Terms and Conditions

1. About Your Charter

It is our mission to provide a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable trip for all passengers. However, water-based activities involve inherent risks beyond our control, as outlined in these terms.

Reef & River Charters provides private and tailored charter experiences, including but not limited to deep sea and Broadwater trips from the Gold Coast, offshore charters (up to 15 nautical miles), estuary fishing, sightseeing cruises, and “Aussie day out” experiences with beach BBQ and swimming.

All services are subject to availability, weather conditions, safety considerations, and operational requirements. Services may be modified, rescheduled, or cancelled where necessary.

By booking, submitting an enquiry, or joining a trip, you agree to these terms on behalf of yourself and everyone in your group.

2. Website Use

You agree to use the Reef & River Charters website for lawful purposes only.

You must not misuse the website, attempt unauthorised access, interfere with website functionality, or introduce malicious code.

We reserve the right to update, suspend, or remove any part of the website at any time without notice.

3. Bookings and Payment

Submitting an enquiry or booking request does not guarantee availability. All bookings are subject to confirmation by Reef & River Charters.

Bookings are confirmed only after full payment is received. We do not accept deposits or “pay on the day” arrangements.

Payments must be made in full at the time of booking using the available payment methods.

You must verify all booking details, including date, time, trip type, and passenger numbers, before completing payment.

We reserve the right to decline or cancel any booking at our discretion.

4. Pricing and Payments

Prices displayed on this website are provided as a guide only and may change without notice.

Final pricing will be confirmed at the time of booking. Additional costs may apply for optional extras or specific requests and will be communicated during the booking process.

5. Cancellations and Changes by You

Cancellations made at least 7 days before departure are eligible for a full refund or reschedule, subject to availability.

Cancellations within 7 days of departure, no-shows, or changes to the date, time, or trip type will result in full payment being forfeited, with no exceptions.

Changes requested within 7 days may be treated as cancellations.

6. Cancellations and Changes by Us (Including Weather)

Charter activities are weather dependent.

The skipper may cancel, shorten, reschedule, or alter any trip at their discretion due to weather, safety concerns, mechanical issues, or operational requirements.

If a trip is cancelled before departure, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule, subject to availability.

If a trip is altered or shortened after departure, any refunds or credits are at our discretion. Reef & River Charters is not liable for any additional costs you may incur, including travel or accommodation expenses.

7. Safety, Passenger Conduct, and Intoxication

All participants must follow skipper and crew instructions at all times, including safety briefings, movement on the vessel, equipment use, and lifejacket requirements.

Failure to comply may result in refusal of boarding or removal from the charter without refund.

BYO is limited to canned beer, cider, or seltzers only. Heavy spirits and glass are not permitted. This is a non-smoking vessel due to fire risk associated with petrol engines and to maintain a safe environment for all passengers.

The skipper may refuse boarding or terminate a trip early due to intoxication, smoking, unsafe behaviour, or disruption. No refunds will be provided, and you are liable for any damage caused to the vessel or equipment.

8. Age, Health, Fitness, and Medical Disclosure

Passengers must be physically fit to board the vessel, move safely onboard, and participate in the charter.

It is your responsibility to inform Reef & River Charters before booking of any medical conditions, allergies, mobility limitations, pregnancy, or health concerns that could impact the trip or require assistance at sea.

Children aged 12 and over are welcome but must be supervised at all times. Trip-specific age or group limits may apply and will be advised at booking.

9. Seasickness Policy

If seasickness results in a request to return early, no refunds or credits will be issued.

You are responsible for preparing appropriately, including taking preventative medication if prone to seasickness. Participation is at your own risk.

10. Fishing Rules and Catch

All fishing activities comply with Queensland fishing laws, including size and bag limits.

Undersize or protected species must be released immediately. The skipper’s decision on keep or release is final.

Where practical, we will clean and ice legal catch.

11. Broadwater-Specific Risks (Stepping Off Vessel)

Stepping off the vessel onto beaches or sandbanks is at your own risk.

We will provide safety briefings covering risks such as stingrays, jellyfish, currents, and environmental hazards. You accept full responsibility for any injury incurred.

Children must be supervised at all times.

12. “Aussie Day Out,” Beach BBQ, and Swimming

Swimming, beach landings, and BBQ activities carry inherent risks.

Passengers must follow safety directions at all times and supervise children.

The skipper may cancel or alter these activities if conditions are unsafe, including weather, swell, wind, or currents.

13. Personal Property

You are responsible for your personal belongings, including fishing gear, phones, and valuables.

Reef & River Charters accepts no liability for loss or damage to personal property.

14. Risk Acknowledgment and Limitation of Liability

Participation in our charters involves inherent risks, including weather conditions, vessel movement, marine life, equipment use, slips, and falls.

By engaging our services, you acknowledge and accept these risks voluntarily.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Reef & River Charters is not liable for any loss, injury, damage, delay, or inconvenience arising from website use or participation in our services, except where caused by our negligence.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

15. Photos and Media

Crew members may take photos or videos during charters for promotional purposes.

If you do not wish to appear in media content, you must advise the crew at the start of the trip. Otherwise, you consent to use without payment. Consent may be withdrawn in writing.

16. Privacy

We collect personal information, including booking and contact details, for operational and administrative purposes.

We do not sell personal information and only share it with service providers where required to deliver our services or where legally required.

17. Intellectual Property

All website content, including text, images, branding, and design, is the property of Reef & River Charters or its licensors and must not be used, reproduced, or distributed without written permission.

18. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.

Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.