COVID-19 Booking updates

Updated (11-Apr-23). Update / advice regarding Covid-19 & boarding procedures. While there have been many challenges since our restart in May 2022, we have been thrilled to get back to doing what we love best, sharing amazing diving adventures with our guests in some of the world’s greatest diving destinations. While it is clear we will all have to learn to live with Covid-19 we believe it is now time to update our Covid-19 boarding & onboard policy, bringing our procedures in line with those set by local & national government agencies of Indonesia (and many other countries).

Update / advice regarding Covid-19:

  • All crew members are checked at the start / end of each trip with an Antigen Test Kit (ATK). 
  • Prior to and during the early stages of your trip, we recommend all guests wear a mask, wash hands regularly, try to avoid too much contact with others, and practice sensible social distancing where possible. We strongly recommend that a suitable face mask is worn while inside airports & on the aircraft on your way to join our vessels.
  • Please test yourself with an Antigen Test Kit (ATK) before leaving home. If feeling unwell & testing positive then we strongly advise against travel. We therefore recommend that you check your travel insurance will cover for positive COVID-19 interrupting your travel plans.
  • We ask that all guests bring at least 1x home Antigen Test Kit (ATK) & test themselves upon arrival to Indonesia prior to boarding.
  • International guests boarding our vessels will be assumed vaccinated after checks carried out at departure & arrival airports. Domestic guests will be asked to show proof of vaccination upon arrival.
  • In the event of positive cases onboard individuals who are symptomatic, or asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19 will be kindly requested to exercise safe social distancing by minimising social interactions and avoiding crowded spaces onboard. When possible, we will provide a dedicated quarantine cabin for self-isolation.
  • In the event of severe, prolonged, worsening symptoms or emergencies our cruise leader & captain will be in charge. If evacuation to a local medical facility is required, any costs will be borne by the guest/ travel insurance.

COVID-19 Booking update:

  • We have now been back, operating our diving safaris in Indonesia for since May 2022, and it has been fantastic to once again be sharing diving adventures with our guests. With Indonesia now fully opened to vaccinated international travellers, we are entering the ’new normal,’ post-pandemic world, that we have all so longed for after such a long time away.
  • Our COVID-19 Booking assurance was offered during the pandemic for those unable to travel due to COVID-19 related flight / travel bans, or for whom insurance declined coverage for costs. This offer was made as at the time very few insurance companies would cover COVID-19 related travel disruption.
  • This is no longer the case as we now see many, if not most, travel insurance policies offering cover for COVID-19 related disruption. It is now much easier to purchase widely available travel insurance policies that include COVID-19 related disruption.
  • As per our Booking conditions travel insurance (along with diving insurance) is compulsory for all of our trips. Most travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 disruption cover. We ask that all guests joining us to ensure that their policy includes such coverage.
  • Should COVID-19 interrupt your travel plans or effect your trip, we will then be happy to support your insurance claim, with a letter confirming circumstances that led to that disruption.
  • Any outstanding Trip Credit* has been extended to be rescheduled on a trip before the end of 2023.  Note: *On another KM Blue Manta or New White Manta trip, valid until end of 2023, non-transferable, not to be combined with another offer, & subject to availability.  Special circumstances will be considered.

Insurance:

  • Both dive and travel insurance are compulsory for our trips. Our trips are NOT inclusive of any form of insurance. We strongly advise all guests to purchase both adequate dive insurance and travel insurance.

Dive Insurance:

  • Dive insurance is compulsory for our trips. Please check your travel insurance policy for your diving needs. If not covered then we recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) who provide comprehensive dive accident cover along with travel insurance via their travel assist plans.

Travel Insurance:

  • Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips. Our trips are not inclusive of any form of insurance. White Manta Diving cannot be held responsible for any trip disruption or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control or any flight / hotel expenses. This includes any costs related to COVID-19 issues, resulting in delay/ medical/ extraction/ quarantine/ or trip costs incurred due to potential positive testing / refusal of admittance to the country or your trip, before, during or after.
  • In the case of trip disruption or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control any compensation provided will be in the form of future trip credit ONLY.
  • Guests must abide by our COVID-19 onboard Safety General Guidelines and Protocols, our COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and the Health Protocols as set by the Government of Indonesia.
  • COVID-19; recommended reading (USD based Forbes): Avoid These Travel Insurance Mistakes For Your Post-Pandemic Vacation, or (UK based MoneySavingExpert): Travel Insurance & COVID-19 cover.
  • We strongly recommend all guests purchase adequate travel insurance, that covers COVID-19 related issues, before, during, or after your trip. We strongly advise you to purchase a plan that includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR). Companies with such a CFAR option include; D.A.N Travel insurance, April International, CAT 70, HTH Worldwide. Please check coverage details with your insurance provider carefully before purchasing.
  • Note: Any decision on cancellation / trip credit to be made no earlier than 60 days prior to departure.
  • Note: Anyone choosing simply not to travel due to fear of the outbreak is subject to normal cancellation terms.
  • Note: Until otherwise updated we will continue to request guests abide by our COVID-19 pre boarding testing requirements:

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask away. Contact us info@whitemanta.com, where we will be happy to help.