Swimmers to wear under your wetsuit
There are no change rooms at the river, so please wear your swimmers underneath your clothes

Towel & comfortable footwear
Thongs or sandals are fine as boots are provided

You can’t spend any money on this tour
Leave all valuables behind, including any loose fitting jewellery and rings that can be removed

Waterproof camera
Gopro’s and waterproof cameras can be brought at owners risk. We highly reccomend a wrist strap.

Prescription glasses with case
These can be worn to help with walking to the river, our guide can store them in a waterproof bag when you’re in the water.

Anything you won’t be swimming with, will be left in our vehcile at your own risk.

Hotel transfers from Port Douglas & Mossman
Cairns & Palm Cove transfers availble for additonal cost

River sled to float on
Small children can share with an adult

Wetsuit, boots & snorkel mask
Max wetsuit size 3XL, Boots US 13
Prescription masks

Life jacket (PFD)
If required please contact us before your tour to check that the river is suitable

Experienced river trained guides

Free tour photos
Posted on our Facebook Page after each tour.
Due to the nature of our tour, photos are not guaranteed.
You are always welcome to bring a waterproof camera with wrist strap along with you.

Light snacks after the tour
We provide drinking water and biscuits.

Free tour photos are available for all guests on our shared tours.

Examples of previous tour photos can be viewed on our Back Country Bliss facebook page.

Due to the nature of our activity, there may be times we are unable to guarantee photos.

All guests are required to sign a media release as photos are shared online, and may be used to advertise Back Country Bliss Adventures on social media & print advertising.

All guests can easily choose to opt-out of photos when completing their waiver form if they do not consent.

You are welcome to bring your own waterproof camera (at own risk). We highly reccomend a wrist strap.

From Port Douglas, the tour takes approx. 3.5 return including transfers.

We aim to spend up to 2 hours in the river, but this can vary based on group size. Smaller groups may finish earlier, based on reduced time taken for pickups/getting ready.

Children love this tour, however please note the below requiremnts:

• Minimum age is 4*
• Child price is for ages 4-15 inclusive
• All children 4-8 are required to wear a PFD/life jacket (provided)
• Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18
• Guests aged 16 & 17 must have their waiver and medical form signed by a parent or guardian over 18
• Child booster seats available free of charge for children under 7
• You are responsible for the safety of any children in your care

Our family rate is for 2 x adults + 2 x children (4-15)
If a family rate is booked with children older than 15, we will update your booking to reflect the correct charges and send a payment request for the remaining balance.

This discounted rate is only availble when you book directly with us.

*When the river level is low (most of the year), our activity is generally suitable for all ages (4+) and swimming abilities.

When the river level is higher, the faster flowing water is only suitable for strong swimming adults (15+) with good fitness and mobility.

We don’t swim with crocs!

You should always be Croc-wise in Croc country; that is why you can rest assured that our tour operates in a very safe, Croc-Free stretch of water.

Crocodiles use the water, sun and shade to maintain their preferred body temperature of 30–33°C.

Where we swim is too clear, too cold at 16-22°C, and too shaded for crocodiles.

The cool water is one reason we provide you with a very fashionable wetsuit to use during your tour.

The best way to see crocodiles in the wild, is with Bruce Belcher’s wildlife cruises on the Daintree River (not the same river)

Our tours depart every day of the year except Christmas day

Departure times vary based on the day and pickup location. Please check your booking confirmation for exact pickup times, or contact our office if unsure.

Port Douglas

Transfers from Cairns & Northern Beaches
Available for our morning tour only.
$70 adult / $50 child

Cairns & Northern Beaches transfers Including: Yorkey’s Knob, Smithfield, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, are available for an additional cost when booking.

Self-drivers

While we still need to drive you the last bit, this is a great option if you’re travelling up from Cairns, or simply wanting a more flexible day.

Mossman

This is the closest meeting point to where our tour operates, and a great option if you’re planning to visit Mossman Gorge or travel north to the Daintree. We meet guests at George Davis Park Mossman, in front of the toilet block (under the giant trees).

Pickup is approx. 20 minutes after our Port Douglas pickups

Port Douglas

The closest pickup point from Cairns & Palm Cove. We meet guests at the Wildlife Habitat carpark.

