Shipping, Collection & Delivery Information

This page explains how shipping, collection and delivery work across CoralBay UK.

Different arrangements apply depending on whether you are purchasing through CoralBay checkout or dealing directly with another user through Community Corals or Marine Marketplace.

For an overview of how different parts of CoralBay operate, please see our How CoralBay Works page.

Which shipping rules apply?

Section Shipping arranged by
CoralBay Shop CoralBay UK
CoralBay Vendor Products Approved Vendor
Community Corals Individual Seller
Marine Marketplace Individual Seller

CoralBay Shop & Vendor Orders

Orders placed through CoralBay checkout, including products sold by approved CoralBay vendors, are covered by CoralBay UK’s shipping procedures.

Some products are dispatched directly by CoralBay UK.

Vendor products may be dispatched directly by the approved vendor.

In both cases, the order remains a CoralBay checkout order and CoralBay’s published policies apply.

Dispatch Days

To minimise delays and reduce the risk of livestock being held in transit over weekends, CoralBay orders are generally dispatched Monday to Thursday only.

Orders placed outside dispatch days may be held until the next suitable shipping day.

Certain products, weather conditions or livestock requirements may occasionally require alternative dispatch arrangements.

Live Coral & Livestock Delivery

Live coral and livestock require careful packaging and suitable delivery timing.

CoralBay UK and approved vendors may use different courier services depending on the nature of the livestock being shipped.

Where available, next-day tracked services will normally be used for live coral orders.

Orders are packed using appropriate insulation and may include heat or cooling packs when required.

Shipping methods, dispatch schedules and delivery charges may vary depending on:

  • product type

  • livestock requirements

  • weather conditions

  • courier availability

  • destination

Customers should ensure someone is available to receive the delivery.

Phytoplankton, Dry Goods & Other Products

Shipping methods for phytoplankton, aquarium supplies and other non-livestock products may differ from live coral shipping.

Depending on the product and season, CoralBay UK or approved vendors may use different Royal Mail or courier services.

Available delivery methods and shipping charges will normally be shown at checkout.

Delivery Times

Delivery times provided by couriers are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.

Typical transit times may include:

  • Next Day Services: next working day

  • Tracked 24: usually 1–2 working days

  • Tracked 48: usually 2–3 working days

Transit times do not include order processing or dispatch time.

CoralBay UK cannot be responsible for delays caused by courier networks, weather conditions, industrial action or other circumstances outside our reasonable control.

Tracking & Customer Responsibilities

Where tracking is available, customers will receive tracking information after dispatch.

Customers are responsible for:

  • providing a complete and accurate delivery address

  • monitoring tracking information

  • ensuring somebody is available to receive the parcel

  • retrieving parcels promptly after delivery

Failure to do so may affect eligibility for refunds, replacements or DOA claims.

Weather & Shipping Conditions

Marine livestock is sensitive to temperature and handling.

CoralBay UK and approved vendors reserve the right to delay dispatch during periods of extreme weather or unsuitable shipping conditions.

Any delay made for livestock welfare reasons is intended to improve the chances of a successful arrival.

Community Corals

Community Corals listings are posted by independent reef hobbyists.

Shipping, delivery or collection arrangements are agreed directly between the buyer and seller.

CoralBay UK does not:

  • arrange shipping,

  • supervise packaging,

  • guarantee delivery times,

  • guarantee livestock condition,

  • provide shipping insurance.

Buyers and sellers should agree all details before any payment or collection takes place.

Marine Marketplace

Marine Marketplace listings are private user-generated listings.

Shipping, delivery and collection arrangements are made directly between buyers and sellers.

CoralBay UK does not supervise transactions, collection arrangements, courier choices, packaging methods or transit conditions for Marketplace items.

Buyers and sellers should agree all arrangements in advance, including:

  • collection location,

  • courier arrangements,

  • packaging expectations,

  • delivery costs,

  • responsibility during transit.

Responsibility After Delivery

For CoralBay checkout orders, responsibility transfers to the customer once delivery has been completed or a delivery attempt has been made.

For Community Corals and Marine Marketplace listings, responsibility is determined directly between the buyer and seller.

Related Policies

Please also refer to:

  • Refunds, Returns & DOA Policy

  • Terms & Conditions

  • How CoralBay Works

These pages form part of your agreement when using CoralBay UK.

0
×