Review: Mossman River Drift Snorkelling from Port Douglas

If you’re heading to Port Douglas or exploring the surrounding Daintree region, chances are you’ve come across the Mossman River Drift Snorkelling Tour. The idea of floating gently down a crystal-clear rainforest river sounds incredible, but the question is: is it really worth doing?

Matt and I joined the tour while road-tripping around North Queensland, and it turned out to be one of the more unique experiences of our trip. That’s where my review comes in.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what’s involved in the tour, what to expect on the day, and whether it’s the right experience for you. I’ll share my honest thoughts, answer common questions, and help you find out whether Mossman River Drift Snorkelling deserves a place on your itinerary.

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my disclaimer, T&C’s & privacy policy here.

What is the Mossman River Drift Snorkelling Tour?

Essentially, The Mossman River Drift snorkelling Tour allows you to drift with the River current on a floatation device. Additionally being stopped several times to use a mask & snorkel to watch fish dart around and other creatures in the fresh water.

The whole time you’re learning about the Mossman area, The Daintree Rainforest, and the flora and fauna surrounding you from the guide. Ultimately, I think it’s the prefect addition to your Port Douglas Itinerary!

How much does it cost?

The River Drift tour is $145 Per Adult or up to $270 for full day tours which can include crocodile cruises and the gorge. They have very low-cost in regards to overheads, and Back Country Bliss will provide you with almost everything you need to complete it. This includes:

➡  Click HERE to book your Tour with Get your guide

• Pick up and drop off from your Accommodation in Port Douglas and Mossman
• The Wetsuit, snorkel and Mask, Flotation device, boots & thermal layer (if needed in the winter)
• For those who wear glasses, there are limited prescription masks available. 
• Safety Training from the Guide
• Light snacks ( we got choc chip biscuits after the tour)

What to expect & My Review on the Tour!

Know the actual River Drift Snorkelling is a half-day tour that has morning and afternoon sessions taking about 4 hours (Including Pickup). Below, I will explain what I experienced on the tour and what you should expect.

The River is located about 15 minutes west of Mossman, 30 minutes from Port Douglas, and 1 hour from Palm Cove, in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. Access will be on sealed roads and driving through many Sugar Cane paddocks which line the Country roads.

Like any tour, it has its highlights and potential drawbacks—here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide if it’s right for you.

➡  Click HERE to book your Tour with Get your guide

✅ Pros

• Unique Experience – Combines snorkelling, drifting, and rainforest exploration all in one activity.
• Pristine Location – Set in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests on Earth.
• Clear Freshwater – Swim and drift through crystal-clear waters without salt or stingers to worry about.
• Wildlife Encounters – Chance to spot freshwater turtles, fish, and even the elusive platypus.
• Guided Adventure – Knowledgeable local guides provide insights into the environment and culture.
• Small Groups – Tours are usually kept small, creating a more personal and less crowded experience.
• Close to Port Douglas – Only around a 20-minute drive from Port Douglas, making it an easy half-day trip.

❌ Cons

• Weather Dependent – Heavy rain can affect water clarity or cause cancellations.
• Cooler Water – Freshwater can feel chilly, especially in cooler months, despite wetsuits being provided.
• Not for Everyone – Involves moderate physical activity; may not suit non-swimmers or those with mobility issues.
• Limited Wildlife Guarantees – While possible, spotting turtles or platypus isn’t guaranteed.
• Cost – Can feel a little expensive for a half-day experience compared to free or self-guided activities in the region.

Overall Review!

Overall, we really enjoyed the Mossman River Drift Snorkelling Tour for the adventure and its unique qualities. After touring around Australia, I’m not sure I have encountered anything else like it. You might think that white water rafting could be similar, but this is much tamer and why I think it’s suited for anyone.

However, I personally feel they could spend less time snorkelling and add much more drifting. I like a bit of excitement in my tours, and rushing down the river was what I was there for.

I didn’t mind trying out the snorkelling, but after the three different sections to do it, I felt that was too much.

In Summary, I loved the tour and it’s worth visiting Port Douglas for it.

Pickup from your Accommodation?

There are morning pickup times from Port Douglas, Mossman, and the Palm Cove area and afternoon times from Port Douglas and Mossman. These are all half-day tours and will take roughly four hours from Pickup to Drop-off.

This is complementary or otherwise included in the standard ticket price ( Cost will be extra from Palm Cove).

