Our Jumping Crocodile Cruise
1 Day
7:30 - 11:30
Why visit Darwin City?
From a wide variety of Asian food to beautiful open-air theatres under the sky full of stars, Darwin – is a city with something for everyone!
Along with crocodile cruises, you’ll have a chance to discover a rich Aboriginal culture and art in the city’s galleries, museums, and even on the streets! And, as the city is located near Asia, you’ll definitely see a significant impact on the city’s life, including food and nightlife!
The first thing not to miss in Darwin is a crocodile-themed cruise in the Adelaide River, home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of freshwater crocodiles.
facilities
Details
- Tour code: SJCC
- Frequency: Daily (May to Oct) / Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun (Nov to Apr)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure: 7:30am
- Return: 11:30am
- 1-hour Adelaide River boat cruise
- Convenient transfers from Darwin
- Wildlife sightings, in their natural habitat!
- Skilled wildlife driver guide
Comprehensive tour commentary
Refreshments
Refresh yourself before or after your river cruise with our free tea & coffee, or cold drink range available to purchase. We also have a range of locally homemade ice creams and ice pops available.
Disability Access
While we have done our best to accommodate those with disabled or limited mobility, not all areas of our facilities are wheelchair friendly, however, we will make every effort to make your visit memorable. Please let us know if you require assistance, either before, or on arrival.
Highlights of Your Jumping Crocs Darwin Tour
- Effortless transfers from Darwin with entry to the Jumping Crocodile Cruise
- Traverse the diverse wetlands and waterways of the Adelaide River, a floodplain region acknowledged as an important bird area
- The Northern Territory is celebrated for its diverse Australian wildlife, including 280 different species of birds and 117 species of reptiles
- Venture on a 1-hour small-group crocodile cruise, for an up-close and interactive wildlife experience in their natural habitat
- Benefit from live commentary from our wildlife expert, educating you about these magnificent creatures, their biology, behaviors, and the local ecosystem
Animal Exhibits
To understand the ecology of our local area a little bit better, we have a small number of animal exhibits for your viewing. Our staff are happy to introduce you to our resident animals, as well as tell you all about the various wildlife that can be easily seen from our premises.
Free Parking
We provide free parking for all sizes of vehicles.
Gallery
What to do in Darwin?
Flora & fauna of the Adelaide River
The Northern Territory boasts a diverse range of flora & fauna, including multiple species of birds (400), plants (1,500), reptiles (300), mammals (150), frogs (50), and fish (60). Kangaroos, bull sharks, white-bellied eagles, wild buffaloes, and the famous sea crocodile are among the well-known Australian creatures that can be seen during your boat cruise.
The Saltwater crocodiles of the Adelaide River
Freshwater crocodiles are the world’s most giant species of reptiles, reaching a length of 5-7 metres, depending on their sex. Around 80,000 species populate the river, and there have never been more in these rivers than in the Northern Territory. Although they are massive creatures, they can smoothly sneak up on you from the back. Their thick, scaly, green-brown skin melts in the water, completely camouflaging them until they pounce on their prey. Once in the water, they are surprisingly fast, their muscular tails moving them forward.
Animal ethics
Crocodiles are entirely wild, and the behaviour we will show you is based on hunting techniques for catching their prey. We treat each crocodile with the respect it deserves and do our best to ensure that it is not teased or tormented but rewarded for interaction.
Often, the interaction stimulates these animals, not the tiny food offerings. The food we give the animals is not intended to feed them, and we ensure that they continue to hunt as usual and maintain their physical condition!
Our Staff
All of our employees are wildlife enthusiasts and have wildlife permits. As they have worked with us for many years, they know the crocodiles by name and face. We invite visitors worldwide to join us and get to know these amazing creatures with whom we share planet Earth.
Safety first
Safety is the number one priority when travelling to the Adelaide River, and we start every tour with a safety briefing. Our Darwin Crocodile tour operators follow strict measures to ensure the protection of both visitors and crocodiles.
The boats used during the tour are designed to protect you from the crocodiles but still provide an exciting encounter with them. Our tour is suitable for all age groups.
Spotting the wildlife
Due to the danger of crocodiles, the safest way to see wildlife is on an Adelaide River Cruis. These trips allow you to sail along the river, discovering various wildlife. Get up as close as possible to these magnificent creatures as they jump out of the water just metres away from you to catch their daily prey. After watching the crocodiles, you’ll head to the Window on the Wetlands Reserve and the Foggy Dam Reserve to learn about Darwin’s ecosystem and exceptional beauty!
What Our Customers Are Saying About Jumping Crocodile Cruise
Experience Thrills with Darwin's Jumping Crocodile Cruise
Dive into one of Darwin’s most iconic activities – a half-day Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River. As we leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, we journey about 60km South East to the heart of the Marrakai wetlands. This natural habitat is home to the apex predator, the crocodile, as well as an impressive array of 117 reptile species and a population of 280 bird species.
