Ocean Calling Retreats, operated by Rocío Ruiz

Ocean Calling Retreats, operated by Rocío Ruiz, is a Swiss-based service offering bespoke travel coordination, itinerary design, retreat hosting, operational support, and consulting for retreat leaders. These Terms & Conditions govern all services, consultations, itineraries, and retreats provided. By booking with Ocean Calling Retreats, the participant accepts these Terms & Conditions in full.

1. General Information

These Terms & Conditions apply to all services offered by Ocean Calling Retreats, operated by Rocío Ruiz, including trip planning, itinerary creation, retreat hosting, operational coordination, consulting services, and participation in hosted group retreats.

By booking any service, consultation, itinerary, or retreat, participants confirm they have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

2. Nature of Services

Ocean Calling Retreats provides bespoke travel coordination, retreat hosting, itinerary design, operational guidance, and logistical support. The service acts as the organisational and operational link between participants and independently operating third-party providers.

Ocean Calling Retreats, operated by Rocío Ruiz, does not act as:
• a freediving instructor
• a scuba instructor
• a dive professional
• a medical advisor
• a safety supervisor
• a technical specialist

All ocean activities—freediving, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale encounters, boating, and any related training—are carried out exclusively by licensed professionals who retain full responsibility for safety, instruction, evaluations, and operational decisions.

3. Role of Ocean Calling Retreats

Ocean Calling Retreats coordinates travel logistics, communicates with trusted local partners, and supports participants throughout their journey. This includes organising schedules, providing guidance, facilitating communication, and ensuring a smooth program flow.

Ocean Calling Retreats does not supervise in-water activities, make safety decisions, assess skill levels, or evaluate participant medical fitness. All technical decisions are made solely by certified instructors or operators.

4. Third-Party Providers & Supplier Responsibility

Retreats and itineraries involve independent providers such as dive centres, freediving schools, transportation companies, boat operators, photographers, and accommodation partners. These businesses operate under their own licenses, policies, regulations, and insurance.

Ocean Calling Retreats is not responsible for:
• decisions or actions taken by third-party providers
• schedule changes, delays, or cancellations
• equipment issues
• injuries or service failures
• weather disruptions
• wildlife unpredictability

Any claims relating to third-party services must be addressed directly with the provider. Ocean Calling Retreats acts only as a coordinator when assisting with bookings.

5. Participant Age Requirements

Participants must be at least 18 years old to book or join any service.

Minors may participate only with:
• written consent from a parent or guardian
• a signed liability waiver
• proof of guardianship if requested

The guardian accepts full legal responsibility for the minor.

6. Medical Disclosure & Participant Responsibility

Participants must provide complete and truthful information about their health, medications, and physical or psychological conditions relevant to travel and ocean activities.

Ocean Calling Retreats:
• cannot verify medical claims
• is not responsible for undisclosed conditions
• cannot be held liable for aggravated medical issues
• cannot override decisions made by certified instructors

Participants accept full responsibility for consequences arising from incomplete medical disclosure. If a medical clearance is required by an operator, the participant must obtain it before joining.

7. Role of Certified Instructors

Certified instructors and operators retain full authority over safety, depth limits, technical supervision, training progression, equipment handling, and participation eligibility.

Ocean Calling Retreats is not responsible for:
• safety assessments
• refusal of service
• changes to depth or training progression
• activity cancellations for safety reasons

Participants must follow all instructions given by certified professionals.

8. Oceanscape 60-Minute Planning Session

The planning session provides expert travel guidance, destination insight, ocean considerations, and a high-level itinerary structure.

This session does not include:
• written itineraries
• partner selection
• booking services
• detailed logistics
• day-by-day planning

If the participant upgrades to a full itinerary design service, the cost of the planning session is deducted from the consultation fee.

9. Ocean Itinerary Design Consultation

This service includes a customised day-by-day itinerary with suggested partners, logistics, pacing, structure, and personalised adaptations.

Participants receive two revisions. Once approved, the itinerary is considered final.

Major changes—such as destination changes, added travellers, new schedules, or rebuilding the itinerary—require an additional fee.