Transfers

Return transfers from all major Port Douglas accommodations are included in your tour price. There may be times where we ask you to meet close by at an alternative location.

Cairns & Northern Beaches transfers Including: Yorkey’s Knob, Smithfield, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, are available for an additional cost (available when booking).

If you are not waiting at your pick-up point at the date and time specified in your booking, you will forfeit 100% of the total price paid.

Pick up times are approximate and can vary due to factors outside our control. Wherever possible we will contact you directly or your hotel reception to inform you of any delays/changes.

If your accommodation is not in our pickup list when booking, please choose “other location” at the bottom of the list, fill in your accommodation details and we will contact you with further info.

Due to limited parking and a different finish location, we can’t meet you at the river.

The closest place to meet us is in Mossman, 5 minutes away. This is a great place to meet us if you are planning to visit Mossman Gorge in the afternoon, or continue north towards the Daintree.

Generally yes!

However, it depends on how much rain and also where the rain is falling.
1-5mm of rain will hardly wet the ground in the tropics, so please don’t worry if this is the forecast.

If you have any concerns, please contact us for an update on the river conditions, as heavy rain can influence the safety and overall enjoyment of this tour.

As this tour is weather dependent, it may be cancelled in conditions of heavy rainfall or extreme weather. If this occurs, an alternative date will be offered, or you will be refunded in full.

Unfortunately not.

Due to the tour starting and finishing in different locations, there are no suitable areas to sit and watch.

The water temperature varies between 16-22C (60-71F) year round. We provide an extra thermal layer during winter, gloves are also available to use.

As this tour is weather dependent, it may be cancelled in conditions of heavy rainfall or extreme weather. If this occurs, an alternative date will be offered, or you will be refunded in full.

• Cancellations outside of 72 hours from departure — no charge
• Cancellations within 48-72 hours before departure — 50% charge
• Cancellations less than 48 hours before departure, or no show — 100% cancellation fee applies
• Date changes are free of charge, but must be received by email or phone, 48 hours prior to tour departure
• All changes are subject to availability and made at the discretion of the operator

If your plans have been put on hold by COVID-19 border restrictions, you’ll always be eligible for:

• Free change of date* (pending availability)
• A credit voucher for the full amount of your booking valid for 1 year
• A 100% refund if the above options don’t work in your favour

COVID-19 Border restrictions include: 


• Government imposed border closure
• Lockdowns, restricting travel
• Quarantine requirements introduced for travelling to our region, or 
returning home

We hope this gives you the peace of mind to plan and book your next holiday in Tropical North Queensland

Children love this tour, however please note the below requiremnts:

• Minimum age is 4*
• Child price is for ages 4-15 inclusive
• All children 4-8 are required to wear a PFD/life jacket (provided)
• Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18
• Guests aged 16 & 17 must have their waiver and medical form signed by a parent or guardian over 18
• Child booster seats available free of charge for children under 7
• You are responsible for the safety of any children in your care

Our family rate is for 2 x adults + 2 x children (4-15)
If a family rate is booked with children older than 15, we will update your booking to reflect the correct charges and send a payment request for the remaining balance.

This discounted rate is only availble when you book directly with us.

Do I need to confirm my tour?

While not necessary, we appreciate if you call or email 24 hours before travel to confirm accommodation details and pick up time. We can also update you on the river conditions.

Do I need my voucher?

If you’ve booked the tour directly with Back Country Bliss, there is no need to bring any vouchers or confirmation emails.
If the tour has been booked through a travel desk/Travel agent, please bring your voucher along with you to give to the guide.

Full terms and conditions can be found HERE

All guests are required to complete a medical declaration form & sign our liability waiver to participate in this tour.

Assumption of risks

Your safety is our number one priority.  However there will always be risks involved with participating in recreational activities.
By signing our liability waiver, you acknowledge that there are numerous risks you may face during your involvement in the activities.

Medical declaration


For safety reasons, some medical conditions, disabilities or impairments may exclude participants from our River Drift Snorkelling tour.

You understand that this activity requires physical exertion and it is your responsibility to make sure you’re healthy enough to participate.

Any serious medical condition or history may disallow you from participating in the tour.

If you have any concerns about your suitability, please contact us before booking.

Refunds are not guaranteed if you are deemed unsuitable to participate on the day of the tour.