The Adelaide River is well known for its high concentration of saltwater crocodiles, along with other wildlife, including white-bellied sea eagles, whistling kites, freshwater crocodiles, bull sharks and Black Flying-fox. Waters of this river are also home to endangered speartooth shark and critically endangered large tooth sawfish. You never know what you might see, so keep a keen eye!
Every jumping croc tour is safe, comfortable and undercover, so you can enjoy the cruise no matter what level of fitness or mobility. After all, everyone should be to witness to power of the mighty Australian Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodile. All of our cruises have a minimum of 2 crew members on board so that while the action is happening in front of you, you can rest assured that our experienced Skippers are concentrating on keeping both their passengers and the animals as safe as possible.
Full Itinerary
Join us for an unforgettable Jumping Crocodile Cruise tour departing from Darwin, for a thrilling encounter with some of nature’s most fierce and deadly wildlife situated in the natural waterways of the Northern Territory. Australia’s Top End is said to host over 100,000 estuarine crocodiles, largely located in and around Darwin, Adelaide River, and Mary River areas.
Witness the largest and most ancient creature to have walked the earth since the dinosaurs. These primordial beasts grow up to 6 meters in length (the size of a small bus) and can weigh up to 1000kg. The infamous crocodile named “Sweetheart” was captured not far from the Adelaide River after repeatedly chewing motors off the backs of fisherman’s boats and stealing farmers’ cows. Sweetheart, unfortunately, passed away and can now be seen preserved in the Darwin Museum.
Our Jumping Crocodile cruise partners are adeptly trained to ensure the safety of both the crocodiles and passengers at all times. Crocodiles are fed buffalo meat, allowing guests to witness firsthand the powerful and dramatic hunting techniques of an estuarine crocodile. All staff are issued Wildlife Permits by National Parks and Wildlife for our interactions and no animals are harmed in any way during our wildlife interactions.
Meals: n/a. Driving Distance: 120 km.
*Autopia Tours reserves the right to adjust the route, boat cruise partner, and operating days due to weather, special events, boat maintenance, and/or third-party availability.
When in the Northern Territory, beholding the grandeur of a crocodile in person is a must-do experience. The best way to ensure a safe encounter with the world’s largest reptile is by going on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise tour on the Adelaide River. A cruise lets you witness these creatures up-close without compromising safety. Here’s what to anticipate from a Jumping Crocodile Cruise tour from Darwin guided by Autopia Darwin Tours on the Adelaide River.
While crocodiles were once in danger of extinction, you’ll see that these beasts are thriving in northern Australia. Today there are about 150,000 estuarine crocodiles and 100,000 freshwater crocodiles in the region. The 238-kilometre-long Adelaide River is known for its high concentration of these reptiles.
Crocodiles are famed for being the world’s largest reptiles but this is far from the only intriguing thing about these creatures. On a Jumping Crocodile Cruise, you’ll learn countless fascinating facts about crocodiles from their biology to their behavior. Our guides know how to make every cruise both thrilling and enlightening!
You’ll receive live commentary that’s relevant to the crocs you encounter on your cruise, as well as the local ecosystem. It’s the most exciting biology class you’ll ever experience! The wealth of information you’ll learn is well worth the cost of the tour.
Of course, these jumping crocodile cruises aren’t just an educational experience. It wouldn’t be a jumping crocodile cruise without seeing some of these beasts leap into the air. Witness crocs jump for joy to get to the chunks of meat our guides will dangle for them from a stick over the edge of the boat. It’s a guaranteed adrenaline rush!
Although the Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River is mostly about the crocs, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the other wildlife surrounding you. There are over 100 species of other reptiles besides crocodiles. There are also nearly 300 different species of birds, making it a paradise for bird lovers!
There’s no substitute for the close-up view of witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat. On the Adelaide River, you can spot marine life like bull sharks, birds like white-bellied sea eagles, and flying foxes which are some of the largest bats in the world. Rest assured, none of the animals or nature are being disturbed in the process. The experience is completely authentic, resulting in the best photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Aside from the wildlife, the Adelaide River is a stunning sight in itself.
As you venture out on the water amid the warmth of the Northern Territory, it’s essential to ensure your cruise is designed for comfort to maximize your enjoyment. That’s precisely what we offer with our Jumping Crocodile Cruise from Autopia Tours. We’re committed to providing all our guests with a fantastic, relaxing experience on our cruises, guaranteeing plenty of crocodile sightings. Additionally, we’ve taken care of the region’s heat by making sure our cruises are air-conditioned.
Our Jumping Crocodile Cruise is proudly Aboriginal-owned, with proceeds contributing towards the traditional owners of the area. It allows you to not only enjoy an exhilarating adventure but also to make a positive impact with your investment. You can either join this standalone tour or experience the Jumping Crocodile Tour as part of our 1-day Kakadu tour or a Litchfield National Park tour. To book your extraordinary encounter with crocodiles, get in touch with Autopia Tours today!
