Terms of Service
Last updated: January 2026
1. The platform
Backwater Stays is a marketplace connecting guests with independent, verified Kerala houseboat operators. We facilitate discovery, booking and payment; the operator is responsible for the cruise itself.
2. Bookings & payment
100% of the booking total is collected at the time of booking via our payment partner. Funds are held by the platform and released to the operator after guest boarding, in line with our payout schedule.
3. Cancellations & refunds
Cancellations are governed by our published Cancellation & Refund Policy, shown on every boat page before payment and available in full at /refund-policy.
4. Guest conduct
Guests are expected to follow operator safety instructions, including life jacket use where required. Damage caused by guest negligence may be charged separately by the operator.
5. Operator responsibilities
Operators listed on Backwater Stays are required to maintain valid Kerala Tourism classification and safety certification, and to honour the pricing and policies published on their listings.
6. Liability
Backwater Stays facilitates the booking but is not the cruise operator. Liability for the cruise experience itself rests with the operator, subject to applicable Kerala Tourism regulations.
7. Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.