Skip The Bus Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: October 2, 2025

Welcome to Skip The Bus (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the website skipthebus.com (the “Site”), our services, including small group tours in San Francisco such as the Muir Woods Tour and San Francisco City Tour (collectively, the “Services”), and any related bookings or interactions with us. By accessing the Site, booking a tour, or using any Services, you (“you,” “your,” or “User”) agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use the Site or Services.

These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you and Skip The Bus, a small, locally owned tour company based in San Francisco, California. We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time, and your continued use of the Site or Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated Terms on the Site.

1. Description of Services

Skip The Bus provides small group tours designed to offer personalized, interactive experiences in San Francisco and surrounding areas. Our tours access hidden spots and locations inaccessible to large tour buses, led by knowledgeable local guides. Services include:

  • San Francisco City Tour: A full-day exploration of the city’s iconic and off-the-beaten-path sites.
  • Muir Woods Tour: A scenic journey including Muir Woods, Sausalito, and additional highlights.

All tours are subject to availability, extreme weather conditions, and operational constraints. We reserve the right to modify tour itineraries, routes, or cancel tours at our discretion for safety or logistical reasons. Tours operate in rain and typical weather; only extreme conditions may lead to cancellation.

2. User Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to book a tour on behalf of yourself or others. By booking, you represent that you are legally competent to enter into these Terms and that all participants (if booking for a group) meet eligibility requirements. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason, including violation of these Terms.

3. Booking and Payments

  • Reservations: Bookings are made through the Site or by contacting us directly. All bookings are subject to confirmation via email.
  • Payments: Full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept major credit cards via secure third-party processors (e.g., Stripe or PayPal). You authorize us to charge your payment method for the full amount, including any applicable taxes or fees.
  • Pricing: Prices are listed on the Site and are subject to change without notice. Quoted prices include tour fees but exclude meals, transportation to/from meeting points, or optional add-ons unless specified.
  • Taxes and Fees: You are responsible for all applicable sales, use, or tourism taxes. A service fee may apply for online bookings.

4. Cancellations and Refunds

  • By You:
    • Cancellations made 24 hours or more before the tour start time receive a full refund.
    • Cancellations within 24 hours of the start time are non-refundable.
    • No-shows or late arrivals forfeit the booking with no refund.
  • By Us: If we cancel a tour due to low enrollment, extreme weather, or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund or credit toward a future tour at your option. We are not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable travel arrangements (e.g., flights).
  • Force Majeure: Tours may be canceled or altered due to events beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, strikes, pandemics). In such cases, refunds will be issued pro-rata, but we are not liable for additional costs.

Refunds, if applicable, will be processed to the original payment method within 7-10 business days.

5. Participant Conduct and Safety

  • Health and Safety: Participants must be in good physical health suitable for walking tours (up to 2-3 miles) and may involve stairs or uneven terrain. Disclose any medical conditions that could affect participation. We recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation and medical emergencies. Tours proceed in rain and typical weather; participants should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear.
  • Prohibited Conduct: You agree not to:
    • Engage in disruptive, illegal, or unsafe behavior.
    • Damage property or interfere with other participants or guides.
    • Bring prohibited items (e.g., weapons, illegal substances, large bags).
  • Compliance: You must follow all instructions from guides and local laws. We reserve the right to remove any participant violating these rules without refund.
  • Photography and Media: You grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use photos or videos of you taken during tours for promotional purposes. You may not use our guides’ images commercially without permission.

6. Liability and Disclaimers

  • Assumption of Risk: Tours involve inherent risks, including but not limited to traffic, weather, wildlife, and urban navigation. You participate at your own risk and waive any claims against us for injuries, losses, or damages arising from your participation, except as required by law.
  • Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Skip The Bus, its owners, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits or data. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for your tour.
  • Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, losses, or expenses arising from your breach of these Terms or misconduct during the tour.
  • No Warranties: The Site and Services are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy or uninterrupted access.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on the Site, including text, images, logos, and tour materials, is owned by Skip The Bus or our licensors and protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written consent. Fair use for personal, non-commercial purposes is permitted.

8. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy for details on how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using the Site, you consent to our data practices as described therein.

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Francisco County, California. You agree to waive any right to a jury trial.

10. Changes to Services or Termination

We may suspend or terminate access to the Site or Services at any time, with or without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these Terms or harms our operations.

11. Miscellaneous

  • Severability: If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force.
  • Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and us, superseding any prior understandings.
  • Contact Us: For questions about these Terms, email us at [email protected] or write to Skip The Bus, 1550 Bay St #B129, San Francisco, CA 94123

Thank you for choosing Skip The Bus! We look forward to showing you the best of San Francisco.