Booking terms
Last updated November 6, 2026
These terms apply to safaris booked directly with River Safari - Bentota by STT, on WhatsApp or through our booking link.
Booking
- Choose your safari, group, day and start time on our website, or message us on WhatsApp.
- We check availability, the boat and river conditions, and confirm the details. Nothing is booked until we confirm.
- We then send you our booking link or a secure payment link.
- To book, pay 40% or the full amount. Your safari is confirmed once we receive your payment.
Prices and payment
- Prices are in US dollars and are the total for your private group, not per person.
- We count guests aged 5 and older. Children aged 0–4 are free, but they take a seat on the boat.
- If you paid 40%, the rest is paid on arrival.
Cancellations
- 72 hours or more before your safari: we refund 90% of what you paid. The other 10% covers transaction and handling fees.
- Less than 72 hours before: we keep 40% of the safari price and refund anything you paid above that.
- No-show: no refund.
Examples for a US$100 safari
| When you cancel | You paid | We refund |
|---|---|---|
| 72 hours or more before | US$100 | US$90 |
| 72 hours or more before | US$40 | US$36 |
| Less than 72 hours before | US$100 | US$60 |
| Less than 72 hours before | US$70 | US$30 |
| Less than 72 hours before | US$40 | US$0 |
| No-show | Any amount | US$0 |
| We cancel for weather and you choose a refund | US$100 | US$95 |
| We cancel for weather and you choose a refund | US$40 | US$38 |
Weather and river conditions
- Departures depend on the weather and safe river conditions. If conditions affect your trip, we’ll explain your options. We won’t confirm a departure until it’s safe.
- If we cancel because of the weather or river conditions, you can choose a new time at no extra cost, or a refund of what you paid minus a 5% transaction fee.
Hotel pickup and our office
- Signature includes free hotel pickup and drop-off within 4 km. We pick you up 5–15 minutes before your start time.
- You can also come to our office yourselves. For hotels farther away, come by your own transport, or ask us about transport for an extra fee, which we confirm before you book.
- Essential doesn’t include transport. Please come to our office in Bentota, next to Aida Gems & Jewellery.
Safety
- Life jackets for every guest, including child sizes, and a first-aid kit on every boat.
- Our guides are trained in boat safety. Please follow their instructions on board.
- We check the weather and the river before every trip and never go out when it isn’t safe.
- Insurance cover is subject to policy terms.
Wildlife
- Animals on the river are wild, so sightings vary and can’t be guaranteed.
Questions
Message us on WhatsApp or call +94 71 893 2155. We reply from 7 AM to 10 PM, Sri Lanka time.
Ask us on WhatsApp