Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I need to be in good physical shape?

All our adventures and tours require guests to be prepared for light exertion, be able to walk in the woods, climb stairs unassisted and weigh between 70 and 275 pounds. Pregnant women, people with heart, leg or spine problems or other serious illnesses are discouraged from participating on all adventures and tours. Persons unsure of their physical ability should consult their personal physician first. No smoking, chewing gum, profanity, drugs or alcohol are permitted on the tour at any time.

Guests must be able to move independently as they moderately exert themselves over the physically challenging course. TA reserves the right to restrict access or deny admission if it feels the element is not appropriate for the individual.

Is there an age minimum?

Most venues at our adventure center are okay for children older than 8 years of age. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. This is because of the strength and maturity level needed to handle our high and challenging elements. Some of the tours also require participants to be able to handle their own equipment. If unsure, feel free to call us with questions.

What should I wear?

You will need to wear close-toed shoes (such as sneakers) for safety reasons, except for water activities. Wear comfortable clothing suited for the weather, but please avoid loose clothing (no scarves etc.) Long hair needs to be tied back. Please do not wear any dangling jewelry. Also, please remove all things from your pockets such as cell phones, wallets, and cameras. You don’t want them falling out during your tour. We do have a secure place to store your valuables but we prefer you leave them home or in your locked car. TA is not responsible for property lost or damaged during your tour/adventure.

What if it snows or rains? Bad weather policy

TA runs tours year round and we run the adventure courses and tours in the snow and rain. Wear appropriate clothing for being outdoors in the weather. TA will have some rain suits available for rent. TA will not run tours in storms, high winds or thunder and lighting. Maryland weather is as unpredictable as any place, so be assured you will not be charged if Mother Nature tells us the tour is off. We will work with you to find an alternative tour date and time or issue you a refund if you cannot reschedule. It is important to remember that poor weather in your area does not necessarily mean bad weather at Terrapin Adventures.

Please call first if you have concerns about the weather. We will call you only if we are certain your tour will not run. In some cases, tours may be postponed to allow for weather systems to pass. Many memorable tours have occurred right after a storm has passed through.

What is your cancellation policy?

Reservations are highly recommended and confirmed with a credit card. When you book a tour, we schedule guides and make commitments to vendors to you're your tour memorable. Thus we request that if you must cancel, you give us at least seven days notice so we can reschedule or provide you with a refund. If you need to change your tour date and time less than seven days before you are scheduled, Terrapin Adventures will work with you to find an alternative date within six months, but no refunds will be issued. If you fail to arrive for your tour appointment, we still incur all the same expenses and may have turned others away so you will be charged the full tour price.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes, on a space available basis.

When should I arrive for my tour?

Please plan on arriving 30 minutes prior to your schedule tour time. This will give you enough time to check-in and prepare for your tour. Late arrivals will be worked in only as can be accommodated. We strongly suggest you complete the consent and waiver form in advance to save time at check-in.

What if I am afraid of heights?

TA guides have been specially trained to help you overcome any fears and we do offer other opportunities like kayaking or biking that we can transport part of your party to while others are scaling heights.

How safe are the courses?

Your safety is our highest priority. The courses are designed by Inner Quest, an experienced adventure course builder and one of the founders of the Association of Challenge Course Technology and signed off by a licensed Maryland engineer and designed to exceed any expected stresses. The course has also been inspected by the state of Maryland. Guests are always secured by a safety line and the courses have built-in redundancy. Guides have been specially trained in the use of the equipment, first-aid and rescue techniques. Each day the courses and equipment are inspected for wear and proper functioning.

Can I take my camera out on the course?

Yes but you do so at your own risk. Our guides may ask you to put away your camera when you are in on a section of the course that needs your full attention. Periodically, we will have roving photographers taking action and group shots which you can find on our Facebook page or you can arrange to purchase and have the jpeg files sent to your email address.

Should I tip my guides?

Terrapin Adventures believes in showing you a great time. Our specially trained guides are focused on keeping you safe while having fun and learning. If we made your day great, let our guides know by tipping for great service (the tourism industry standard is 10%-15% of the non-discounted price of your tour).

Why do I need to sign a waiver?

Although safety is our primary concern, this is still an adventure center with inherent levels of risk. We want to make sure that you understand what the adventure tours entail and that you agree to participate. Click here for the waiver that you will be signing before we can let you on the course or any tour. Please remember to print it out and bring it in signed to speed your check-in.