Travel Guidelines

1. Before You Travel

• Documentation: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Visa requirements vary—your concierge will advise.
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Aqualume journeys (see Section 10).
• Pre-Departure Pack: Review your personalized Pre-Departure Pack sent 30 days before travel. It contains all destination-specific requirements.
• Packing: We recommend reef-safe sunscreens only. A packing list will be provided for each journey type.
• Physical Fitness: Some experiences (glacier treks, deep dives) require minimum fitness levels. Confirm with your concierge.

2. Health & Vaccinations

• Consult your physician or travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure for destination-specific vaccination recommendations.
• Tropical destinations may require vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, and antimalarial prophylaxis.
• Disclose all relevant medical conditions to your concierge at booking—certain experiences have medical restrictions.
• Carry a personal medical kit including any prescription medications in original packaging with sufficient supply.
• Our team has emergency medical protocols in place for all destinations. Emergency contacts are included in your Pre-Departure Pack.

3. Wildlife Interaction Guidelines

Aqualume enforces strict wildlife interaction protocols to protect animals and ecosystems:

• Never touch or feed wild animals, including marine life, unless explicitly permitted by your guide.
• Maintain minimum approach distances: 10m for marine mammals, 5m for reef wildlife, 50m for nesting birds.
• Do not collect shells, coral, or any natural materials as souvenirs.
• Flash photography is prohibited for nocturnal animals and nesting birds.
• Follow all guide instructions regarding wildlife encounters immediately and without question—this is non-negotiable.
• Any wildlife interaction that harms or distresses an animal must be reported to your guide immediately.

4. Ocean & Water Guidelines

• Use only reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen (no oxybenzone or octinoxate).
• Do not stand on, touch, or collect coral—even dead coral.
• Stay within designated swim and dive zones. Currents can be unpredictable.
• All snorkeling and diving activities require guide-led briefings. Dive independently only with explicit permission.
• Bioluminescent bay experiences: no sunscreen, insect repellent, or chemical products in the water.
• Report any marine debris you encounter to your guide for proper collection.

5. Jungle & Forest Guidelines

• Stay on marked trails at all times unless accompanied by a certified guide.
• Do not disturb vegetation—leave everything as you find it.
• Wear long sleeves and insect repellent in forest environments.
• Carry a personal locator beacon on remote jungle treks (provided by Aqualume).
• Do not light fires outside of designated areas. No smoking in forest environments.
• All food and waste must be packed out—zero littering policy is enforced strictly.

6. Cultural Respect

• Research local customs, dress codes, and social norms before visiting communities.
• Ask permission before photographing local people—always.
• Purchase crafts and goods directly from local artisans where possible.
• Respect sacred sites and follow any access restrictions.
• Learn a few words in the local language—it goes a long way.
• Tipping is context-specific. Your Pre-Departure Pack includes tipping guidelines for each destination.

7. Photography Ethics

• Never disturb wildlife for the purpose of photography.
• No drone use without prior written permission from Aqualume and local authorities.
• Always ask for consent before photographing people, communities, or sacred spaces.
• Bioluminescent experiences: phone torches and bright lights are prohibited to preserve the natural phenomenon.
• Underwater flash photography around coral must be minimized to prevent bleaching stress.

8. Waste & Plastic Guidelines

• Single-use plastic is prohibited across all Aqualume properties and experiences. Reusable items are provided.
• Pack out all personal waste in remote locations. Leave No Trace principles apply at all times.
• All food and beverage packaging must be disposed of in designated containers only.
• Participate in destination clean-up activities where offered—our guests regularly contribute to beach and reef clean-ups.

9. Emergency Protocols

• Emergency contact numbers for your specific destination are provided in your Pre-Departure Pack.
• Your Aqualume concierge is available 24/7 during your journey at the number provided in your travel documents.
• In the event of a medical emergency, contact your guide first, then local emergency services, then Aqualume.
• All guides are trained in wilderness first aid and emergency response.
• Satellite communication devices are available for all remote expeditions.

10. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Aqualume journeys. Your policy must cover:

• Trip cancellation and curtailment
• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Emergency medical evacuation (minimum $500,000 coverage)
• Activity coverage for specific experiences (diving, trekking, etc.)
• Personal property loss and baggage delay

Proof of insurance must be provided at least 14 days before departure. We can recommend specialist eco-adventure travel insurers if needed—contact your concierge.