top of page

Terms & Conditions and Operating Policies

​

Welcome to Roots Kayak Rentals & Tours (RNAAT No. 492/2021). We operate directly from the pristine tidal waters of Praia dos Cavacos, Olhão. By booking a kayak rental or guided tour with us, you agree to the following legally binding terms, conditions, and operating policies.

 

1. Booking, Payment, and Check-In

  • Reservations: All bookings must be completed in advance through our online platform or authorized booking partners. Full payment is required at the time of reservation to secure your equipment or tour slots.

  • Arrival Time: Participants must arrive at our designated meeting point at Praia dos Cavacos exactly 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

  • Late Arrivals: Tours and rental slots operate on strict schedules linked to specific tidal windows. Late arrivals constitute a no-show, and the booking will be canceled without a refund.

 

2. Cancellation and Refund Policy

  • Customer Cancellations:

    • Cancellations made up to 48 hours before the scheduled start time of the activity will receive a 100% full refund.

    • Cancellations made within 48 hours of the activity's start time, or no-shows, are strictly non-refundable.

  • Operator Cancellations (Weather & Tidal Conditions): Kayaking in the Ria Formosa is heavily dependent on weather, wind speed, and low/high tide schedules. Roots Kayak Rentals & Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour or rental at any time if conditions are deemed unsafe or unnavigable by our staff or the Portuguese Maritime Authority (Autoridade Marítima Nacional).

    • In the event of an operator cancellation, customers will be offered the choice of rescheduling to an alternative date/time or receiving a 100% full refund.

    • Roots Kayak Rentals & Tours is not responsible for any peripheral expenses (e.g., travel, accommodation) incurred by the customer due to a canceled activity.

 

3. Safety, Health, and Conduct Regulations

  • Swimming Ability: All participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in open, tidal waters.

  • Safety Equipment: The use of provided buoyancy aids (life jackets) is strictly mandatory for the entire duration of the activity on the water. [1]

  • Alcohol and Drugs: Anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs judgment or physical capability will be barred from the activity immediately. No refunds will be issued.

  • Guide Authority: For all guided tours, participants must strictly follow the route, safety protocols, and instructions given by the tour guide. Failure to do so may result in immediate termination of your activity without a refund.

  • Medical Conditions: Participants must inform staff before the activity of any medical conditions, physical limitations, or pregnancies that could affect their safety on the water.

 

4. Equipment Rental and Liability

  • Equipment Care: Rental customers are fully responsible for the kayak, paddles, life jackets, and waterproof bags provided to them.

  • Damage and Loss Fees: In the event of negligent damage, destruction, or loss of equipment, the customer agrees to pay standard industry replacement fees:

    • Single Kayak: €750

    • Double Kayak: €850

    • Paddle: €45

    • Life Jacket / Dry Bag: €35

  • Personal Belongings: We assume zero liability for the loss, water damage, or theft of personal belongings (such as phones, cameras, sunglasses, or wallets) taken onto the water, even if stored inside our provided dry bags.

 

5. Environmental Protection & Ria Formosa Regulations

  • Eco-Conduct: Praia dos Cavacos is situated in a highly protected eco-zone within the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Littering, polluting, or disturbing the local wildlife—including native seahorses, sea cucumbers, and migratory birds—is strictly prohibited.

  • Navigation & Low Tide Caution: The Ria Formosa is a tidal lagoon. Rental customers must strictly adhere to the designated navigation channels provided by our staff during the safety briefing to avoid getting stranded in shallow mudflats during low tide.

  • Island Landings: When landing on barrier islands (such as Armona, Culatra, or Fuseta), kayaks must be safely secured above the high-tide line and must not block local fishing vessel pathways or ferry routes.

 

6. Insurance and Legal Disputes

  • Mandatory Insurance: In accordance with Portuguese law for licensed maritime-tourism operators (Animação Turística), Roots Kayak Rentals & Tours maintains valid Personal Accident Insurance (Seguro de Accidentes Pessoais) and Public Liability Insurance (Seguro de Responsabilidade Civil).

  • Consumer Disputes: In the event of a legal dispute, under Portuguese Law No. 144/2015, the consumer may resort to an Alternative Dispute Resolution entity. The competent authority for our region is the Centro de Informação, Mediação e Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo do Algarve (CIMAAL).

    • Address: Avª. 5 de Outubro, nº. 55, R/C Dtº. 8000-075 Faro, Portugal

    • Website: consumoalgarve.pt

bottom of page