Frequently asked questions

TideTribe is where you find and book ocean activities across the Philippines: island adventures, multi-day expeditions, private charters, water activities, diving, beach and castaway escapes, and other curated coastal trips.

Trips like these can be hard to find, compare and arrange on your own. We bring them together in one place, so you can see what’s on offer, what’s included and what it costs before you commit.

Here’s the short version: discover, choose, book, get ready, go explore.

1. Discover: browse by destination or by the kind of day you’re after.
2. Choose: open an activity and check the dates, what’s included, who’s hosting and the price.
3. Book: pick your date, add your details and complete the payment shown at checkout.
4. Get ready: you’ll receive your confirmation and the information for your trip.
5. Go explore: show up, hop on the boat and enjoy the ocean.

The exact steps can vary a little from one activity to another, so the activity page and your checkout always have the final say.

A bit of both, depending on the trip. Some activities are run by us, while others are operated by trusted local operators and expedition partners, and we look after the discovery, booking and coordination.

TideTribe doesn’t personally operate every activity on the site. Each activity page shows who is hosting it, so you always know who you’re going with. If it isn’t clear for a trip you like, ask us before you book.

Local boat operators, captains, guides, dive operators, expedition crews, accommodation providers and other activity providers.

On a partner-operated trip, the local operator brings the local knowledge, the crew, the equipment and the day-to-day know-how on the water. TideTribe handles the discovery and booking side and helps connect you with the right provider. Curious how we pick them? See how TideTribe chooses its operators.

Right now you’ll find six types of activity:

• Ocean tours
• Island adventures
• Private charters
• Water sports
• Diving trips
• Beach escapes

They range from short island adventures and water activities to private trips and multi-day expeditions.

Palawan is a big part of the story today, including Coron, El Nido, Port Barton and Balabac, and we’re adding more of the Philippine coast as we grow.

Destinations are growing, so check the destination pages and the activity listings for the latest trips.

Yes. Private charters and private activities are available, which is great if you want a boat, a route and a pace that’s just for your group. Browse Private charters to see what’s listed.

Availability, group size, itinerary and pricing depend on the individual activity, so check the listing for the details.

Yes. Our Coron to El Nido and El Nido to Coron expeditions are good examples: several days at sea, island to island. New routes get added over time, so keep an eye on the listings.

If you know where you want to go but can’t find the right trip, get in touch. We may already know a local operator who can help. Message us on WhatsApp or email explore@tidetribe.ph.

1. Choose an activity.
2. Select an available date.
3. Enter your booking details.
4. Review the trip, what’s included and not included, and the price.
5. Make the payment shown at checkout.
6. Receive your confirmation and information about the trip.

The exact process can vary between activities.

The dates you see are meant to show when a trip can be booked. Some activities may need the operator to confirm, and we can’t promise instant confirmation for every trip because it depends on the operator and the boat.

If anything about a date looks unclear, message us before you pay and we’ll check it for you.

You’ll receive a booking confirmation and the information you need for your trip. Depending on the activity, that can include:

• Meeting point and departure time
• Operator or crew contact
• What to bring
• Remaining payment information
• Pickup instructions
• Itinerary details

What you get depends on the trip.

Often, yes. Once your booking is confirmed you may receive the operator’s or trip contact, especially when you’ll need to coordinate directly about the meeting point, pickup or departure. It depends on the activity.

It varies by activity, so check the inclusions and exclusions on the activity page before you book. They can cover things like:

• Meals
• Accommodation
• Transfers
• Entrance and environmental fees
• Equipment
• Guide and crew
• Activities
• Permits

Environmental and site entrance fees are often paid separately. Our Payment Terms list indicative amounts for some destinations.

It depends on the trip. For trips booked through our checkout, you usually pay a deposit online to secure your spot, then settle the balance in cash (PHP) on the day of the trip, before departure. Our Payment Terms set the minimum deposit at 20%.

Some activities may work differently, for example with full payment or a different deposit. You’ll see what’s due before you confirm.

Your online payment is processed through Stripe Checkout. The balance is generally paid in cash (Philippine pesos) on the day, though it depends on the specific activity.

The payment options available are the ones you see at checkout.

Online payments are handled by Stripe, a third-party payment provider, so you enter your card details on Stripe’s checkout and TideTribe doesn’t store your full card details on our servers. You can read more in our Privacy Policy.

Because not every trip is the same. A multi-day expedition takes far more planning and upfront commitment than a short paddle, and operators have their own booking terms. A multi-day expedition, for example, may need a deposit to secure the booking.

The terms shown on the activity page apply to that booking.

Philippine pesos (PHP, ₱), unless a page says otherwise. Prices include applicable taxes unless stated.

It depends on the activity and the operator. Where we can, we’ll work with the operator to move you to another available date.

For trips under our standard Payment Terms, you can reschedule for free up to 7 days before departure (one free change per booking). Changes inside 7 days carry a 10% change fee based on the total trip cost, and extra changes may carry fees too. Availability and any difference in price may apply.