There are full day trips available from other tour companies that will also visit Mossman Gorge swimming spot or other areas of the Daintree National Park.

I think pickup is included in the price as the exact location could change throughout the year. Different tides and water levels will determine where they start and finish from. Besides that, there is limited parking at the site, and just easier to be picked up.

Whats the Time Schedule?

The Morning pickup times in Port Douglas were around 9am and 2pm every day. From Mossman, this will be about 15 minutes after that. Obviously, variations will be determined based on the number of pickups and how many hotels they go to. (This also varies on which tour you purchase).

➡  Click HERE to book your Tour with Get your guide

If you’re staying in Cairns, then I believe the closest pickup point would be the Clifton Village Shopping centre(an extra charge for this). But, please check this will the tour company first before getting a pickup from Cairns.

Our pickup was very prompt and within 5 minutes of the time emailed to us a few days before. However, the tours are fairly small in numbers, and would think it’s easy to stick to a schedule.

Below is an estimated itinerary for our tour:

• 910am: Pickup from Port Douglas Accommodation.
• 9:20am: Arrive at the Snorkelling Site and suited up in your wetsuit gear.
• 9:40am: Start walking through the rainforest.
• 9:50 to 11:50: Safety briefing, Swimming, Drifting, Snorkelling.
• 12:00pm: Remove the wetsuit and return the gear with light snacks while drying off.
• 12:15pm: Drive back to the accommodation.

When you arrive at the site!

As soon as you arrive at the destination, everything moves very quickly to get suited up and on your way. One at a time, you’ll go to the guide, and they’ll provide you with a suit, mask, snorkel, and a thermal layer (if needed).

There is a small area to get changed, which will be in front of everyone else on the tour.

Making your way to the River!

This is only a short 5-minute walk to the river, and you’ll need to carry your own flotation device. The trained River Drift guide will encourage you to jump into the water and brace yourself for the cold temperatures.

Watch out for colourful birds, blue butterflies, water dragons, and other creatures as you’re moving along through the rainforest.

What Can you see Snorkelling?

Obviously, we are river snorkelling within a freshwater stream contained within an ancient rainforest. This is going to be very different than snorkelling in places like the Great Barrier Reef.

I personally saw a couple of different catfish and plenty of Jungle Perch. However, there are opportunities to see the occasional turtle, eels, 33 different species of fish, and even the elusive platypus.

Apart from that, you’ll see plenty of rocks smoothed off from the flowing current and small/large tree branches that have fallen in from the forest scrub. All this promotes growth in the ecosystem and needed for the fish life around the River.

Know that you don’t have to do the snorkelling if you don’t want to, but you’ll just wait around for everyone to finish instead. However, if you don’t mind your head under the water, then I do recommend doing it at least once.

➡  Click HERE to book your Tour with Get your guide

Is the River Drifting very fast and dangerous?

Simply put – No, this is NOT an extremely fast-paced tour and I didn’t think it was incredibly dangerous. Obviously, safety is a big factor, and things can happen, but overall it’s a relatively tame activity.

With that said, if you’re after extreme water rapids, then it’s not what you’re going to find on this tour.

Evidently, the river can move fairly fast, you’ll get turned around, spin on your flotation device and sometimes lose your balance. With the river being so shallow, you can easily stand up, get into a comfy position and start floating again.

There was one section of the tour that was quiet and calm, tunnelling through trees and listening to the forest. Everyone was quiet, basically lying down on their floaty and looking up into the air.

The sun beams would be shining through the rainforest canopy, and very distinct birds chirping around you. As much as it wasn’t as exciting as the rest of the tour, it was peaceful, meditating, and one of my favourite parts.

Keep in mind, that we also completed this tour during winter, and the water levels/ speed are lower than in the summertime. I think they have more restrictions during the summer and will cancel tours during dangerous periods.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

Walking through the Forest

There were about 3 or four times where you picked up the floatation device and walked through the forest to a different section of the river.

There was a short period where the guide stopped and talked about the Rainforest, the plants, and the wildlife. This can be interesting for those who aren’t local and help teach you about the area and what you might see.

Know this is part of the world-famous Daintree National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage listed “Wet Tropics of Queensland”. This means you’re in one of the oldest and more beautiful rainforests in Australia.

After finishing the tour

We finished drifting for the last time and walked a short distance back to the road. This is where the second guide collected our floaties and placed them on the back of the truck to drive back to the facility.

We, on the other hand, had to walk the extra 5 or 10 minutes down the road to where we started.

