Terms & Conditions

1. Who we are

La Via Maldives ("we", "us", "our") is a Maldivian travel operator offering excursions, diving and liveaboard trips in the Maldives. These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website laviatravels.com (the "Site") and any enquiries or bookings you make through it, or via WhatsApp, email or other channels we provide.

By using the Site, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

2. What our site does

The Site is mainly an information and enquiry platform. Most bookings are finalised manually through WhatsApp, email or other direct communication. In some cases, you may be redirected to a third-party platform (for example for payments or additional booking management) which will have its own terms and conditions.

If there is any conflict between these Terms and the terms of a specific booking contract or third-party operator, the specific booking or operator terms will usually apply for that booking.

3. Eligibility

• You are at least 18 years old, or using the Site with the consent and supervision of a parent or guardian.
• You have legal capacity to enter into a binding contract.
• Any information you give us is true, accurate and complete.

4. Acceptable use

You agree that you will not:

• Use the Site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose.
• Attempt to interfere with or compromise the security or proper functioning of the Site.
• Scrape, copy or reuse our content for a competing service without our written permission.
• Upload or send content that is illegal, offensive, misleading or infringes the rights of others.

We may suspend or block access to the Site if we reasonably believe these Terms are being violated.

5. Information, pricing & availability

We aim to keep all information on the Site accurate and up to date. This includes trip descriptions, sample itineraries, indicative pricing and availability windows. However:

• Marine life is wild. Sightings of mantas, whale sharks, sharks and other animals can never be guaranteed.
• Itineraries may change at short notice due to weather, safety, currents or operational reasons.
• Prices and availability are always subject to confirmation at the time of booking.

We reserve the right to correct errors, update prices and modify or discontinue trips at any time.

6. Bookings, payments & cancellations

Exact booking, payment and cancellation terms will be shared with you when you make a reservation (for example by invoice, email or PDF). Those specific terms override this summary.

In general:

• A deposit is usually required to secure your place on a trip.
• The remaining balance is due by a date specified in your booking confirmation.
• Cancellation fees may apply depending on how close to departure you cancel.
• If we must cancel a trip for safety or operational reasons, we will offer a change of dates, an alternative trip or a refund as described in your specific booking conditions.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and diving insurance that covers medical issues, cancellations, missed flights and activities.

7. Third-party services & operators

We work with local partners such as hotels and guesthouses, liveaboard vessels, dive centres, boat operators and transport providers. These partners run their own operations and may have their own rules, waivers and liability limitations.

While we choose reputable and licensed operators, we are not responsible for their independent actions, omissions, equipment or separate terms and policies.

8. Health, safety & diving requirements

Many of our experiences involve physical activity and water-based environments. For diving and shark encounters in particular, you must:

• Be in suitable physical health for the activity.
• Hold the required certification level (for example Open Water, Advanced Open Water or higher, as specified).
• Follow all safety briefings and instructions from guides and dive leaders.

We or our partners may refuse participation if you do not meet safety or certification requirements, appear under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if conditions make an activity unsafe. No refund is normally given if you cannot participate because you did not meet stated requirements or refused to follow safety instructions.

9. Intellectual property

Unless otherwise stated, the Site and its contents (including text, photos, graphics, logos and layout) are owned by us or used with permission. You may view and print content for your personal, non-commercial use only.

You may not copy, reproduce, modify, distribute or publicly display any part of the Site for commercial purposes without our prior written consent.

10. Disclaimer & limitation of liability

The Site is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We do not guarantee that the Site will be error-free or uninterrupted, or that all content will always be complete and up to date.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential loss arising from your use of the Site or participation in trips. Our total liability for any direct loss is limited to the total amount you paid us for the booking related to the claim.

11. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, losses or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your use of the Site, your breach of these Terms or your violation of any law or third-party rights.

12. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we do, we will change the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. The updated Terms will apply from the date they are posted on the Site. By continuing to use the Site, you agree to the updated Terms.

13. Governing law & jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Maldives (unless a different jurisdiction is specified in your booking confirmation where required by law). Any disputes will be brought before the competent courts of the Maldives, unless mandatory law states otherwise.

14. Contact us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at hello@laviamaldives.com or WhatsApp / phone +960 755 7042.