Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions 

Each guest travelling with HeliFish accepts the below listed terms and conditions.

Aircraft

• Aircraft tasked for tourism flights are allocated by HeliFish.
• Aircraft for charter flights may be selected by the client – subject to availability, task appropriateness and combined weights of passenger and luggage complying with aircraft specifications.

Booking Conditions

• All flights and tours run if bookings, weather, and numbers stack up.
• We need your info (full name, weight, bags) early.
• We’ll confirm your spot once paid—unless you’re already on our books for credit.
• Aircraft tasked for tourism flights are allocated by HeliFish.
• Aircraft for charter flights may be selected by the client – subject to availability, task appropriateness and combined weights of passenger and luggage complying with aircraft specifications. All charter flights are confirmed subject to availability and weather.
• All tours are confirmed subject to availability, weather and achieved booking minimums.
• Single passenger bookings are welcome however our products require a minimum number of passengers to proceed. Our reservations team will reach out to confirm availability within the shortest possible time after we receive your order. For instant confirmation please call the reservations team on 1800 88 3474.
• In accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority CAAP 235-1 (para.11) all passengers are required to provide full name, accurate weight and baggage details prior to their flight.
• Seat allocation for scheduled flights (non-exclusive) are decided based on weight and balance and at the discretion of the pilot or ground crew to ensure the safe carriage of all passengers.
• Reservations are held only when weights are received, and full payment is made – unless credit facilities have previously been arranged.
• Customers are responsible for the safe use and care of the fishing equipment provided during the tour. This includes but is not limited to rods, reels, lines, tackle, hooks, and other equipment issued to you.
• Customers are expected to treat all equipment with care and respect and follow instructions from your pilot or guide. If any fishing equipment is damaged during the tour due to misuse, negligence, or accidents caused by the customer, the customer will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Examples of damage includes, but is not limited to, broken rods or reels. Replacement costs will be charged at wholesale prices and are due at the conclusion of the tour.

Check-In

• HeliFish recommends arriving at your departure location no less than 30 minutes prior to flight.
• Upon check-in, passengers will receive a mandatory safety briefing.

Children and Infants

• Children 3 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own seat and are therefore required to pay the full ticket price.
• Children aged 3 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights.
• Children under the age of 3 are classified an infant and may travel free of charge.
• At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with infants as additional seating regulations apply.
• Under Australian regulations, an infant is a passenger who has not reached their 3rd birthday.
• Routinely one (1) infant under 3 years of age is permitted per flight and may travel free of charge when seated on the lap of a parent or guardian with a company-provided infant seat belt restraint.
  If travelling with more than one infant, please contact the HeliFish office.
• For infant luggage, prams and seat capsules, please refer to Luggage Allowance.

Conditions of Carriage

• Although all care is taken, HeliFish accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings, luggage or personal injury due to events beyond our control and will not be liable for additional expenses or inconvenience arising from, or incidental to, any delay in service.
• HeliFish works in conjunction with other tour operators and is not liable for other operator’s acts or omissions, whether negligent or otherwise. Travel and admissions will be subject to the conditions imposed by these operators, which may limit or exclude liability for personal injury or property damage.
  For terms and conditions of partnered tour operators, please refer to the relevant website.

Credit Cards

• Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
• The surcharge incurred is that set by the corresponding financial institution at the time of booking.
• Visa and MasterCard will incur a 1.5% surcharge. HeliFish does not accept AMEX.
• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in case of a refund.

Flight Cancellation by HeliFish

• Flights are subject to management and pilot discretion, weather, Air Traffic Control and availability.
• The decision of the pilot in command is final with regards to cancelling a flight due to inclement weather and/or the refusal of the passenger/s if the passenger/s are deemed unfit for flight.
• In the event of bad weather, providing there is availability, date changes are welcome or in the worst-case scenario, cancellations with full refund.

Flight Cancellation by Customer

• Flight cancellations require a minimum notification of 48 hours prior to departure.
• Cancellation notice of 48 hours is required for a full refund claim and 24 to 48 hours, for a 50% refund claim.
• No refund applies if a booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
• In the event of passenger illness, with medical certificate, HeliFish will reschedule the flight.
• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in case of a refund.

Flight Cancellation by ‘Other’ 

• HeliFish accepts no responsibility for any expenses incurred by a passenger because of any domestic or international flight delay, reschedules, alterations, poor weather or unscheduled maintenance.
• Where possible, HeliFish will attempt to delay the departure of flights providing it does not affect other passengers, products and connecting flights.
• Where a flight cannot be held, resulting in a private charter being required, the flight is subject to availability and will incur an additional cost.
• It is recommended that all passengers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

Flight Paths and Schedules

• HeliFish endeavours to deliver all flights as described on our website or other collateral.
• Due to pilot discretion, weather, Air Traffic Control, and other operational considerations beyond our control, flight paths and flight times may at times vary. For these reasons, HeliFish cannot guarantee exact arrival and departure times and will therefore not be liable for additional expenses arising from, or incidental to, any delay in service as outlined in our Conditions of Carriage.

Fuel Surcharge

• With fluctuations in world oil prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge to the ticket price. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure. No fuel surcharge is presently applicable.

Gift Vouchers

• To redeem, the gift voucher or voucher number is required upon booking and bookings are essential.
• Gift vouchers are non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash.
• The expiration date of all gift vouchers is three (3) years from the date printed. The flight must be booked and used within this timeframe.

