Terms & Conditions
Terms, Policies & Procedures
At Causeway Watersports, our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience on the Outer Banks. Because many of our activities are weather-dependent and require specialized equipment, scheduled departure times, and safety procedures, all guests are required to review and follow the policies below.
By making a reservation and/or participating in an activity with Causeway Watersports, guests acknowledge and agree to the policies applicable to their reservation.
Reservations, Payments, & Chargebacks
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season.
Payment may be required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. Prices, availability, activity durations, and equipment are subject to change.
The person making the reservation is responsible for providing accurate information and communicating applicable policies, arrival requirements, and restrictions to everyone in their party.
Causeway Watersports reserves the right to pursue maximum allowable legal action against any credit card chargebacks. Disputes will be handled in Dare County, NC court systems.
Arrival & Check-In
All guests must arrive at least 45 minutes before their scheduled reservation time unless otherwise instructed.
This allows sufficient time for:
- Check-in
- Completing required waivers
- Safety instructions
- Equipment fitting
- Identification or age verification when applicable
- Transportation or boarding procedures when applicable
Your reservation time is the activity or departure time—not your arrival time.
Some activities operate on strict schedules and cannot be delayed for late-arriving guests.
Guests who arrive late may have their activity shortened, rescheduled when possible, or treated as a no-show. Refunds are not guaranteed for missed activities caused by late arrival.
Cancellations & Refunds
Reservations cancelled within the cancellation period stated during booking may be non-refundable.
Guests who fail to arrive for their reservation or who miss an activity because of late arrival may be considered a no-show and may not receive a refund.
We understand that plans sometimes change and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate reservation changes when availability allows.
Different cancellation requirements may apply to private trips, large groups, special events, and certain activities.
Weather & Water Conditions
All watersports activities are subject to weather and water conditions.
Conditions on the Outer Banks can change quickly. Causeway Watersports reserves the right to delay, modify, relocate, reschedule, shorten, or cancel an activity when conditions are considered unsafe or unsuitable.
Safety decisions are made by our captains, guides, managers, and staff based on current and anticipated conditions.
Weather cancellations may occur with little notice.
Do not assume your activity is cancelled because of rain, clouds, wind, or a weather forecast. Unless Causeway Watersports contacts you or confirms a cancellation, guests should report for their reservation as scheduled.
When Causeway Watersports cancels an activity because of weather or unsafe conditions, guests will generally be offered the opportunity to reschedule or receive the applicable refund or credit according to the terms of their reservation.
Waivers
All participants must complete the required liability waiver before participating.
A parent or legal guardian must complete required documentation for participating minors.
Guests who refuse to complete required waivers or safety documentation will not be permitted to participate and may not be eligible for a refund.
Participation in watersports involves inherent risks. Guests are responsible for listening to safety instructions, understanding the rules of their activity, and notifying staff if they have questions before participating.
Age & Identification Requirements
Age requirements vary by activity.
Government-issued photo identification may be required to verify a participant’s identity or age.
For personal watercraft (Jet Ski/Wave Runner) operation:
- Drivers must be at least 16 years old.
- Drivers aged 16–17 must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Minor operators may be subject to additional passenger restrictions.
- A parent or legal guardian must be present for participants under 18 when required to complete waivers or authorization.
Additional restrictions may apply based on North Carolina law, safety requirements, equipment limitations, or operating conditions.
Safety Instructions
Safety is our highest priority.
All participants must follow instructions given by Causeway Watersports staff, captains, guides, and crew members.
Unsafe, reckless, abusive, or intentionally destructive behavior may result in the immediate termination of an activity without a refund.
Causeway Watersports reserves the right to refuse or discontinue participation when a guest’s behavior, physical condition, apparent impairment, or failure to follow instructions creates a safety concern for themselves, other guests, employees, equipment, or the public.
Alcohol & Drugs
Guests may not operate boats, personal watercraft, or other equipment while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that could interfere with safe operation.
Causeway Watersports reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who appears impaired or otherwise unable to participate safely.
No refund will be issued when participation is denied or terminated because of intoxication, impairment, or unsafe behavior.
Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft Policies
All Jet Ski operators must complete the required safety orientation before operating the equipment.
