Shipping & Delivery

At CoralBay UK we specialise in live marine livestock and fresh phytoplankton, which require careful handling and appropriate shipping methods. Please read the information below carefully before placing an order.

Dispatch Days

We dispatch orders Monday to Thursday only.

This is to:

  • minimise delays in transit

  • avoid livestock being held in courier depots over weekends

  • ensure the best possible arrival condition

Orders placed after the daily cut-off or outside dispatch days will be sent on the next available dispatch day.

Coral & Live Livestock Shipping

All corals and live livestock are shipped using Royal Mail Special Delivery (Next Day).

What this means:

  • Guaranteed next-working-day delivery (Monday–Friday)

  • Fully tracked and signed service

  • Designed to minimise time in transit for live animals

Livestock orders are packed with appropriate insulation and heat/cooling where required, based on weather conditions at the time of dispatch.

Phytoplankton Shipping

Phytoplankton is shipped using Royal Mail Tracked services, selected based on seasonal conditions to ensure quality and viability.

Seasonal shipping method:

  • Winter months: Royal Mail Tracked 48

  • Summer months: Royal Mail Tracked 24

This seasonal approach balances speed, temperature stability, and reliability.

Delivery Times

Delivery times are estimates and depend on courier performance.

Typical transit times:

  • Special Delivery: next working day

  • Tracked 24: 1–2 working days

  • Tracked 48: 2–3 working days

Please note that delivery times do not include dispatch/handling time.

Tracking & Responsibility

Once your order has been dispatched:

  • Tracking information will be provided

  • Responsibility for delivery transfers upon successful delivery attempt

It is the customer’s responsibility to:

  • ensure someone is available to receive the parcel

  • monitor tracking information

  • retrieve the parcel promptly upon delivery

Missed deliveries, delayed collection, or parcels left unattended may invalidate eligibility for refunds or DOA claims.

Weather & Environmental Considerations

Live marine products are sensitive to temperature and handling.

We reserve the right to:

  • delay dispatch during extreme weather conditions

  • adjust packing methods to protect livestock

Any such delays are made in the best interest of the animals.

No Returns on Live Goods

Due to the nature of live livestock and perishable products:

  • Returns are not accepted

  • This applies to corals, invertebrates, and phytoplankton

Please see our Refund & DOA Policy for details on Dead on Arrival (DOA) claims and eligibility.

Related Policies

For full details, please refer to:

These pages form part of your purchase agreement with CoralBay UK.

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