We understand that travel plans can change. Our modification and cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both our guests and our local partners, as many of our tours have limited availability, require advance planning, and include prepaid entrance fees and reserved services.
Please review the policy that applies to your reservation below. Your policy can also be found on your booking confirmation.
Standard Cancellation Policy
For most tours and services offered by Natives Way Costa Rica:
| Modification or Cancellation Time | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 48 hours or more before the tour start time | No Penalty (Full Refund) |
| 0–48 hours before the tour start time | 100% Penalty (No Refund) |
Cancellation deadlines are calculated based on your scheduled tour start time.
Cancellation Policy for Groups of 10 or More Guests
Group reservations require additional planning and reserved resources. The following policy applies to bookings for 10 or more guests:
| Modification or Cancellation Time | Penalty |
| 7 days or more before the tour start time | No Penalty (Full Refund) |
| 2–7 days before the tour start time | 50% Penalty |
| 0–48 hours before the tour start time | 100% Penalty (No Refund) |
Cancellation Policy for Private Cruises & Fishing Charters
Many private cruises, fishing charters, and exclusive charter experiences require significant advance planning and vendor commitments. The following cancellation policy applies unless otherwise stated on your booking confirmation:
| Modification or Cancellation Time | Refund Eligibility |
| 14 days or more before the tour start time | Full Refund or Credit |
| Less than 14 days before the tour start time | No Refund |
| No-Show | 100% Charge (No Refund) |
If Natives Way or the tour operator cancels your private cruise or fishing charter due to weather, safety concerns, or other unforeseen operational circumstances, you will receive a full refund or the option to receive a credit toward a future booking.
To cancel or inquire about your reservation, please contact us by phone as soon as possible.
If Natives Way Cancels Your Tour
Your safety and enjoyment are our highest priorities.
If Natives Way must cancel your tour due to:
- Minimum participant requirements not being met
- Unsafe weather conditions
- Safety concerns
- Other unforeseen operational circumstances
you will be offered one of the following options:
- A full refund
- The opportunity to reschedule your tour
- An alternative tour or experience, when available
How to Cancel Your Reservation
If you need to cancel your reservation, please contact us as soon as possible by:
Submit a cancellation request with the following form: SUBMIT A TICKET
Please have your booking confirmation number available so we can assist you more quickly.
Can I Reschedule Instead?
Whenever possible, we're happy to help you move your reservation to another available date. In many cases a rebook fee is calculated, but not guaranteed.
Rescheduling requests are subject to availability and must be made before the applicable cancellation deadline. Requests made after the cancellation deadline may not be eligible for a complimentary change and may require a new reservation or rebook fee.
Submit a modification request with the following form: SUBMIT A TICKET
Why Do We Have a Cancellation Policy?
Many of our tours require us to make commitments well before your tour date, including:
- Reserving limited tour spaces
- Scheduling certified guides and drivers
- Coordinating transportation
- Prepaying national park entrance fees
- Confirming services with local vendors and partners
When a reservation is canceled at the last minute, it is often impossible to fill the reserved space, and many of these costs cannot be recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to cancel because of an emergency?
Please contact us as soon as possible. While our cancellation policies apply to all reservations, we will review exceptional circumstances and do our best to assist whenever possible.
What happens if I don't show up?
Guests who fail to arrive for their scheduled tour or pickup without prior notice will be considered a no-show and will be charged according to the applicable cancellation policy.
What if I'm running late?
If you think you may be late, contact us immediately. While we cannot guarantee accommodations, we will do our best to help whenever possible.
Does rain automatically cancel my tour?
No. Costa Rica has a tropical climate, and many tours operate rain or shine. Tours are only canceled when weather or safety conditions make it unsafe to operate.
Need Help?
If you have questions about our cancellation policy or your reservation, our team is happy to help. Please have your reservation number available when contacting us so we can assist you as quickly as possible.