Ask Slow Boat
Ask Slow Boat
Cancellation Policy
We understand plans change. Here's everything you need to know about cancellations and refunds.
Last updated: January 15, 2025
Important: SlowBoat Acts as an Intermediary
SlowBoat is a travel discovery platform that connects you with booking partners like GetYourGuide and Klook. All bookings are processed through our partner platforms, and their cancellation policies govern your booking.
The information below provides general guidance. Always check the specific cancellation terms shown on the experience page before booking and refer to your booking confirmation for the exact policy that applies to your reservation.
Types of Cancellation Policies
Different experiences have different cancellation terms. Here are the common policy types you'll encounter.
Free Cancellation
Most experiences offer free cancellation within a specified window before the activity date.
Partner Guidelines
- Full refund if cancelled within the free cancellation window
- Cancellation window varies by experience type and provider
- Refund processed according to partner timeline (typically 5-14 business days)
Partial Refund
Some experiences offer partial refunds for late cancellations or specific circumstances.
Partner Guidelines
- Typically 50% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of activity
- Multi-day tours may have graduated refund scales (e.g., 75% at 7 days, 50% at 3 days)
- Always check the specific experience page for exact terms
Non-Refundable
Certain experiences, tickets, and special events are non-refundable once booked.
Partner Guidelines
- Clearly marked on the experience page BEFORE you book
- May be transferable to another date (date change fees may apply)
- Strongly recommend travel insurance for non-refundable bookings
- Some providers offer credit vouchers instead of refunds
How to Cancel Your Booking
Since bookings are processed through our partner platforms, you'll need to cancel directly with the platform where you completed your booking. Here's how:
GetYourGuide Bookings
- 1Visit GetYourGuide.com and log into your account
- 2Go to "My Bookings" and find your reservation
- 3Click "Cancel Booking" and follow the prompts
- 4Receive confirmation email with refund details
For issues, contact GetYourGuide support directly
Visit Help CenterKlook Bookings
- 1Open the Klook app or visit Klook.com
- 2Navigate to "My Bookings" section
- 3Select the booking and tap "Cancel"
- 4Confirm cancellation and check refund status
These steps apply to bookings made on Klook's own site or app. Klook activities booked directly on Slow Boat (instant confirmation, voucher delivered on your Slow Boat order page) are cancelled from your Slow Boat order page instead.
Visit Help CenterNeed Help Finding Your Booking?
If you booked through SlowBoat but can't locate your reservation on the partner platform, or if you have questions about which platform processed your booking, our support team can help you.
Refund Timeline by Payment Method
Refund processing involves two stages: partner processing (GetYourGuide/Klook) and bank/payment provider processing. Total time varies by payment method.
Partner Processing
Time for GetYourGuide, Klook, or other partner to initiate the refund
Bank Processing
Time for your bank or payment provider to credit your account
| Payment Method | Partner Processing | Bank Processing | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Credit/Debit Card Varies by card issuer and country | 1-3 business days | 5-10 business days | 6-13 business days |
PayPal Fastest option for most refunds | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days | 2-6 business days |
Bank Transfer International transfers may take longer | 3-5 business days | 3-7 business days | 6-12 business days |
Alipay / WeChat Pay Processing times vary by region | 1-3 business days | 1-5 business days | 2-8 business days |
Apple Pay / Google Pay Same as underlying card issuer | 1-3 business days | 5-10 business days | 6-13 business days |
Exceptions & Special Cases
Not all cancellations follow standard policies. Here's how special circumstances are typically handled.
Provider Cancellations
When the tour operator cancels your booking
- Full refund automatically processed if provider cancels
- You may be offered an alternative date or experience
- Refund initiated by the partner platform within 24-48 hours
- No action required from you; watch for email confirmation
Weather & Force Majeure
Cancellations due to weather, natural disasters, or extraordinary circumstances
- Outdoor activities may be cancelled for safety reasons
- Full refund or rebooking typically offered for weather cancellations
- Force majeure events (pandemics, political unrest) handled case-by-case
- Travel insurance recommended for comprehensive protection
- Check partner platform for specific force majeure policies
Medical Emergencies
Unable to travel due to illness or medical reasons
- Medical certificate may be required for refund consideration
- Contact partner support immediately with documentation
- Compassionate refunds evaluated on a case-by-case basis
- Travel insurance with medical coverage strongly recommended
- Some providers offer credit vouchers for future bookings
Multi-Day Tours
Extended tours with accommodation and multiple activities
- Longer cancellation windows typically required (7-30 days)
- Graduated refund scales based on days before departure
- Non-refundable deposits common (10-25% of total)
- Early booking discounts may affect refund amounts
- Review specific tour terms before booking
Group Bookings
Bookings for large groups or private tours
- May have different cancellation terms than individual bookings
- Minimum participant requirements may affect partial cancellations
- Custom terms often negotiated for large groups
- Contact provider directly for group booking modifications
Date Changes
Changing your booking to a different date instead of cancelling
- Often available as an alternative to cancellation
- Date change fees may apply depending on provider
- Subject to availability on the new date
- Price difference may apply if rates have changed
- Usually easier than cancelling and rebooking
Important Reminders
Always Check Before Booking
Review the cancellation policy displayed on the experience page before completing your booking. Different experiences from the same provider may have different policies.
Save Your Confirmation
Keep your booking confirmation email. It contains your booking reference, the specific cancellation terms that apply, and links to manage your reservation.
No-Shows Are Not Refundable
If you don't show up for your booked experience without cancelling beforehand, you will not be eligible for a refund. Always cancel through the proper channels if you can't attend.
Consider Travel Insurance
For non-refundable bookings or expensive trips, travel insurance can provide protection against unforeseen circumstances like illness, accidents, or travel disruptions.
Time Zones Matter
Cancellation deadlines are typically based on the local time of the experience. A "24-hour cancellation window" means 24 hours before the activity start time in the destination's time zone.
Have Questions?
Our support team is here to help with any cancellation or refund questions. For booking-specific issues, please contact the partner platform directly.
Partner Support Links: