Sandals Cancellation Policy: Ultimate Guide
By Erik Ritland | Updated on March 25, 2026
Do you need to cancel your Sandals vacation but don’t know how to do it or if it’s even possible? Fortunately, the cancellation policy to get a refund has a lot of flexibility.
You are able to cancel your Sandals vacation depending on how many days are remaining before the arrival date. Any cancellation request before 45 days is eligible for a complete refund. There are some exceptions to that, for example if you have trip insurance, you can cancel your vacation right up until the day of your check-in.
As a Sandals Certified Specialist, I have seen just about everything. From hurricanes to family emergencies, and I’ll help you navigate all of it in this guide.
Sandals Cancellation Policy
Sandals Resorts requires a minimum stay of 3 nights with at least a $98 initial deposit per room at the time of booking. The remaining balance for your reservation must be paid 60 days prior to the check-in date. Note that this does not include any airfare charges if you bundle the flights with your booking, as the flight portion needs to be paid 100% the time of purchase.
If you need to cancel, you will get a 100% refund for your Sandals vacation if requested 45 days or more prior to the check-in date. If you cancel between 45-30 days, you will get a 50% refund. Cancellations made under 30 days of your arrival date are not eligible for any refund.
Sandals Cancellation Policy Summary:
- 100% refund if cancelled 45 days or more prior to your check-in date.
- 50% refund if cancelled between 45-30 days prior to your check-in date.
- 0% refund if cancelled 30 days or less prior to your check-in date.

Related: Best Sandals Resorts
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Exceptions To The Normal Deposit
Butler Elite Deposits: Reservations for all Overwater Bungalows require a non-refundable deposit of $2,500 at the time of booking. Similarly, reservations for Poolside or Seaside Bungalows at Sandals Royal Curacao have a non-refundable $1,000 deposit due at the time of booking. These reservations are non-transferable and can’t be downgraded to Club or Luxury Level rooms either.
Peak Season Deposits: If you are traveling during peak season of December 21 – December 31, the deposit is $800 rather than the normal $400 deposit. Despite being higher, it still follows the standard Cancellation Policy and is fully refundable if cancelled within 45 days.
Holding A Room For Free: It’s possible to hold a room for free for 48 hours if you work directly with a Certified Sandals Specialist like Caribbean Resort Guide. Through this process, a travel advisor can hold the room while you decide if it’s the one you want to proceed with or if the booking is being made within the 60 day window where the full payment would be required immediately.
Hurricane Policy And Extenuating Circumstances
Hurricane Policy: Sandals Resorts Terms And Conditions state that bookings negatively impacted by tropical storms or hurricanes are treated as a Force Majeure event. Therefore, Sandals cannot be held liable if your trip is disrupted or cancelled. That said, Sandals has always worked with guests in these situations to make their best efforts to make the situation right. For example, when Hurricane Melissa shut down some of the Jamaican resort locations in late 2025, Sandals allowed all of the guests to reschedule their trip or cancel it without penalty.
Death In The Family: Generally Sandals does not allow for last minute cancellations within the 45 day window. However, if you have a death in your immediate family, we have found that if you contact Sandals Customer Support and explain the situation via email at customersupport@sandals.com, they will likely give you a credit for the value of your reservation that you can use for up to 12 months.
Sandals Trip Insurance
I highly recommend purchasing the Trip Protection Plan if you are traveling between September and October during the rainy season. You can add this when completing your booking and it only costs $140 per person. This way your investment is protected no matter what happens. Most folks actually purchase this just to be safe regardless of when they are traveling because it also covers luggage, medical, tours, interruptions, and more.
If you have travel insurance and need to cancel your vacation, you will get a 100% refund for your Sandals reservation and flights, plus any other applicable coverage. Note that the initial premium you pay is not refundable. You can cancel it right up until the day of your check-in. Note that the $140 insurance premium is not refundable though.
How To Cancel Your Sandals Reservation
You must notify your travel advisor or Sandals as soon as you want to cancel your reservation. Below are the easiest methods to contact them:
- Online: The Sandals website can be used to cancel your reservation. You can either use the chat feature or the contact-us form to submit a message. If you submit a message through the contact form, make sure to include your name and booking number.
- Phone: Sandals can be contacted directly via phone at 1-888-SANDALS in the US and Canada to cancel or modify your booking. Their phone support is usually very responsive with minimal wait times. Their on-hold music is Bob Marley, so I don’t mind even if I have to wait a little!
- Email: Sandals also has an email address that can be used to cancel your reservation at customersupport@sandals.com. Provide your full name, booking confirmation number, and that you would like to cancel your reservation.
- Travel Agent: If you use a travel agent for your booking, you need to contact them directly and they will be able to cancel or modify the booking however you would like.
Modifying Your Sandals Reservation
Reservation Modifications: It’s possible to make changes to a reservation without incurring penalties if done 45 days or more from the check-in date. Such changes include the travel dates, number of nights, and room category. Changes made between 45 – 30 days will result in a $200 fee per person. Changes are not allowed under 30 days from the check-in date.
Peak Season Modifications: Sandals generally requires changes to be made 120 days or more in advance to avoid the $200 penalty fee if you are traveling during peak season in late December. Note that purchasing the Trip Protection Plan allows you to make changes at any time without penalties or you can get a refund.
Name Changes: Name changes on a Sandals booking are allowed if requested 45 days for more out from your arrival. There will be a $200 fee if you request it within 45 days. Importantly, they allow one name change per booking. Requests to change more than one name will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Reservations Department.
Connect With Your Sandals Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cancel your Sandals Resort reservation at any time?
You can cancel your Sandals Booking 45 days or more out from your check-in date and get a full refund. If you cancel within 45 – 30 days out, you will get a 50% refund. Any cancellations within 30 days will not get a refund. Note that if you purchase the Sandals Travel Insurance, you can get a full refund if you cancel right up until the day of your check-in.
What is the non-refundable deposit for Sandals?
Sandals deposits are all 100% refundable if you cancel more than 45 days out of reservation. The only exception to that is the non-refundable $2,500 deposits required for Overwater Bungalows and Villas, in addition to the $1,000 deposit for Seaside and Poolside Bungalows. The deposits are applied toward the balance of the reservation.
Can you change your Sandals reservation after booking?
Yes, you can change your Sandals reservation after the initial booking as long as it is 45 days or more out from your arrival. To change or modify your reservation, you can contact your travel agent or a Sandals representative. If changes are made between 30 – 45 days, up to a $200 penalty per person may apply. Changes are not allowed to a reservation within 30 days.
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