Legal

Terms of Service

These terms apply when you book a private boat trip with Chifbay. Booking with us means you accept them. Last updated: August 2026.

Who we are

Chifbay is a licensed maritime tourism operator based at Marina do Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Vessel registration (Matrícula) 144363-3PT, insurance policy (Nº de Apólice) BR66385591. You can reach us at hello@chifbay.com or +351 937 200 320.

What you are booking

Every trip is private and includes a licensed skipper. You are booking a guided experience on our boat, not a bareboat rental — you never take charge of the vessel yourself.

  • The boat carries a maximum of five guests;
  • Departures are from Marina do Funchal unless we agree otherwise in writing;
  • The skipper decides the route on the day, based on sea state, wind and safety.

Bookings and payment

A booking is confirmed only once you receive a confirmation from us. Payments are handled by Stripe, our payment provider; we never see or store your full card details. Prices are per boat, not per person, and are shown before you pay.

Changes and cancellations

  • You cancel — tell us as early as you can. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before departure are refunded in full. Later than that, we may not be able to refund, because the slot is held for you alone.
  • We cancel for weather or safety — you are offered another date or a full refund. This is the skipper's call and it is final: the Atlantic decides, not us.
  • You do not show up — the trip is treated as taken and is not refunded.

Weather

Madeira's sea conditions change quickly. We may shorten, reroute or postpone a trip at any time if conditions demand it. Safety comes before the itinerary, always.

Wildlife

Dolphins, whales and turtles are wild animals. We go where they are usually seen and we keep a respectful distance, but we cannot guarantee any sighting. No refund is due if wildlife does not appear.

On board

  • Follow the skipper's instructions at all times;
  • Tell us in advance about medical conditions, reduced mobility, pregnancy, or if anyone in the group cannot swim;
  • Children are welcome and must be supervised by an adult at all times;
  • We may refuse boarding, without refund, to anyone who is intoxicated or behaving in a way that puts the group at risk.

Your belongings

Bring only what you need. We are not responsible for personal items that are lost, damaged or soaked on board.

Liability

We carry the insurance required of a licensed maritime tourism operator in Portugal. Nothing in these terms limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for anything else that cannot be limited by law. Beyond that, our liability is limited to the amount you paid for the trip.

Photos and video

We sometimes take photos or video on board and may use them to show what our trips are like. Tell the skipper if you would rather not appear, and we will respect that.

Your data

How we handle your personal data is set out in our Privacy Policy.

Law

These terms are governed by Portuguese law, and the courts of Madeira, Portugal have jurisdiction. If you are a consumer in the EU, you keep the protections of the law of your own country.

Changes to these terms

We may update these terms. The version published on this page at the time of your booking is the one that applies to it.

Contact

Any question about these terms? Write to hello@chifbay.com.