The Daintree river and surrounding region is home to many crocodiles and there are a number of boats available that can take you out on the water to see these amazing reptiles from a safe distance.
You can do a crocodile cruise along the way up or down to Cape Tribulation, in Daintree Village there is a multitude of tour operators doing crocodile spotting cruises and near the Daintree River ferry there are another bunch of booking offices for the tours that are based there.
When you are staying at Rainforest Hideaway the nearest croc cruise in Cape Tribulation Wilderness Cruises located near the mouth of Cooper Creek, about 200 metres south of Cafe On Sea. They are the only boat with a permit to enter this heavily protected creek and this guarantees maximum croc spotting as the crocs know the boat and do not get scared off.
Best time to see crocodiles is in the dry season at low tides, when they come out of the cold water to warm up in the sun, but they can be seen at any time of the year.
Be crocodile aware when you arrive in this area, many people stand right at the waters edge of the Daintree river or other creeks, even with their children. A crocodile can swim 20km/h under water without a ripple on the surface and burst out with enough speed and power to drag a horse or cow into the water so you or your children are an easy target. Keep away from the waters edge and get on a safe boat is the best advice.
Cape Tribulation Wilderness Cruises
Cape Tribulation Wilderness Cruises is the only tourboat permitted up Cooper Creek, roughly halfway between the Daintree river and Cape Tribulation. They can take you on a mangrove discovery tour towards the panorama of Queensland’s third highest mountain, Thornton Peak, on a leisurely & informative cruise into this unique world of mangroves.
Home to reputedly the most biodiverse mangrove system in Australia, Cooper Creek’s significance has been internationally recognized and rewarded by Queensland Park’s & Wildlife Service, which has afforded absolute protection to the creek’s flora and fauna.
Devoid of tourist infrastructure, freehold subdivision and agriculture, Cooper Creek is, as it was, unspoiled by development, a perfect picture of prehistoric times.
Cost for this cruise is $34 for adults and $24 for children.
Most of the other tours run on the Daintree River, you will find the ticket offices just before the Daintree river ferry crossing.
Solar Whisper
Solar Whisper is an electric wildlife cruise boat with the latest technology in whisper quiet electric outboard motors and their croc-cam can instantly replay any missed action of Daintree wildlife. The on-board digital video camera linked to a full size television screen for hard to see wildlife and action re-plays of the Daintree River. Trained and experienced guide with ‘eagle eyes’ to track down Crocodiles (spotted on most trips, especially low tide), Birds, Snakes, Frogs, etc. and interpret their part in the Mangrove & Rainforest Ecosystem.
Dan Irby’s Mangrove Adventures
Dan Irby’s Mangrove Adventures offers Daintree River cruises which are very personal and informative for both the amateur and professional visitors all year round catering for small tour groups of 2-10 people.
Join Dan for a Daintree River Tour and you will see and learn about the interaction and importance of the fascinating plants and animals found only in the Daintree River Mangrove ecosystem.
The main boat, “Nightwatchman” is 6 metres long with an open top and very comfortable 360 degree swivel seats. The swivel seats allow you to turn to see “the action” rather than sitting shoulder to shoulder on a bench seat. Nightwatchman’s shallow draft allows a much closer approach to things of interest. Its wide beam also gives it great stability. Dan’s tours depart from the ferry crossing on the north side of the Daintree river.
Crocodile Express
Crocodile Express, established in 1979, offers nature lovers the best of the Daintree with one hour cruises departing regularly from multiple locations on the river. Each passenger is offered a “Croc Pass” to travel unlimited on any of our cruises over a three day period from the saltwater mangrove and rainforest habitat in the lower Daintree River or the freshwater pasture lands and rainforest upstream from the Daintree Village. There is lots of wildlife to be seen including birds, reptiles, butterflies and crocodiles.
Price
$34 / Once / Per Guest
