Wildlife Tours Australia Half Day Jumping Crocodile Cruise

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A half-day trip from Darwin to the Adelaide River for a one hour jumping crocodile cruise, where saltwater crocodiles launch themselves out of the water to grab food from the boat.

Days

4.5 hours, half day

Age

All ages; under 18s with a parent or guardian

Group size

Small group, max 23

Start / finish

Darwin / Darwin

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Air-conditioned mini-coach from central Darwin pick-up points, then a custom-built cruise boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Wildlife Tours Australia Half Day Jumping Crocodile Cruise

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Included experiences

Adelaide River — 1 hour jumping crocodile cruise
Marrakai wetlands — birdlife including sea eagles and whistling kites
Adelaide River — guide commentary on crocodile behaviour

Wildlife Tours Australia Half Day Jumping Crocodile Cruise

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: DARWIN TO THE MARRAKAI WETLANDS

After a morning pick-up in Darwin, you head about 60 km south-east along the Arnhem Highway to the Marrakai wetlands on the Adelaide River. The floodplains here are listed as an Important Bird Area, with around 280 bird species and 117 kinds of reptiles recorded in the region. On the way there's a short stop at Humpty Doo, where in the 1950s investors tried to turn the floodplain into a giant rice farm; the scheme collapsed, partly because flocks of magpie geese ate the crop. Your guide uses the drive to explain how crocodiles live, hunt and survive in these rivers, so you know what you're watching.

ON THE ADELAIDE RIVER

Then you board a custom-built boat for a one-hour cruise on the Adelaide River, which holds one of the densest populations of saltwater crocodiles in the world. These are the largest living reptiles, with big males passing five metres. As the boat idles, the crew hold a piece of meat out on a pole, and a crocodile surges up with a few strokes of its tail until most of its body is clear of the water. It happens close enough to hear the jaws snap shut. Between jumps, watch for white-bellied sea eagles and whistling kites diving for scraps, black flying foxes in the trees, and barramundi or bull sharks moving below the surface.

BACK TO DARWIN

After the cruise you drive back across the floodplains to Darwin, arriving around midday with the afternoon free. It's a short, easy morning with very little walking, which makes it a good fit for families and anyone who wants the big Top End wildlife moment without a long day on the road.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up and drop-off points.
Minimum age: All ages. Child fares apply for ages 0 to 12; everyone under 18 must be with a parent or legal guardian at all times.
Fitness: Easy-going, with only a low level of fitness needed. Not suitable for travellers using wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers. Driving is about 120 km.
Please note: Give any medical conditions at the time of booking. Routes may change with weather, road or park closures, or traditional landowner ceremonies. Please reconfirm your tour within 7 days of departure.

What to bring

1 litre refillable water bottle
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with grip
Light, all-weather clothing you can layer
Tropical-strength insect repellent
One small day pack (5 to 7 kg); suitcases can't be carried
Camera or phone

What is included

Return transfers from selected Darwin inner-city pick-up points
1 hour Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise
Local driver-guide and commentary
Air-conditioned mini-coach
Text translation app in 10 languages

Not included

Meals
Transfers from your hotel to the pick-up point
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Spending money

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A fabulous trip to see the jumping crocodiles on the Adelaide River. We met Stumpy, Roger and Mamma and came away with real respect for them, our guide Darrel was great, and the surprise stop at the Humpty Doo pub on the way back was a bonus.

Lisa Stevenson Verified· Travelled 23rd January 2026

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