Sandbank boat pitched a lunch package we never booked — skip the food or pay to keep the peace?
Booked a morning sandbank / "whale island" style hop from the south coast. On the beach the helper said lunch was included in the tourist package and named a cash add-on we never saw on WhatsApp. Boat looks fine; lunch smells like reheated buffet. Can we pay boat-only and bring snacks, or will they cancel the trip?
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5 Answers from travellers
Lunch add-ons are optional on many sandbank runs even when the pitch sounds mandatory. Say clearly: boat and life jackets only, we bring our own water and fruit. A reputable skipper will still take you; a sticky one who cancels over lunch is a skipper you did not want. Confirm the boat price in writing or at least repeat it aloud before boarding. I will not invent official package fees. Bring snacks so hunger does not push you into a bad buffet.
Refused lunch, paid the boat figure we agreed, ate bananas on the sandbank. Skipper shrugged and left.
Same pitch last month. Smile, repeat boat-only, board. If they escalate, walk to the next beach tout.
Said boat-only twice. They took the lower cash and we brought water. Updating so others know lunch is negotiable.
Verify anything labeled tourist package at the source. Same habit at waterfall gates.
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