GUEST INFORMATION
Booking Policies & Terms
Everything you need to know before you come aboard — cancellations, weather, safety, and what to expect at the dock.
Booking & Cancellation Policy
Standard Cancellation: Cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to departure will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.
Rescheduling: Rebooking requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance, subject to availability.
Manager Discretion: Exceptions to cancellation or rebooking rules may be granted on a case-by-case basis solely by management.
Check-In, Late Arrival & Capacity
Check-In: Arrive at the dock at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Late Arrival: Boarding closes 15 minutes prior to departure. Late arrivals will not be refunded, but may be rebooked for a later date subject to availability and a fee.
Capacity: Vessel limits strictly adhere to US Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI) limits. Overbooking is not permitted.
Weather Policy
Operator Cancellations: If a tour is canceled by the Captain due to unsafe weather or water conditions, guests receive their choice of a full refund or a free reschedule.
Rain Policy: Tours proceed as scheduled in light rain. The Captain makes the final decision on safety.
Notifications: Guests will be notified of weather delays or cancellations via email and text message as far in advance as possible.
Age & Safety Requirements
Dolphin Tours: All ages welcome. Children under age 2 must be included on the manifest.
Ghost Tours: For ages 12 and up.
Sunset Tours: Only 18 and older are permitted.
Life Jackets: USCG-approved life jackets suitable for all adults and children are readily available on board. Guests are welcome to bring their own personal USCG-approved life jacket if preferred.
Minors: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Alcohol on Public Tours
Island Tours of Galveston is a sightseeing and family-oriented tour experience and is not a party boat or alcohol-focused excursion.
Passengers of legal drinking age may bring a limited quantity of beer, wine, or canned alcoholic beverages for personal consumption, subject to the Captain’s discretion and the following conditions:
• No glass bottles, glassware, or glass containers are permitted onboard.
• Liquor bottles, mixed-drink setups, drinking games, alcohol dispensers, funnels, and items intended to encourage rapid or excessive consumption are prohibited.
• Alcohol may not be sold, shared with minors, or distributed to other passengers.
• Alcohol consumption must remain moderate and may not interfere with the safety, comfort, or enjoyment of other guests.
• The Captain or crew may limit, suspend, or prohibit alcohol consumption at any time.
• The Operator may prohibit alcohol on specific tours, dates, departures, or special events.
Passengers may not board while visibly impaired or intoxicated.
Passenger Conduct
All passengers must behave in a safe, respectful, and orderly manner and must follow all instructions given by the Captain and crew.
The Captain may deny boarding, restrict alcohol consumption, require a passenger to stop certain conduct, return the vessel to the dock, or terminate a passenger’s participation when the Captain reasonably believes that a person is intoxicated or impaired, acting aggressively or unsafely, harassing the crew or other passengers, interfering with vessel operations, creating a danger to themselves or others, using illegal substances, providing alcohol to a minor, or refusing to follow instructions.
No refund or credit will be provided when boarding is denied or a tour is shortened or terminated because of a passenger’s intoxication, misconduct, prohibited items, or failure to follow safety instructions.
Digital Waivers
Before boarding, guests are asked to review and accept a digital waiver as part of the WaveRez booking process. This is presented electronically prior to your tour. If you have questions about waiver terms before booking, please contact us.