This is where they provided light snacks (Choc Chip Cookies) and water. You used this time to remove the wetsuit, return all the gear to the storage area and dry off. When that was all done, you piled into the van and drove back to your accommodation.

➡  Click HERE to book your Tour with Get your guide

About the Tour company

We made our booking through Get your Guide and Our Tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly, made us feel safe and helpful. There were about 10 to 15 people on our tour, but I’m sure that varies in peak seasons.

They gave us a safety briefing before the snorkelling or drifting part of the tour and were very specific about not swimming underneath logs.

FAQ’s – Common Questions?

What gear do you need to bring with you?

The great thing is, that most of the equipment needed to complete the tour is actually provided. Therefore, the basics you need to bring will be:

• a swimming costume
• and a towel.
• Non-necessities could include a waterproof camera
• and a waterproof phone holder, especially if you want to take photos or capture the experience. 

Note that the river tour guide will take photo’s on their own phones of everyone. These are uploaded to their Facebook page a few days later.

This is not always a great option, especially if you’re not near the guides to have your picture taken. Secondly, photos aren’t guaranteed and are lower quality than taking them yourself. (Unless you have an iPhone to Airdrop)  

Also keep in mind, that there are no change rooms available at the beginning of the tour. Therefore, it’s best to wear your swimming costume, before getting picked up from your accommodation.

Who is this tour suited for?

This is an activity suited for young and old and is very family-friendly.

On my specific tour, there were teenagers and older retired visitors. However, there can be restrictions when it comes to limited mobility and even pregnancy. Therefore, it’s best to read the safety information before purchasing.

How cold is the water?

I’m not going to beat around the bush – Yep! The water is pretty cold, and getting in for the first time is a jump start to the system.

However, the wetsuit and thermals will provide the extra layering and warmth needed to complete the tour. We did the tour in August, which was probably their coldest month.

On average, the water temperature ranges from 17 degree Celsius in August and 22 degree Celsius in January. In comparison, you’ll find the Ocean or sea water will only get down to 21 to 22 degrees in the winter.

Are there crocodiles in the river?

It’s good to know that snorkelling in the Mossman River is very safe and free from Crocodiles.

Crocodiles are very common in rivers and streams in North Queensland, but they need to be warmer and much dirtier water. The Mossman River is too cold for a Crocodile to maintain their body temperature, and crystal clear waters make it impossible to hide.

Safety Restrictions and Things to consider

• It’s not recommended for people who are pregnant.
• You need to walk comfortably over uneven ground and be aware of branches that can trip you. This includes being able to quickly find your footing when standing up in the fast-moving water.
• You should know how to swim, but most of the water is very shallow. Standing is possible in most sections, but the high-flowing current will stop you sometimes.
• Must be a strong swimmer between November and April each year. This is when the current is at its fastest, and you should check the conditions before booking.
• The minimum age for the tour is 3 years old, and any children between 3yo and 8yo must wear a life jacket(PFD)
• The maximum weight limit is 140kg (308 pounds) and up to a 3XL wetsuit size.
• The maximum shoe size is around 12 (Australia), 13 (United States), and 12 ( United Kingdom).

Other Things to do in the area

➡  Check and compare prices for your Port Douglas Hotels HERE

• A sunset walk along Four Mile Beach
• Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• Visiting Mossman Gorge and rainforest walks (this is a different section from the Snorkel tour)

• Crocodile Cruise in the Daintree National Park
• Check out the Wildlife Habitat
• Kuranda Village is worth seeing and the wildlife Parks

• Sunset Sailing cruise from the marina
• Rex Smeal Park Picnic
• Walk through the Thala Coconut Palm Fields

• Try a locally made Daintree Ice-cream
• Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail

Wrap Up!

Thanks for reading this blog post today on my Review of the Mossman River Drift Snorkelling tour, and details you need to know before booking yourself. I hope you found the information you were looking for and enjoy the tour yourself.

However, If your still researching, you can explore other Port Douglas treasures HERE for inspiration and planning.

Other Related Articles:

• Best Australian Waterfalls you must see
• Is Australia Boring? Reasons why it’s Not with Photo’s
• Best Place to Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• The Best Cairns to Cooktown Road Trip Stops (Via Bloomfield)
• Tips to know BEFORE planning a Queensland Road Trip
• The Best Cairns Itinerary | Planning 7 days or more
• Cairns Vs Gold Coast – Which one is better to visit?