10. Group & Family Itineraries

Group itineraries may involve differences in preferences, dietary needs, accessibility requirements, pacing, or comfort levels.

If all travellers follow the same route, dates, and accommodation style, the project counts as one itinerary.
If travellers require different airports, schedules, or accommodation types, a small per-person add-on applies.

11. Visas, Flights & Layovers

Ocean Calling Retreats provides guidance on visa considerations, passport validity, routing options, and layover feasibility.

Participants remain solely responsible for:
• obtaining visas
• ensuring documentation validity
• meeting immigration rules
• complying with airline requirements

Failure to meet entry requirements does not qualify for refunds.

12. Group Retreat Program Structure

Group retreats follow a fixed program to ensure safety, flow, and cohesion.

Participants understand that:
• the schedule may be adjusted due to weather or safety
• not all activities may be available each day
• pacing is set to support the group
• exploration days may not include structured meals or transport

Program adjustments do not qualify for refunds.

13. Accommodation & Facilities

Retreat accommodations are typically private island homes or boutique villas. Rooms are private; common areas are shared.

Participants may choose alternative accommodation, and retreat pricing will be adjusted accordingly.

Ocean Calling Retreats is not responsible for:
• power outages
• Wi-Fi interruptions
• temporary water shortages
• maintenance issues beyond our control

14. Meals & Food Arrangements

Some meals are included within the scheduled program; others are intentionally open so participants can choose their preferred dining options.

Breakfast essentials (such as fruits, eggs, bread, and coffee) are provided for shared preparation. A clear list of included meals is sent before arrival.

15. Wildlife, Photography & Activity Adjustments

Marine life sightings cannot be guaranteed. All wildlife interactions depend on ethical guidelines, conditions, and operator decisions.

Retreats include professional underwater photography. Final images are delivered after the retreat; delivery timelines vary.

Ocean Calling Retreats is not liable for:
• missed wildlife encounters
• weather interruptions
• equipment malfunction
• inability to complete a photoshoot due to conditions or comfort

16. Behaviour & Emotional Safety

Participants must behave respectfully toward the group, local culture, wildlife, and hosts.

Ocean Calling Retreats may remove a participant from an activity—or the entire retreat—without refund if their behaviour:
• creates safety risks
• disrupts group harmony
• violates cultural or environmental guidelines
• disregards professional instruction
• causes emotional distress within the group

17. Insurance

Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive insurance that may include:
• medical and emergency coverage
• freediving or scuba insurance
• evacuation
• trip cancellation
• delays
• lost luggage

Ocean Calling Retreats is not responsible for costs incurred due to lack of insurance.

18. Personal Belongings

Participants are responsible for their belongings. Ocean Calling Retreats is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

19. Cancellations & Refunds

All retreat bookings are final and non-refundable.
Refunds from third-party providers follow their own policies.

Ocean Calling Retreats does not refund:
• completed work
• planning time
• itinerary design
• missed activities due to late arrivals
• weather disruptions
• seasickness
• fear or discomfort
• inability to equalise or participate safely

20. Force Majeure

Ocean Calling Retreats is not liable for delays or changes caused by events outside our control, including natural disasters, severe weather, strikes, illness outbreaks, travel restrictions, or government regulations.

21. Privacy & Data Protection

Personal information is collected only to deliver services, ensure safety, and support retreat operations. Data is stored securely and never sold.

Participants may request data removal at any time.

22. Retreat Leader Collaboration & Payment Structure

For retreat leaders, Ocean Calling Retreats provides a tailored operational proposal outlining scope, responsibilities, communication flow, and pricing.

Most collaborations follow a retainer + milestone payment model.
Work begins once the agreement is signed and the initial retainer is received.

23. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Switzerland and apply to all services offered by Ocean Calling Retreats, operated by Rocío Ruiz. Any disputes shall be resolved under Swiss jurisdiction.

24. Acceptance of Terms

By booking any service, consultation, itinerary, or retreat with Ocean Calling Retreats, the participant confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

Terms & Conditions