Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
Last updated: January 2025
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Personal Information: When you book an adventure or contact us, we collect information such as:
- Name, email address, phone number
- Billing address and payment information (processed securely through Stripe)
- Travel preferences, dietary requirements, medical information relevant to your adventure
- Passport information (when required for travel documentation)
1.2 Automatically Collected Information: When you visit our website, we collect:
- IP address, browser type, device information
- Pages visited, time spent on pages, referral sources
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 5)
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Process and manage your bookings and payments
- Communicate with you about your adventure, including confirmations, updates, and support
- Share necessary information with ALE (Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions) for operational purposes
- Improve our website and services based on usage patterns
- Send marketing communications (only with your consent—you can opt out anytime)
- Comply with legal obligations and protect against fraud
3. Information Sharing
3.1 With ALE: We share booking and participant information with ALE, our expedition operator, to facilitate your adventure. ALE requires this information for logistics, safety, and operational purposes.
3.2 Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third parties who assist us in:
- Payment processing (Stripe)
- Email communications
- Website analytics and performance monitoring (Vercel Speed Insights)
- Customer support tools
3.3 Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
3.4 No Sale of Data: We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure payment processing through Stripe (we do not store full credit card details)
- Access controls and authentication for our systems
- Regular security assessments and updates
While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but take reasonable steps to safeguard your data.
5. Cookies & Tracking
5.1 Cookies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze website usage, and improve our services.
5.2 Types of Cookies:
- Essential: Required for website functionality (e.g., booking sessions)
- Analytics: Help us understand how visitors use our site (e.g., Vercel Speed Insights)
- Preference: Remember your settings and preferences
5.3 Managing Cookies: You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
6. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal and operational requirements)
- Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
- Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@antarcticadirect.com. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
7. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Booking information is typically retained for 7 years after your adventure for tax and record-keeping purposes.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including Chile (for ALE operations). We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this policy.
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email or website notice. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates when changes were made. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, contact us:
- Email: hello@antarcticadirect.com
- Chat: Use the Antarctica Advisor chat button (available 24/7)
Your Consent: By using antarcticadirect.com or booking with Antarctica Direct, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.