Zodiac Tour Policy

This Zodiac Tour Policy outlines the standards, procedures, and expectations for all Zodiac Tours operated by Liverpool Adventure Outfitters (LAO). The policy is designed to ensure guest safety, high-quality experiences, environmental stewardship, and consistent operations.

This policy applies to:

• All LAO Zodiac Tours (including custom charters).
• All LAO staff, Guides & Captains.
• All guests participating in LAO Zodiac Tours.

GENERAL 
Our tours require a minimum of 3 people for the Zodiac to depart.

Tours are 2 to 2.5 hours in duration.

Tour departs from the Liverpool area.

ZODIAC UP AND AT 'EM TOUR
Departs at 9:30 AM

ZODIAC SUNSET TOUR
June Tours depart @ 6:15 PM
July Tours depart @ 7:00 PM
​August Tours depart @ 6:30 PM
September Tours depart @ 6:15 PM

Alternative launching locations and times (custom tours) are planned and communicated with guests upon registration.
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Generally, Nova Scotia summers have mild temperatures, with warm days and cool nights. The sea air can make even the warmest summer days feel mild or cool.
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Warm clothing is always a good idea; dressing in layers or bringing along some warm clothing is welcomed and ideal for you to be most comfortable.  

All guests are advised to dress for all weather conditions and are welcome to bring one bag for any additional clothing or items they may require (sweater, rain gear, hats, medical items, etc.)

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY

Zodiac Tours Minimum Age:
Children must be 6 years +

• Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Participants under 19 years of age must have parent/guardian consent.

All Tours

• Swimming Ability: All participants must be comfortable in and around water.
• Physical Condition: Participants must disclose relevant medical conditions, injuries, or limitations prior to the tour.
• Intoxication: Guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate.
• LAO reserves the right to refuse participation if a guest’s condition poses a safety risk.

WAIVERS & DOCUMENTATION

• All participants must complete and sign LAO’s waiver, release of liability and policy prior to the tour.
• Minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
• Emergency contact information is required for all participants.

EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

• LAO provides properly maintained vessel and safety equipment.
• Transport Canada–approved personal flotation devices (PFDs), worn at all times on the water.

Please note there are no toilet facilities on the Zodiac. 

GUEST EQUIPMENT

• Guests may bring one personal bag aboard the Zodiac for extra clothing, medical needs, etc.
• Alcohol is NOT permitted

LAO STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• All LAO Captains, guides and staff are certified and trained to the standards of Transport Canada and Liverpool Adventure Outfitters.

Captains are responsible for:

• Pre-trip safety briefings.
• Route planning and risk assessment.
• Monitoring weather, tides, and sea state.
• Group management and decision-making.
• Emergency response and incident reporting.

Captain decisions related to safety are final.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

• Mandatory pre-trip safety briefing covering vessel safety, communication, hazards, and emergency procedures.
• Captains carry safety and communication equipment appropriate to the tour.
• PFDs will be worn for the duration of the tour.

WEATHER, TIDE & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

LAO reserves the right to:

• Modify routes.
• Delay start times.
• Cancel tours when conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Safety decisions related to environmental conditions are non-negotiable.

All tours are subject to weather, wind, tides, and sea conditions.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 

• LAO is committed to responsible outdoor recreation:
• Follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances.
• Avoid sensitive habitats and nesting areas.
• Pack out all garbage.

GUEST CONDUCT

• Participants are expected to:
• Follow Captain’s instructions at all times.
• Treat fellow guests, staff, and the environment with respect.
• Use equipment responsibly.
• Guests who fail to comply may be removed from the tour without refund.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

• LAO Tours & Clinics operate "rain or shine".
• Cancellations received up to 48 hours before your tour/clinic/rental reservation will receive a refund of the full amount paid.
• ​Cancellations received within 48 hours of your tour/clinic/rental reservation will receive a credit of the value of the tour to be used during the same operating season.
• If no notice of cancellation is given, credit will be issued.

INCIDENT & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

• All incidents, injuries, or near-misses must be reported to Captain/Guide/staff.
• Captain/Guide/staff complete an incident report as soon as practical following the event.
• Emergency services will be contacted when necessary.

PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA

• LAO may capture photos or videos during tours for promotional use.
• Guests who do not wish to appear in media must inform staff prior to the tour.

Please be advised that taking a Zodiac tour is at your own risk. 

POLICY REVIEW & UPDATES

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as required to reflect operational changes, regulatory updates, or best practices.

Liverpool Adventure Outfitters is committed to safe, memorable, and responsible Zodiac Adventures.