Yes, but the cancellation terms vary by activity and operator, and the policy that applies to your trip is shown with your booking information.

Under our standard Payment Terms, cancelling 14 or more days before departure returns 50% of your deposit (10% of the total trip cost). Inside 14 days, the deposit isn’t refundable.

It depends on who cancels and why:

• You cancel: your refund follows the cancellation terms of your activity and how close to departure you cancel.
• The operator cancels: we’ll work with you and the operator on the options. See the next question.
• Weather or safety cancels the trip: under our standard terms you’ll be offered a new date, or a deposit refund minus payment processing fees (up to 5%).

Refunds never include non-recoverable payment processing fees charged by payment providers.

We’ll work with the operator and with you to find the best available solution. Depending on the circumstances and your booking terms, that may be:

• Moving your booking to another date
• An alternative activity
• Travel credit
• A refund

We can’t promise the same outcome in every situation, but we’ll always walk you through what’s possible.

The ocean calls the shots, and safety comes first. If conditions aren’t safe, the operator may need to delay, change, shorten or cancel the trip.

If the weather makes it unsafe to travel, we’ll work with the operator to find the best option for you and keep you updated. See refunds for how weather cancellations are handled.

Yes. Island and ocean trips can be affected by:

• Wind
• Waves
• Storms
• Sea conditions
• Port restrictions
• Local safety instructions

Sometimes the route, timing or stops need to change for safety or operational reasons. It’s part of travelling by sea.

We can’t promise there’s no risk on the water, no one honestly can. We work with experienced local providers, and operators are responsible for running their activities safely and meeting the local requirements that apply.

Travellers play a part too: follow the crew’s instructions, and let the operator know about anything relevant before you go. Our Trip Terms cover this in more detail.

The packing list depends on your activity, but these usually help:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Swimwear and a towel
• Dry bag and waterproof phone protection
• Light clothing, hat and sunglasses
• Personal medication
• Some cash where appropriate

Your confirmation will tell you what to bring for your particular trip.

We look at things like:

• Experience and reputation
• The quality of the activity
• Safety practices and equipment
• Local knowledge
• Reliability and communication
• How well the operator suits the activity being offered

We don’t claim every operator holds the same licences or insurance. Where a licence or registration matters for an activity, we show the details supplied for that operator on their page.

Local crews know their waters, islands, communities and conditions better than anyone. Travelling with them means a more authentic trip, and it helps keep tourism income closer to the places where the activities happen.

Before you book, ask us. We can help you find and choose an activity. After you book, the operator is usually the best person for the day-to-day details like meeting points, pickup, departure arrangements and equipment.

And if you need more help at any point, we’re still here. Message us on WhatsApp.

We may work with trusted partner operators when needed, for example when a trip has limited availability or when a local provider is better placed to run it. You’ll receive the operator’s information and your booking details so you know who you’re travelling with.

That’s the idea. TideTribe aims to connect ocean travel with practical coastal restoration and community projects, such as mangrove restoration, agroforestry, coastal regeneration and community-led work.

Our aim is to fund this from TideTribe’s own revenue, and we’ll share the details as projects are confirmed.

Restore is our conservation and community initiative, focused on helping regenerate coastal environments and supporting the communities connected to them. Read more on the Restore page.

No. We aren’t adding a mandatory conservation charge to your booking.

Not yet. We’re exploring ways for travellers to make additional voluntary contributions towards specific projects in the future.

We believe tourism should create value beyond your trip. Where possible, that means supporting local operators, guides and crews, and wanting conservation projects to be led by, or developed with, the communities that live alongside these ecosystems.

As the programme develops, we’ll publish updates on our conservation contributions and the projects they support, so the impact is visible and accountable. You’ll find them on the Restore page.

We strongly recommend it, especially for ocean, diving, multi-day and adventure activities. Look for cover for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or delays, and your belongings. TideTribe doesn’t provide insurance.

It depends on the activity. Some activities are great for beginners, while others need stronger swimming ability or specific certifications. The activity page should tell you what’s required.

Age limits and suitability vary by activity. Some trips are a good fit for families, while others have a minimum age because of safety, equipment or the itinerary. Check the activity page, or ask us if you’re not sure.

Check the requirements for the activity you’re interested in, and tell the operator about anything relevant before you go. Diving and physically demanding activities can have extra medical requirements. We can’t give medical advice, so please check with your doctor if you’re unsure.

Departure times matter, especially for boats and multi-day expeditions. Aim to reach the meeting point early enough to check in and get settled.

If you’re running late, contact the operator as soon as you can. Missing a departure may not qualify for a refund.

• WhatsApp: +63 976 507 6100
• Email: explore@tidetribe.ph
• Social: Facebook and Instagram

Absolutely. If you’re unsure about a trip, route, date or anything else, get in touch before booking. We’d rather help you choose the right adventure than have you book the wrong one.