Shuttle Run Croc Spot Tours - Morning

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A morning trip from Darwin to the Adelaide River to watch wild saltwater crocodiles leap for food beside a small boat. Croc Spot is one of only four operators in the Territory allowed to work this closely with crocodiles, and its cruises carry no more than 20 people.

Days

About 4 hours

Group size

Small group, max 20

Start / finish

Darwin / Adelaide River / Darwin

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return shuttle from Darwin and a river boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Shuttle Run Croc Spot Tours - Morning

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Included experiences

Adelaide River — watch wild saltwater crocodiles jump for food
On the boat — a full brief on crocodiles from local guides
Arnhem Highway — shuttle through the Top End from Darwin

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: DARWIN TO THE ADELAIDE RIVER

The shuttle collects you in Darwin in the morning for a relaxed drive of about an hour. You head down the Stuart Highway and turn east on the Arnhem Highway, the road to Kakadu, out across the floodplains. You pass Humpty Doo, where a grand 1950s scheme to grow rice failed partly because magpie geese ate the crop, and Window on the Wetlands on Beatrice Hill. Just before the Adelaide River Bridge you turn off to the river base and the boat landing.

THE JUMPING CROCODILE CRUISE

On the river you join a cruise of no more than 20 people. Croc Spot is one of only four outfits in the Northern Territory licensed to engage directly with crocodiles, and the guides are locals who have lived and worked around them for years. The Adelaide River holds one of the densest saltwater crocodile populations in the world. As the boat moves along, the guides hold a bait over the water and the crocs launch themselves upward with powerful strokes of the tail, jaws snapping shut just beside the boat.

THE CROCODILE BRIEFING

Between jumps the guides give you a proper briefing on what these animals are and how Territorians share the rivers with them. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest living reptiles, and big males reach five metres or more. They were hunted close to extinction until the Territory protected them in 1971, and the numbers here show how strongly they've recovered. Keep watching the mangroves and the sky: sea eagles and kites often follow the boat.

BACK TO DARWIN

After the cruise the shuttle drives you back along the Arnhem Highway, and you're in Darwin about four hours after you set out, with the afternoon free.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up in Darwin; your point and time are confirmed when you book.
Departure time: Morning departure from Darwin.
Duration: About 4 hours in all, including about an hour's drive each way.
Please note: Tours run daily. If you would rather drive, the river base is off the Arnhem Highway just before the Adelaide River Bridge, about 75 minutes from Darwin city.

What to bring

Water bottle
Hat
Camera

What is included

Return shuttle from Darwin to the Adelaide River
Jumping crocodile river cruise

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.