FAQ’s

BOOKING / RESERVATIONS / PAYMENT / GRATUITY

Please call our office (805.646.3200) or send an email through the web contact page to inquire about specific tour dates. That will allow us to check availability, answer any questions you might have and gain a little insight into your interests and preferences so we may better customize your tour. A Visa or Master Card is required to make a reservation.

Cloud Climbers requires a Visa or MasterCard to secure a reservation, however we do not process your card until the tour is taken.  This gives guests flexibility to add gratuity to their card, split the tour cost with other participants or pay cash. However, your credit card is considered a booking guarantee and an acknowledgement of Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours’ 72-hour cancellation policy.

Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours has a strict 72-hour cancelation policy.  This means that the cost of the tour will be charged in full if guests do not notify Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours of the cancellation 3 days prior to the scheduled tour.  Contracted groups have a different policy which is outlined in their invoice/contract. If the weather conditions are poor, your tour may have to be cancelled at no charge or penalty to you.

Gratuity is not included in our daily tours for groups of 2-4 participants, but tipping is customary. The tip amount is left to the discretion of the participants but is generally 10% to 20% (like most service industries). Groups of 5 or more will have a pre-established, minimal gratuity added to the cost of the tour (out of fairness to the Jeep driver/guide). Participants are welcome to add to the tip if they wish.

Our driver/guides always prefer cash gratuity, but you are welcome to add a tip to your credit card charges, if that is more convenient for you.

ONCE YOU HAVE BOOKED - PREPARING FOR THE ADVENTURE

Cloud Climbers offers door-to-door service from all area hotels. If you are a local resident or staying at a vacation rental, we are happy to pick you up there. Guests not staying locally or coming to the area for a day trip will be picked up at a pre-arranged & convenient meeting place that we will coordinate upon booking.

Dress casually and bring layers, to include a sweater or jacket. Close-toed, walking shoes are recommended, especially on tours that include mountain access or a hike. A hat, scarf or hair tie is recommended for those who have long hair (since the Jeeps are open air and can be windy). Sunscreen and your camera (or phone) are also suggested as you will be mostly outside and wanting to “capture” some beautiful vistas on film!

Cloud Climbers provides a bottle of water for guests, however… if you suspect you will need more than that during the course of your tour… please feel free to bring extra.

No open containers of alcoholic beverages are allowed in our Jeep. Unlike limousines, there is no partition separating the driver from passengers, so it is illegal and prohibited.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

We do have a few “official” hotel packages but actually work very closely with all local hotels. Many hotels will offer to facilitate a tour reservation with Cloud Climbers and add this to your room charges. Please note that the hotel may add a booking fee or commission to facilitate your reservation.
We typically do not run tours in the rain for the comfort of our guests. Our vehicles are open-air and are only canopied on top, so do not fully shield passengers from the rain. Cloud Climbers attempts to ensure a pleasant & safe experience and retains the right to cancel a tour in inclement weather.

PARTICIPANTS - WHO CAN JOIN THE FUN?

In addition to the driver, there are seatbelts for 7 passengers – 6 in the back seat and one in the front passenger seat. However, on our Santa Barbara-based tours and the Ojai tours that incorporate off-road, ranch visits, we limit the passengers to 6 guests.
Cloud Climbers only offers exclusive, private tours. We do not integrate participants with other guests, so there is not a semi-private tour option.
Our tours are wonderful adventures for guests aged 6 to 96! Keep in mind, some winery settings do not allow children under the age of 14.
Unfortunately, the Jeeps are not built to securely hold a car seat or booster chair, so… for the safety of all passengers we have a requirement of 6 years old and a minimum height of 4 feet 9 inches.

Bringing a pet is occasionally allowed, based on the itinerary & discretion of Cloud Climbers.