Operators must:
- Remain within designated operating boundaries.
- Maintain required distances from other vessels, Jet Skis, docks, shorelines, swimmers, and fixed objects.
- Wear the provided personal flotation device.
- Attach and use the engine safety/kill-switch lanyard as instructed.
- Follow all staff instructions and applicable navigation rules.
- Immediately shut down and signal staff if an alarm or serious mechanical warning occurs.
- Avoid shallow areas, sea grass, and restricted areas.
- Turn the engine off while loading or unloading passengers when instructed.
Causeway Watersports may terminate a rental or activity without refund for reckless operation, repeated rule violations, leaving designated boundaries, intentionally spraying or approaching other vessels, or otherwise unsafe conduct.
Maximum equipment weight and passenger limitations apply.
Boat Rental Policies
The renter/operator is responsible for safely operating the vessel and following all instructions provided during the rental orientation.
The operator must remain within approved operating areas and comply with applicable boating laws and navigation rules.
Guests are responsible for damage caused by misuse, negligence, grounding, collision, improper operation, or failure to follow instructions.
Fuel policies and operating boundaries will be explained before departure.
The maximum number of passengers may not exceed the capacity established for the specific rental vessel.
Equipment Damage & Customer Responsibility
Guests are responsible for equipment entrusted to them during a rental.
The renter will be financially responsible for damage, loss, recovery expenses, towing, or other costs resulting from misuse, negligence, collisions, grounding, failure to follow instructions, or operation outside designated areas.
Guests should report equipment damage or mechanical problems immediately.
Continuing to operate equipment after a warning alarm, mechanical problem, or staff instruction to stop may result in additional responsibility for resulting damage.
Optional Damage Protection
Damage protection may be available for certain rentals.
Damage protection is not insurance and does not eliminate all financial responsibility.
Coverage limits, exclusions, and the renter’s remaining responsibility will be explained in the applicable damage protection agreement.
Damage exceeding the applicable protection limit remains the renter’s responsibility.
Damage protection may not apply to intentional damage, reckless operation, prohibited conduct, violations of operating boundaries, or other exclusions stated in the agreement.
Lost or Damaged Personal Property
Causeway Watersports is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen, damaged, dropped in the water, or exposed to water during an activity.
Guests should leave valuables in a secure location whenever possible.
Phones, cameras, sunglasses, keys, wallets, and other personal items brought onto the water are brought at the guest’s own risk.
Photos & Video
Causeway Watersports may capture photographs or video during activities for operational, safety, promotional, or marketing purposes where permitted by applicable agreements and releases.
Photo or video packages offered for purchase are subject to availability and equipment functionality.
Equipment & Activity Availability
Specific vessels, Jet Skis, boats, kayaks, paddleboards, or other equipment cannot always be guaranteed.
Causeway Watersports may substitute comparable equipment, when necessary, because of maintenance, safety, scheduling, weather, or operational considerations.
Right to Refuse or Terminate Participation
Causeway Watersports reserves the right to refuse service or terminate an activity when reasonably necessary for safety, compliance with law, protection of property, or the welfare of guests, employees, or the public.
Reasons may include, but are not limited to:
- Intoxication or impairment
- Reckless behavior
- Failure to follow safety instructions
- Harassment or threatening behavior
- Intentional equipment abuse
- Providing false information
- Violating operating boundaries
- Creating an unsafe condition
Activities terminated because of participant misconduct or rule violations are not eligible for a refund.
Captain & Staff Authority
For activities conducted aboard a vessel, the captain has final authority regarding the safe operation of the vessel and activity.
Captains, guides, and authorized Causeway Watersports staff may modify or discontinue an activity when necessary for safety.
Safety decisions are final.
Policy Changes
Causeway Watersports may update these policies as necessary to reflect changes in operations, equipment, regulations, safety practices, or business requirements.
The policies applicable to a reservation may also include terms presented during the booking and waiver process.
Questions About Our Policies?
If you have questions about a policy or aren’t sure whether a particular activity is appropriate for your group, please contact Causeway Watersports before making your reservation.
We’re happy to help you choose the right Outer Banks watersports experience for your group.
Causeway Watersports
252-441-8875