Introduction

Ocean Trail Co. ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, book our guided coastal hiking tours, or otherwise interact with our services.

By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Booking Information: Tour preferences, dates, group size, special requirements
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Health Information: Medical conditions, fitness level, dietary restrictions relevant to tour safety
• Emergency Contact Information: Name and contact details of emergency contacts

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information including:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website information

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: Processing bookings, organizing tours, and providing customer support
• Safety and Security: Ensuring participant safety during tours and emergency response
• Communication: Sending booking confirmations, tour updates, and safety information
• Website Improvement: Analyzing website usage to enhance user experience
• Marketing: Sending promotional materials about our tours and services (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: Fulfilling legal obligations and protecting our rights

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties except in the following circumstances:

Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, including:

• Payment processing companies
• Email marketing platforms
• Website analytics providers
• Emergency services when required for safety

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or government regulation, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers and databases
• Regular security assessments
• Employee training on data protection
• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Generally:

• Booking Information: Retained for up to 7 years for business and legal purposes
• Marketing Communications: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Website Analytics: Anonymized data may be retained indefinitely for statistical purposes

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service provider
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Provide personalized content and advertisements
• Improve website functionality and security

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms and partner organizations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information.

For tours involving minors, we require parental or guardian consent and collect necessary information for safety purposes.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your privacy rights in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending email notifications for significant changes (if required by law)

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Australian Privacy Principles

As an Australian business, Ocean Trail Co. is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). We ensure that:

• Personal information is collected lawfully and fairly
• You are informed about why we collect your information
• Your information is used only for the stated purposes
• We take reasonable steps to ensure information accuracy
• Your information is stored securely and destroyed when no longer needed

If you believe we have breached your privacy, you can lodge a complaint with us or directly with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).