Cancellation and Refund Policy

Policy

Effective 2026-05-08

We want your cave tour experience to be smooth from booking to arrival. This Cancellation and Refund Policy explains how changes, cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds are handled for tour reservations. Because cave tours require advance planning, staffing, and safety coordination, these terms help us stay fair to both our guests and our team.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

At Tenn Tours, we understand that plans can change. We aim to keep our cancellation policy fair to both our guests and our team, while maintaining safe and well-organized cave tour operations.

1. Booking and Payment:
Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise stated.
Your reservation is confirmed once payment has been successfully processed and you receive a confirmation email.

2. Guest Cancellations:
If you cancel:

- 7 or more days before your tour: you will receive a full refund.
- 3 to 6 days before your tour: you will receive a 50% refund.
- Less than 72 hours before your tour: no refund will be issued.

If you are unable to attend, you may request to reschedule instead of canceling. Reschedule requests are subject to availability.

3. Same-Day Cancellations and No-Shows:
Guests who do not arrive for their scheduled tour, arrive too late to participate, or leave voluntarily after the tour begins are considered no-shows and are not eligible for a refund.

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

4. Operator Cancellations:
Your safety is our top priority. We may cancel or delay a tour due to:

- unsafe weather conditions
- cave or trail hazards
- flooding or environmental conditions
- guide illness or operational issues
- insufficient minimum group size, if applicable

If we cancel your tour, you will be offered either:
- a full refund, or
- the option to reschedule for another available date

5. Weather and Safety Policy:
Tours operate in many normal outdoor weather conditions. Light rain, cold temperatures, or muddy conditions do not automatically qualify for a refund.

However, if conditions are unsafe in our judgment, we may reschedule or cancel the tour and offer a full refund or rebooking option.

6. Late Arrivals:
Tours depart on time. If you arrive late and miss your scheduled departure, we cannot guarantee participation, rescheduling, or a refund.

7. Medical, Fitness, and Safety Restrictions:
Participants are responsible for reviewing the physical requirements of recreational caving before booking. If a guest is unable to participate because they do not meet minimum safety, age, weight, mobility, or equipment requirements, refunds are not guaranteed.

If you are unsure whether a tour is appropriate for you, please contact us before booking.

8. Private Tours and Group Bookings:
Private tours, school groups, and custom group reservations may be subject to separate cancellation terms stated at the time of booking. If separate terms apply, those terms will govern the reservation.

9. Refund Processing Time:
Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method. Please allow 5 to 10 business days for the refund to appear on your account, depending on your bank or card issuer.

10. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes:
If you have any issue with your booking, please contact us first at info@tenntours.com. We are happy to work with you to resolve booking concerns quickly.

By completing a booking, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to this Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Waiver

Liability Waiver

Effective 2026-05-08

Your safety is very important to us. Because cave tours involve natural terrain, physical activity, changing environmental conditions, and inherent outdoor risks, all participants are required to review and agree to this Liability Waiver before joining a tour. This waiver explains the risks associated with participation and outlines the responsibilities of each guest so we can provide a safe and well-prepared experience for everyone.

Under Tennessee Law, an adventure tourism professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in adventure tourism activities resulting from the inherent risks of such activities, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, title 11, chapter 11.

The State of Tennessee is held harmless for any act of approval of an adventure tourism business. State approval is limited to determining eligibility for tax credits only.

Assumption of Risk:

Participants acknowledge and understand that participating in cave tours and caving activities is inherently dangerous and involves risks of serious injury, paralysis, or death. These risks include, but are not limited to, falls, rock falls, slippery or uneven surfaces, confined or dark spaces, disorientation, wildlife encounters, changing cave conditions, equipment failure, and other hazards associated with natural cave environments. Participants voluntarily assume all such risks.

Liability Release:

Participants (and on behalf of any minor children under their care) release Tennessee Tours, its owners, employees, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or connected with participation in any cave tour or caving activity, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Indemnification:

Participants agree to hold harmless and indemnify Tennessee Tours from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from their participation or the participation of any minor under their care.

Supervision Responsibility:

Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their children at all times during tours and activities, as staff cannot monitor all participants or areas continuously.

Validity and Statute of Limitations:

This agreement is valid for one (1) year from the date of signature. Any action against Tennessee Tours must be commenced within one (1) year from the date of injury, as provided by law.