Every SOSA apparel purchase and experience includes a donation that goes directly to our nonprofit partners. Donations are pooled into the SOS Alliance Allocation Fund, which supports conservation work with alliance NGOs across field research, wildlife rescue, community programs, and global conservation efforts.

For some of our alliance members, we curate conservation-focused experiences. A portion of all experience sales goes to back to the nonprofit.

Beyond financial support, SOSA provides free media and marketing assets for every project and conservation experience we document, helping NGOs amplify their work and reach new audiences — a critical resource for organizations that often lack funding for high-quality storytelling.

SOSA Trip Activity Levels

Leisurely – Light Exploration
Ideal for travelers seeking minimal physical effort while still engaging with nature. Activities may include short walks (2–5 km), gentle wildlife viewing, and a few hours of swimming or water activities. Suitable for all fitness levels and those who prefer a relaxed pace.

Moderate – Active Discovery
For travelers who enjoy staying on the move and exploring natural landscapes. Activities may include longer walks (5–10 km), moderate hiking, snorkeling, or paddling, with occasional elevation changes. A basic level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

Active – Adventurous Engagement
Designed for guests ready for full days of activity in diverse environments. Activities may include day-long hikes, wildlife tracking, kayaking, and multi-hour excursions with some physical challenge. Good endurance and comfort with several hours of activity each day are recommended.

Challenging – Intensive Expeditions
For experienced adventurers seeking physically demanding journeys. Trips may include multi-day treks, mountain or backcountry exploration, extended wildlife tracking, and carrying personal gear over longer distances. Strong fitness, stamina, and prior experience with challenging outdoor activities are recommended.

Yes! Travel insurance is required for all SOSA experiences. We strongly recommend a comprehensive policy that covers both medical emergencies and trip disruption, as many of our adventures depend on weather, tides, or other natural conditions. Having robust coverage ensures you’re protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances and can enjoy your expedition with peace of mind.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to connect@thesosa.com. Your cancellation is only effective once you receive written confirmation from SOSA.

Refunds depend on how far in advance you cancel:

• 90+ days before trip start: 25% of the total trip cost (your non-refundable deposit) is retained; 75% refunded.
• 61–89 days before trip start: 50% of the total trip cost is retained; 50% refunded.
• 60 days or less before trip start: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable. If we can fill your spot, partial refunds or travel credit may be considered at SOSA’s discretion.

Travel credits may be offered in some cases and when granted, are valid for 12 months, non-transferable, and non-refundable. SOSA will always make reasonable efforts to fill your spot and recover costs from third-party vendors.

Possibly. All guests are required to sign a Photo, Video & Audio Release Agreement, which grants SOSA permission to capture and use images, video, and audio from the trip. This content may appear on SOSA’s YouTube channel, social media, or other marketing and educational materials for SOSA and our partner NGOs.

We are always filming during experiences to document conservation work, create media assets for our nonprofit partners, and share the story of the species and communities we work with. Signing the release ensures that we can use this content without needing further approval or compensation, and it helps amplify the impact of the conservation work you’re supporting.

Absolutely! SOSA Experiences are designed to create community. Join us on an adventure and meet like-minded, animal loving individuals. We have a proven track record of our guests making life-long connections.

Upon paying the 25% deposit to secure your spot for any SOSA Experience, you will be given the option to select a payment plan. SOSA will issue a payment plan aligned to your preferred structure (subject to your booking date) and all final payments will be scheduled no later than 90 days before the experience starts.

Available options:

• 25% Installments (deposit + remaining installments per schedule)
• 50/50 (deposit + two payments of remaining balance)
• Payment in Full (deposit + one payment remaining balance)

If you select 50/50 or Payment in Full, you are eligible to pay the remaining balance by wire transfer and receive USD $150 off your remaining balance (applied to the second installment for 50/50, or to the single remaining balance for Full). Any bank transfer fees are the guest’s responsibility. Wire instructions and adjusted totals will be provided in your Payment Plan Agreement.

Carriers & Fulfillment: We primarily ship through major carriers such as Canada Post and UPS.

• Orders are processed and shipped from our garage fulfillment location.
• Shipping times are estimates only and are calculated from the moment your order leaves our hands.
• Please allow additional time for order processing before shipment.

Estimated Shipping Timelines

• Within North America, shipping may take up to 14 business days once dispatched.
• International orders (if available) may take longer, depending on customs and local postal services.

Note: Shipping times can vary based on your location, carrier delays, weather, customs, and other factors outside of SOSA’s control. We’ll always do our best, but some things are out of our hands.

All Sales Final – No Standard Returns or Exchanges UNLESS the item is damaged / defective. 

Because our apparel is produced in small batches and supports ongoing conservation projects:

We do not accept returns or exchanges for:

• Change of mind
• Sizing or fit issues
• Preference for a different color, style, or design

Before you place an order, please:

• Carefully review our size charts, product descriptions, and any fit notes, OR
• Reach out to us via connect@thesosa.com for personal size advice.

We’re happy to give you our quick “two cents” in choosing the right fit before you purchase.

Exception:
In the rare event that your order arrives damaged, we will replace the item or issue SOSA store credit (at our discretion), provided all of the following conditions are met:

• You contact SOSA within 3 days of receiving your order.
  

You include:

• Your full name
• Your order number
• A clear description of the issue
• Clear photos showing:
  - The damaged or defective area
  - The full product if helpful
  
• The item is unworn, unwashed, and in its original condition, aside from the damage itself.
  
• If your claim is approved, SOSA will:
  
  - Replace the item with the same product, size, and color (subject to availability), or
  - If a replacement is not available (e.g., a limited drop has sold out), issue SOSA store credit.
  - Time to receive, replace, and re-ship will be dependent on inventory availability.

Exception Shipping Costs: If an item arrives damaged and your claim is approved, SOSA will cover any reasonable return shipping costs or may waive the need to ship the item back, depending on the situation.

Please do not return any items without first contacting SOSA and receiving instructions. Unauthorized or unapproved returns may not be processed.

Important: We cannot process damaged-item claims without photographic proof of the damage submitted within the 3-day window.

In situations where a resolution is approved as store credit:

• Store credit will be issued to you in a form (e.g., code, account credit) that can be used on future SOSA purchases.
  
• Store credit is redeemable on any SOSA product offering, including:
  - SOSA trips
  - SOSA events
  - SOSA apparel
  - Other SOSA products and experiences
  

Store credit:

• Cannot be converted into cash.
• Must be used in accordance with any expiry dates or terms communicated at the time it is issued.