What to Expect
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and America's oldest organization dedicated to ocean conservation, our motives are a little different than a typical travel company. Profits from our trips go directly into our global ocean research and conservation programs rather than to shareholders. We've been running expeditions since 1969, using travel as a direct source of conservation funding rather than just a way to see the world. Read more about our travel philosophy.
Every trip automatically supports our Expedition Impact Program, funded by Oceanic Society and our travel partners at no extra cost to you. On average, each traveler sponsors the removal of 200 lbs of ocean plastic, funds climate-resistant coral restoration, and contributes to the conservation grants we award annually. See your impact in detail.
Our travelers are curious, conservation-minded people who share a love of nature and wildlife. Groups include couples, solo travelers, friends, and small groups, with most travelers generally 50 and over. The large majority come from the United States, with a smaller share from Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Group sizes are small by design, usually between 12-15 people, depending on the vessel or accommodations. Keeping groups small helps create a more personal experience while also minimizing our impact on the places we visit.
Every trip includes at least one international naturalist who brings broad expertise in marine biology, conservation, and the natural world.
They are often joined by local experts with deep knowledge of the communities and ecosystems you're visiting
Many of our naturalists are conservation biologists, researchers, PADI Dive Masters, and photographers. We also bring in additional local experts when their knowledge adds depth to a particular destination, ecosystem, or activity.
Education and interpretation are an important part of the Oceanic Society experience. Throughout the expedition, naturalists share insights through informal conversations, wildlife observations, presentations, and discussions, giving travelers the opportunity to learn about the places they’re exploring and the conservation work taking place there.
Most of our travelers are 50 and over, though we welcome travelers of all ages. There is no age limit on our expeditions. What matters most is whether you’re comfortable with the physical demands of the trip. Travelers should be generally fit and able to walk independently, swim on their own when required, and manage activities with limited assistance.
On our family-friendly expeditions, the minimum age is 12.
Activity levels vary by expedition, but our trips are generally active rather than physically strenuous. We focus on immersive experiences while building in downtime to rest and enjoy your surroundings. Travelers can also choose whether to participate in individual activities based on their energy levels and preferences.
In general, travelers should be reasonably fit and able to walk independently, swim on their own when required, and participate in activities with limited assistance. Depending on the expedition, activities may include walking or hiking, navigating uneven terrain, climbing stairs, getting in and out of boats or vehicles, snorkeling, or spending time outdoors in warm or remote environments. Some activities may require stronger swimming ability, while others require only basic swimming competency.
We are never in a hurry, and guides are available to assist travelers when needed, especially with getting in and out of boats via a sturdy ladder.
If you have a specific concern about mobility, stamina, balance, or another physical consideration, please reach out to our travel team. We’re happy to talk through the itinerary honestly and help you determine whether a particular expedition is a good fit.
Our expeditions are primarily focused on snorkeling and exploring marine ecosystems from the surface, but we have the ability to offer diving on several itineraries. Travelers who wish to participate in scuba diving must already be dive certified. If you are interested in learning about which trips include diving experiences, please contact us(opens in new tab).
Even when scuba is available, our itineraries are designed around snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and a broader conservation experience rather than a dive-focused schedule. Depending on the destination, you may also have opportunities for hiking, birding, village and cultural visits, or kayaking
We always welcome solo travelers! A good portion of our travelers come on their own, and it's common to have more than one solo traveler on a given departure.
If you'd like to share accommodations, you can register as a single traveler and request a roommate match. You will initially be charged the single supplement when you book. If we are able to match you with another traveler of the same gender who is also looking to share, the single supplement will be refunded.
If you'd prefer your own room, you can simply book as a single and keep the private accommodation.
Single supplement costs vary by destination — check the specific trip page for pricing. Note that single accommodations aren't always available on every departure, so it's worth asking early if a private room matters to you.
Yes, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice.
One honest caveat: in remote destinations, options can be limited even with advance notice. If your restrictions are significant, we recommend packing some energy bars, nuts, or other backup snacks — advice we give all our travelers, not just those with restrictions.
Accommodations vary by expedition and are comfortable, ranging from mid-range to high-end lodging. Depending on the trip, you may stay in a Master or Deluxe cabin on a liveaboard boat, beachfront cabanas at resorts, or more modest bunk rooms at research stations.