Plan your visit to Darwin
Frequency: Daily (May to Oct) / Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun (Nov to Apr)
Duration: 4 hours
Departure: 7:30 am
Return: 11:30 am
- Darwin International Airport (DRW) is located 7 km from the city and operates international and within-the-country flights.
- Darwin is an excellent place to explore by car, but given its remoteness from other major cities, it is best to rent a car after arriving by plane.
- Car rental, taxi, car sharing and shuttle services are available at the airport.
airport is Australia’s smallest city, so getting around is easy. Many of its attractions can be easily accessed by walking or cycling, as they are nearby and connected by pathways.
Darwin has two seasons. The dry season attracts the biggest amount of tourists due to the city’s numerous events and dynamic nightlife. During the wet season, there is lush vegetation and breathtaking night thunderstorms.
- High season: Dry season (May to October)
- Low season: The rainy season (November to July)
- Don’t miss the Sunset Markets at Mindil Beach (April to October).
Darwin offers many accessible activities and accommodation options for solo travellers and big companies.
- Darwin Airport offers assistance to individuals in need of help with luggage or navigating the airport.
- airport buses have low floors and retractable ramps to help passengers with reduced mobility.
Darwin’s restaurants are known for their upscale atmosphere and excellent cuisine!
- At Pee Wee’s at the Point, you can try the famous coconut-crusted crocodile! Snapper Rocks take innovation seriously, and Hanuman Darwin, an Indian-Thai fusion restaurant, offers an explosion of cultural flavours.
The city is also known for its long history of street food markets, where you can find the most iconic dishes.
- The Mindil Beach Sunset Market (open every Thursday and Sunday, day and evening) offers some of the best laksa in town. Meanwhile, Parap Village Market is a tropical fruit and smoothie paradise.
Or, if you are into trying local alcohol:
- Head to Trader Bar for a gin to sip in their lush garden! If you’re in the mood for the best, you won’t want to miss Mile Brewery, Smoke & Oak, Celery and Pub Six Tanks.
If you’re travelling to Darwin, check out the Oaks Elan Darwin, Rydges Darwin Central Da and Irwin City Hotel!
- Couples travelling to Darwin should try the hospitality of Mantra Pandanas, Doubletree by Hilton Darwin and Argus Apartments Darwin.
- Are you travelling to Darwin with your family? Ramada Suites Zen Quarter Darwin, Quest Parap, and Metro Advance Apartments and Hotel are all independent, family-friendly hotels that guarantee a warm welcome.
- Want the best of the best? The Hilton Darwin, Mindil Beach Casino & Resort and Rydges Palmerston offer a luxurious 5-star experience.
LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
The opportunities for adventure are endless in Litchfield National Park.
Just a short drive from Darwin City, Litchfield is one of the Northern Territory’s finest parks. Whether plunging under misty waterfalls, admiring unusual termites, jumping between waterholes or hiking, you’ll never be disappointed with your trip to this fascinating park. Camping is the only accommodation in the park, but other options are nearby.
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
Discover the magic of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park on a trip that will exceed your expectations.
In this Australian park, you’ll find rugged cliffs, lush rainforests and 20,000-year-old rock art galleries. Learn about Aboriginal culture from the traditional owners of Bininj/Mungguy, see thundering waterfalls and watch millions of migratory birds in the wetlands.
Online Booking
Why go on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise?
It is a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone visiting this area. If you want to get up as close as possible to some of Australia’s ancient creatures, then a crocodile cruise is the attraction for you!
Sweetheart crocodile
Up in the Northern Territory, crocs are part of the furniture. Call it the price of living in a place where the natural habitat still
What boats do crocodile cruises?
What boats do crocodile cruises? If you’ve ever sat in the Top End’s midday heat and heard the words, “Let’s go find some crocs,” you
Corroboree Billabong
You’ve heard of Kakadu National Park, right? But here’s the locals’ secret: if you want the most saltwater crocodiles, most birds and pristine wetlands without
Crocodiles in the Northern Territory
Northern Territory crocodiles aren’t just a thrill — they’re part of the cultural fabric, environmental balance and the stories that shape this rugged part of
Top places to see a crocodile in Australia
If you’re looking for top places to see a crocodile in Australia, whether you want to snap crocodile photos of a 5-metre beast basking in
Species of Crocodiles in Australia
Species of Crocodiles in Australia That’s when you realise — crocodile species in Australia are not to be underestimated. Not all crocs are created equal.
FAQ
How safe is the jumping crocodile cruise?
What's the ideal time to visit Darwin City for a jumping crocodile cruise?
The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit Darwin City for a jumping crocodile cruise.
