park entrance fees will be refunded only if the park issues us a credit.

3. General Policies

3.1. Role as Agent

  • Sierpe Outfitters often acts as a local agent coordinating external services (captains, hotels, shared tour operators, etc.). In these cases, the subcontractor's policies have priority over ours. We assume no responsibility for the quality of services provided by shared tour operators.

3.2. Tour Management and Client Conduct

  • Late Arrival: For private tours, we will wait no more than 60 minutes for passengers providing their own transport. After 60 minutes, the clients are considered a "no show."

  • Exclusion: We reserve the right to exclude any participant whose behavior is detrimental to the group or who is deemed unfit to safely participate.

  • Valuables: Clients should not take valuables (jewelry, electronics, etc.) on tours. Sierpe Outfitters and its affiliates are not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen items.

3.3. Children Policy

  • Infants (2 years and under): No charge. Parents assume all expenses and provide meals.

  • Children (3 – 10 years): Fees are discounted (varies by tour) when traveling with two adults.

  • Adult Rate (10 years and over): Normal adult fee applies.

Note on Corcovado Tours: The Corcovado National Park tour is a full-day expedition into a dense tropical environment. Due to the hot, humid, and rugged conditions, this tour may be physically demanding and potentially unsuitable for very young children. While ultimate suitability is at the parents' discretion, we encourage you to carefully assess your child's stamina and comfort level before booking this specific adventure.