Because our expeditions often take travelers to remote destinations, accommodations may be more rustic and have fewer modern conveniences than you’re accustomed to at home. We choose accommodations primarily for their location and their ability to provide access to exceptional wildlife and conservation experiences.
If you have questions regarding a specific trip’s accommodation, accessibility, bathroom specifications, or sleeping arrangements, please contact us(opens in new tab).
We recommend travelers bring motion sickness medication and start taking it before they feel unwell, not after. Stay hydrated, eat regularly, and get good rest — fatigue and dehydration make seasickness noticeably worse.
If you're unsure whether a liveaboard is right for you, consider combining a shorter liveaboard segment with a land-based resort stay, which gives you stable ground for part of the trip. Some destinations also offer land-based itineraries as an alternative to a liveaboard entirely.
Yes! Many of our expeditions offer optional extensions that allow you to spend more time exploring the region and experience places or activities that aren't part of the main itinerary. Extensions are listed on the relevant expedition pages with their own itineraries and pricing.
You're also welcome to arrange your own additional nights before or after your expedition. Just let us know your plans and where you're staying so we can coordinate any applicable transfers. If you have extra time before or after your expedition, our travel team can also offer suggestions for making the most of your time in the region.
Yes! We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance can help protect your trip investment and provide coverage for unexpected circumstances such as trip cancellations, delays, illness, or medical emergencies.
We recommend Travelex for trip protection and a Divers Alert Network (DAN) membership for medical evacuation coverage up to $150,000 for any trip taken more than 50 miles from home. Full details and recommendations are on our Travel Insurance page(opens in new tab).
If you're not a US resident, note that residency — not citizenship — determines your options: most US policies are written for US residents, so you'll generally need a policy from your country of residence. We're happy to talk through what to look for.
If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, we'll ask you to sign a waiver acknowledging that.
International airfare is not included in your expedition fee and travelers are responsible for booking their own flights to and from the gateway city.
Domestic or in-country flights are handled differently depending on the trip: for some expeditions, we book the group's domestic flights together and bill you afterward, so everyone stays on the same connections. Check with us before booking any in-country segment on your own.
What's included varies by expedition, and the specific inclusions and exclusions are listed on each expedition page. As a general guide:
Typically included: accommodations, most meals, guided excursions and naturalist leadership, in-country ground transportation, and most entrance fees and permits. On some expeditions, domestic airfare and ground transportation are bundled into the trip price. We work with select carriers to offer group rates, so check your specific expedition page to see what's included.
Typically not included: international airfare unless otherwise noted, travel insurance, gratuities, alcohol on some vessels, and personal expenses. Depending on the destination, certain park, port, or harbor fees may also be listed separately during registration.
We recommend reviewing the full list of inclusions on your specific expedition page before booking so you know exactly what is covered. And when budgeting for your trip, remember to account for gratuities and any meals or other expenses specifically noted as not included in your itinerary.
Yes! We offer custom and private trips and safaris for groups as small as two. Whether you start with one of our award-winning itineraries or design something entirely new, our travel experts can bring your vision to life. Learn more about custom and private trips.
Booking & Payment Policies
Book directly on the expedition's webpage — click the trip dates and you'll be guided through registration. You can add notes at registration for bed preferences, dietary needs, roommate matching, or anything else we should know.
If you'd rather talk it through first, call us at 1-800-326-7491. For group bookings, we can hold space while you coordinate with your travel companions.
Payments are made in three installments:
- Initial deposit — 25% of the trip cost per person, due at booking.
- Second payment — $1,500 per person, due 180 days (6 months) before departure. For liveaboard and safari trips and select destinations, this payment is $3,000 per person.
- Full payment — the remaining balance, due 120 days (4 months) before departure.
You can register and pay your initial deposit directly on the expedition's webpage.
Two practical notes: our online system can't process partial payments — if you need to split a payment, call us at 1-800-326-7491, and we'll take it over the phone. We can also sometimes accommodate a custom payment arrangement; just ask.
All payments must be made in US Dollars. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and checks.
Oceanic Society generally confirms expeditions approximately four months before departure, once final payments are collected. Until then, a departure may be operating but is not yet formally guaranteed.
While cancellations are rare, Oceanic Society reserves the right to cancel a departure when necessary, including if there are not enough travelers to operate the trip as planned or due to circumstances beyond our control.