Hotel Transfers

• Hotel transfers are not included nor offered. Passengers are to make their own way to Darwin Airport departure point for flights at 15-22 Lancaster Rd, Eaton NT.

Insurance

• HeliFish carries insurance for all operations undertaken including passenger liability insurance, as required by Australian Aviation Law.

Luggage Allowance

• Helicopters have a limited capacity for carrying luggage. For this reason, all passengers are restricted to a maximum allowance of 15kg per person (including hand luggage).
• Permission to carry additional luggage for infants is subject to the combined weight (passengers and luggage) being under aircraft specifications on the day of travel.
• Full-size prams do not fit in luggage compartments and capsules/child seats cannot be fitted in the helicopter.
• Due to the size and dimensions of helicopter cargo compartments, luggage is required to be packed into 1x carry on size case or soft duffle bag per person.
• Please note, excess luggage may be stored at the HeliFish office.

Office Hours

• The HeliFish office is open daily from 8.00am to 5.00pm

Passenger Refusal

• In accordance with Australian Aviation Law, HeliFish reserves the right to refuse any passenger who, in the opinion of the pilot in command, may provide a hazard to the flight or to the safety and comfort of other passengers.
• Passengers may be refused for reasons including, but not limited to, erratic, offensive or threatening behaviour; perceived intoxication; or implied risk to the safety of the flight.
• HeliFish supports the decision of its pilots and staff members who decide to refuse a passenger. In the event a passenger is refused, full charges may apply.

Passenger Weights

• Helicopters, as with all light aircraft, are subject to strict weight specifications by aircraft type.
• Accurate individual passenger weights and accompanying carry-on luggage must be advised upon booking.
• It is a legal requirement for all passengers and luggage to be weighed at the time of check-in. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee and/or luggage allowance may be further reduced.
• HeliFish operates a fleet of helicopters with individual specifications. The maximum single seat payload is 130kg. For passengers exceeding 130kg, aircraft seating four or more (4+) passengers are required for private charters and for listed tours and packages, an additional seat at 50% of the ticket price may need to be purchased for passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance.

Pregnant Passengers

• Pregnant passengers are welcome to enjoy all flights at their own discretion.
• HeliFish advises passengers to consult their doctor prior to making a reservation. Seatbelts must be worn at all times during the flight.

Prices

• Fares are listed per person, in Australian currency (AUD) and are inclusive of GST.
• All rates listed on the website are current year and valid 01 April to 31 March annually.

Refunds

• Cancellation notice of 48 hours is required for a full refund claim and 24-48 hours, for a 50% refund claim.
• No refund applies if the booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
• If passengers do not show for a pick-up or flight, a full 100% cancellation fee applies. If the flight is booked through a third-party website or agent, the third-party will be contacted and notified of applicable charges.
• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in case of a refund.

Safety

• The safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority, with no exception.
• The decision of the pilot in command is final regarding the carriage of luggage, seat allocation and whether a flight is to proceed during times of inclement weather.
• All passengers will receive a safety briefing prior departure.
• When flying over water all passengers must wear a life jacket for the duration of the flight.
• Strictly no smoking in or around the helicopter at any time.

Special Assistance

• At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with passengers requiring special assistance as additional seating regulations apply.
• Please note, collapsible wheelchairs can only be carried on select aircraft and due to workplace health and safety requirements, staff are unable to lift any passengers.
• In conjunction with a traveller needing special assistance 1 x Carer / Companion Card Holder is entitled to a 25% discount off the retail price of the desired product for all Direct Nautilus Products (excludes packages with third party suppliers). This must be a direct booking only. The discount does not apply to bookings via third parties including Travel Agents or other distribution partners.
• A Companion card cannot be used when associated with any other Discount / Campaign HeliFish may be running at the time.
• The card must be provided at time of booking and sighted on day of travel along with ID to verify Companion Card holder.

Pub Crawl Special Terms & Conditions

• Whilst we want you to enjoy the tour there are strict aviation regulations that apply to the carriage of disorderly or abusive passengers and those under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Should the situation arise where any passenger is deemed to pose a safety risk to the flight at any point of the tour, the pilot in command reserves the right to refuse travel to that passenger. In this event, no refund will be issued, and the passenger will be responsible for making their own arrangements to return to Darwin.

Other

• For further details, please contact [email protected] or phone +1800 88FISH (3474)

Drone Usage Guidelines

• As leaders in the tourism industry, we share a commitment to safety and exceptional customer experiences. This message highlights the importance of safe drone usage whilst helicopters are in operation, due to the significant risk to the safety of everyone involved. By working together, we can ensure the safety of our customers, pilots, and crew.

We Encourage you to:

• Educate yourselves on safe drone usage guidelines, particularly highlighting the importance of maintaining distance from helicopters.
• Maintain a safe distance: to remain compliant with CASA drone regulations, drones should not be operated at all whilst helicopters are staffed in the area and should be grounded until the helicopter has landed or cleared the area completely.
• Be aware of airspace restrictions: certain areas, particularly around airports and other sensitive locations, have designated no-fly zones for drones. Always check local regulations before operating a drone.
• Fly within visual line of sight: operators must always maintain a clear line of sight with their drone. This ensures they can react swiftly to any potential hazards.
• Communicate with air traffic control: in certain situations, it may be necessary to communicate your drone flight plan with air traffic control. Refer to local regulations for specific requirements.
• We understand that drone photography and videography can capture breathtaking aerial views, however safety must always be the top priority. By working together, we can ensure that the skies remain safe for everyone.