The process of setting up and operating workshops is complex.  In some cases deposits have to be made many months in advance to hold space and those are not refundable if we later release that space.  Sometimes a cancellation would result in a group not meeting minimum enrollment and the trip would have to operate at a loss or be canceled for the other participants (who may have already committed to airfare). We have to have some policies to protect our ability to put together and operate the workshops - and to protect those who are still in the group when someone leaves.

In the case of Alaska's Katmai there is a shortage of lodging and a very short season. Further, to conduct this adventure we need access to pilots and airplanes that have to be in perfect shape when we arrive. As with other Alaska operators, ours demand a substantial payment far in advance and do not offer refunds if a committed traveler has to withdraw for any reason. Hence some tougher terms than we like. Please understand that.

We strongly advise travel insurance.

• We will refund the initial deposit up to the point where we declare the adventure a go - minus a $500 handling fee. We will declare "a go" when we have 5 people under deposit.
• Those cancelling after we declare the adventure a go will forfeit everything they have paid. If we are able to fill that space, we will refund 50% of the trip cost, unless our costs are higher.
• If a cancellation causes the adventure to fall below the minimum count or five clients no refunds will occur unless someone else brings the count back over minimum.