Policies

Who Can Go

Almost anyone in reasonable physical condition. Our minimum age is 7, except where noted otherwise, and there is no maximum age … you be the judge. We have had many folks in their 70’s join us and later claimed it was the best experience of their lives. Our rivers range in difficulty from Class 2 to Class 5 (see the Scale of River Difficulty on the Rivers page) and we have a program to suit just about everyone. Many people start out easy, gradually upgrading to the more difficult rivers, while some go for Class 4 the first time out. You do not need to be a great swimmer, as life-jackets are worn at all times while on the rafts. No previous whitewater experience is required on any of our trips.

Note: Due to the maximum floatation restrictions of our US Coast Guard approved life-jackets, persons weighing more than 260 pounds and/or having a chest size larger than 52 inches, should contact our office before making reservations.

Reservations

On-line, phone and mail reservations are acceptable. We suggest choosing a trip, suitable dates, and then calling our office to see if space is available. Some trips are filled 12 months in advance, while others have space available up to 1 day before the trip. When you reserve space, we hold your reservation for a period of 10 days. If we haven’t received your deposits by that time, we reserve the right to consider your reservations canceled.

Deposits & Payments

For all 2 and 3-day trips in California we require a $100.00 deposit per person to hold your date, with the full balance due 60 days prior to trip departure. For all 1/2 and 1-day trips, we require full payment within 7 days after your reservation. In cases where reservations are made within 45 days of the trip, full payment is required.

Cancellations & Refunds

  1. Transfer Fees…if you must change the original date of your trip after we have processed your reservation, there will be a $15.00 processing fee assessed per person, up to a total of $60.00 per reservation.
  2. Cancellation fees…a cancellation fee of $25.00 per person is the only fee assessed for cancellations made within 30 days of a trip that is not fully booked. If the trip is full, our General Policy below will apply.
  3. General Cancellation Policy… please understand that when we take your reservation, we MAY BE subsequently turning others away from your trip date:
  4. Note: We reserve the right to cancel any trip at any time due to unsafe weather conditions, unsafe water levels, or insufficient bookings. Any guests cancelled by Zephyr will receive a full refund or a mutually agreed trip date rechedule.

If you cancel from a fully booked trip

If you cancel 60 days or more before your trip, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel 31-59 days before your trip, you will receive a 50% refund at a minimum, and if either you or we can re-fill your cancelled spaces, you will receive a 100% refund. If you cancel 30 days or less prior to your trip, no refund will be given unless you or we can re-fill your cancelled spaces, in which case you will receive a 100% refund, less the $25.00 per person processing fee. However, no refunds will be given for trips cancelled within 48 hours of the trip date, for late arrivals, or for no shows.

If you cancel from a trip that is not fully booked

You will receive a full refund regardless of whether your cancelled spaces can be re-filled or not, less the $25.00 per person processing fee. However, no refunds will be given for trips cancelled within 48 hours of the trip date.

CREDIT CARD CANCELLATIONS will be refunded less a 3% fee that is charged to us when we initially run your card.

Family Rates

Members of a family aged 7 to 17 years old will receive discounts on most trips. These discounts are listed on each individual trip page. In addition, we offer a special 35% family discount where each child, when accompanied by a full paying adult, rafts for 35% of the adult rate. This special discount is for the Kings river only, and applies to 1-day trips starting Monday through Friday, and 2-day trips starting Monday through Thursday. Sorry, but the 35% special does not apply to our 1/2 day trips. See our family trips page for more details.

Insurance

Zephyr, in cooperation with Travelers Insurance Company, offers low-cost travel insurance which provides accident, baggage. and in most cases trip cancellation protection. An insurance packet is normally sent out when you make your reservation, or you can request one from our office.

Responsibility

Since 1973, Zephyr has maintained an excellent safety record. However, river trips do involve risk, accidents can occur, and baggage can be lost. We assume no responsibility for injury to trip members, loss of personal baggage, damage to cameras or other equipment, or loss of time or expense incurred. All trip members are required to sign a liability release and assumption of risk form prior to trip departure.

Here to Help

We’re here to help!

Our friendly office staff are ready to answer any questions and help you book your next adventure!

209-532-6249