If Oceanic Society cancels your expedition, you will have the option to transfer your payments to another Oceanic Society expedition or receive a full refund of payments made directly to Oceanic Society. Please see our Terms & Conditions.
If you're planning around a specific vacation window or need to know the status of a departure before making other travel arrangements, our travel team can let you know how the trip is progressing and whether it has been confirmed.
Yes. You can transfer to a different departure date up to six months before your original departure date at no charge. Within six months of departure, transfer requests are subject to the same cancellation fee schedule as a cancellation.
Contact us with your booking details and preferred alternative, and we'll confirm what's available
If you need to cancel, contact us as early as possible. If you're within six months of departure, consider a transfer to another expedition instead of cancelling outright; transfers are free up to that point.
Cancellations must be submitted in writing and are effective the day we receive them. Refunds are calculated per person, based on how close to departure you cancel:
| Cancelation Window | Fee |
|---|---|
| 180+ days before departure | 50% of deposit |
| 120–179 days before departure | 75% of deposit |
| 119 days or less | 100% of expedition fee |
A credit card processing fee also applies. Note that liveaboard programs carry stricter cancellation terms than the schedule above, given the advance commitments we make to charter vessels — see full Terms & Conditions for complete details.
No. Because you're receiving a service in exchange for your payment, no portion of the trip fee is tax-deductible.
Oceanic Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and your trip does support our conservation work, but the trip fee itself isn't a charitable contribution. Separate donations to Oceanic Society are, of course, deductible.
Getting Ready for Your Trip
Once you've booked, please email us:
- A photo of your passport's photo page
- Your travel insurance details
- Your pre-or post-trip hotel information, if you're arriving early or staying later
- Any completed permit forms for destinations that require them
- Your flight itinerary, once ticketed (do not book until 4 months prior to departure)
Passport photos are shared with vessel operators and in-country partners for manifests and permits.
As your trip nears, you'll receive a Detailed Information Packet with your itinerary, accommodations, packing recommendations, and logistics, along with an invitation to a pre-trip Zoom session where you can ask questions and meet fellow travelers.
Travelers should wait until they receive a final trip confirmation from Oceanic Society before booking their international flights.
Your departure will typically be confirmed 4 months prior to the trip’s departure. We do not book international flights for travelers. However, we are happy to offer flight advice, review your options prior to booking, or refer you to a travel agent.
A few things worth keeping in mind:
- Don't book non-refundable tickets until your trip is confirmed — usually 90–120 days before departure. Budget fares often carry restrictions and penalties if your dates change or a trip is cancelled.
- Arrive with a buffer. For long-haul or multi-timezone destinations, arriving a day or two early helps you absorb delays and adjust before the trip begins.
- Mind the International Date Line. Some South Pacific itineraries require departing the US a day or more earlier than travelers expect.
Consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic about vaccinations and any preventive medications for your specific destination — requirements vary, and we're not able to give medical advice.
Our general pre-trip guidance: take care of your health in the weeks before departure, and pack a small kit with antibiotics, cold and flu medication, and Imodium or Pepto-Bismol. We also recommend sensible respiratory hygiene, including masking during travel if you're concerned about illness.
Packing recommendations vary by destination, climate, and activities. Your Detailed Information Packet will include a trip-specific packing list before departure. In general, plan to bring comfortable clothing and footwear appropriate for the destination, sun and weather protection, personal medications and toiletries, and any activity-specific gear you'll need.
For water-based activities: If your expedition includes snorkeling, we strongly recommend bringing your own mask, fins, and other personal gear for the best fit and comfort. Regular-length fins generally work best for open-water snorkeling, while short "duck" fins are not recommended for most open-water trips. Depending on the destination and water temperature, you may also want or need a wetsuit or other thermal protection.
A few useful extras: A refillable water bottle, electrolyte packets, motion-sickness medication if needed, insect repellent, earplugs, a small first-aid kit, and snacks or energy bars if you have dietary restrictions or prefer to have familiar options on hand.
We strongly recommend bringing and testing your own snorkeling or diving gear in advance for the best fit and comfort. If you need rental equipment, we can usually arrange it with advance notice. Contact our travel team before your trip to discuss your options.
For recommendations on masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, and underwater photography equipment, including cameras and housings, see our Snorkel Gear Guide.