Sandbank boat pitched a lunch package we never booked — skip the food or pay to keep the peace?

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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

Accepted Answer

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.

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K
Kasun Boat Skipper1720 rep

Refused lunch, paid the boat figure we agreed, ate bananas on the sandbank. Skipper shrugged and left.

15

Same pitch last month. Smile, repeat boat-only, board. If they escalate, walk to the next beach tout.

9

Said boat-only twice. They took the lower cash and we brought water. Updating so others know lunch is negotiable.

6

Verify anything labeled tourist package at the source. Same habit at waterfall gates.

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