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Looking to get up close to some wild saltwater crocodiles? You’ve come to the right place!
A jumping croc cruise is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you simply can’t miss while visiting Darwin. There are several tours to choose from, but not all are created equal. That’s why we’re here to help you pick one that’s safe, fun, and totally worth your time and money!
We lived in Darwin for years and went on plenty of these cruises (they were always a hit with visiting friends and family), so we’re confident we’ve found the best jumping croc tour out there, and we’re excited to share our top pick with you!
Check availability for our favorite jumping croc cruise here!
- Our Favorite Jumping Crocs Cruise in Darwin
- Why is this Jumping Croc Cruise the Best?
- Is this Jumping Croc Cruise Safe?
- Will I Always See Crocs?
- Should I book in Advance?
- Tips to Know Before You Go!
- Is a Jumping Crocs Cruise Worth It?
- Other Activities to do while in Darwin
- Where to Stay in Darwin
- Thanks for Reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Our Favorite Jumping Crocs Cruise in Darwin
From Darwin, there are two great tour options that include our favorite jumping croc cruise. Both feature the same incredible croc experience, but the rest of the itinerary differs. One is a half-day tour focused solely on the cruise, while the other is a full-day adventure that also includes a visit to Litchfield National Park. We’ve broken down both options below to help you choose the right one for your trip!
1. Half-Day Jumping Croc Cruise from Darwin
If you’re short on time or just want a tour that focuses more on the crocs, this half-day jumping croc cruise from Darwin is the perfect pick!
The bus will pick you up from your hotel in Darwin and head out to the Adelaide River with a quick stop at the “Boxing Croc” along the way for pictures and a bite to eat.
Once at the river, you’ll climb onto your boat and start the hour-long tour to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Your expert guide will hang raw chicken from a stick to feed the crocodiles. The crocodiles will hunt the chicken just as they would an animal in the wild, and when the time is right, a crocodile will jump out of the water to get the chicken – so get your camera ready!
These prehistoric giants can get up to 7 meters (23 feet) long, and seeing them jumping up out of the water is such an incredible sight! The last time we went, we saw 12 different crocs!
After the cruise, the tour continues with a drive through the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, where you’ll have the chance to spot more wildlife like birds, buffalo, and wallabies. The whole experience takes about 4 hours and runs daily from May to November. It’s super popular (just check out the glowing reviews!), so we highly recommend booking in advance!
Secure your spot on the best half-day jumping croc cruise here!
2. Full-Day Jumping Crocs Cruise and Litchfield Tour from Darwin
If you want to pack more adventure into your day, we highly recommend this full-day Jumping Croc Cruise and Litchfield tour! It includes the exact same epic croc cruise we raved about above, plus a visit to nearby Litchfield National Park to explore stunning waterfalls and idyllic swimming holes.
We had such an awesome time on this tour and loved the mix of heart-pounding croc action followed by relaxing nature stops. Our guide was fantastic—super knowledgeable and full of fun facts that made the day even more memorable.
This 11-hour outback adventure includes round-trip transport from Darwin, the jumping croc cruise, lunch, snacks, water, and a great guide—so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. With over 1,900 glowing reviews, this tour is a clear favorite and tends to sell out, so be sure to book ahead!
Check the schedule and book your full-day Jumping Croc & Litchfield tour here!
Related Read: Looking for some other fun activities to do while you’re in Darwin? Check out our list of our top ten favorite things to do here!
Why is this Jumping Croc Cruise the Best?
There are SO many reasons we love this particular Jumping Crocs Cruise. Whether you choose the half-day or the full-day tour option, you are in for a treat! I’ve outlined in detail below some of the main reasons this tour beats out all of the competition:
The Boat
On this Jumping Croc Cruise, the boat used is small but also the most sturdy. With only one viewing level that stands only half a meter from the water, followed by an aluminum cage, you really get close to the crocs without sacrificing safety. This boat also only takes 20 people at a time.
Many of the other boats on the river sit high out of the water or use big glass panels that take away the feeling of watching the crocs in the wild and give off more of a zoo-like feeling.
Some are also multi-level, which means you could be several meters from the water and lose that exciting “up-close and personal” experience.
The Guides
Pat is one of the guides who run this vessel, and if you’re after a true blue Aussie experience, then Pat is your guy. His local knowledge from growing up in the outback and living with saltwater crocodiles in his backyard gives a great insight into the lives of these majestic animals.
Pat’s character is truly unique, and hearing the story of when a croc took his hat was one to remember.
Not only do you get a Jumping Croc tour with Pat, but he also speaks some local Aboriginal language to the birds, which has them flying around the boat as if he were some sort of bird whisperer! Pat is truly a unique touch to a Jumping Croc Cruise from Darwin.
The Price
The cost of a Jumping Croc Cruise from Darwin really varies, but the tours we mentioned above are the most affordable options for everything you get! Most tours only include a Jumping Crocs Cruise, and don’t have any other stops or activities, and charge the same price, if not more!
The tours we listed above also both have “reserve now, pay later” plans when you book with Viator, meaning you can secure your spot today and not have to pay a cent until just before you go on your tour, which is really helpful!
Book our favorite Jumping Croc Cruise from Darwin here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Is this Jumping Croc Cruise Safe?
This question is probably at the top of your list. I’m sure you’ve heard about how dangerous saltwater crocodiles are, so you might wonder if this is actually a safe activity. Well, the answer is yes.
The operators on the river are trained professionals who understand crocodile behavior. They know the river, the crocs, and how to keep you safe. In fact, our guide, Pat, lives on this exact river and built and maintains his own dock, which means he’s always around these guys!
Crocodiles are really strange; during my tours, they almost don’t even look at you. They fixate on the chicken and that’s it! So as long as you follow your guide’s safety instructions, you will be ok!
Related Read: You can see lots of crocodiles if you choose to go on one of the Kakadu National Park tours from Darwin!
Will I Always See Crocs?
This is nature, it’s not a zoo. However, with a large number of crocodiles in the Adelaide River, it’s likely you will see a croc.
On all my tours, I saw many females and at least one large male each time. The males are truly scary, but it’s the females who jump the highest!
Should I book in Advance?
Yes! This is a highly sought-after activity during Darwin’s dry season from May to October, and tours tend to book up quickly!
Luckily, both of the tours we have mentioned have a 24-hour cancellation policy, meaning that you can book to secure your spot and then cancel up to 24 hours in advance to get a full refund in case your plans change!
One of our favorite parts of booking with Viator, and why we always recommend Viator tours, is that they have a “buy now, pay later” option. You can reserve your spot on tours ahead of time to help you better plan your vacation and then pay later, closer to your trip time. And with their lowest price guarantee, you know you are getting the best deal out there!
Reserve your spot on our favorite full-day Jumping Crocs and Litchfield tour here!
Tips to Know Before You Go!
Don’t wear your most expensive outfit – Yes, we all want to look our best for photos, but unfortunately, the Crocodiles don’t care, and on two of the occasions I went, mud splashed into the boat! To be honest, this only added to the experience!
Bring your camera… or two! – Of course, getting some up-close shots of saltwater crocodiles in the wild is amazing and shouldn’t be missed. But, I was surprised to see on the tours I did how many people didn’t bring them! Oh, and having a second camera to take some video is the best way to show your friends and family how cool the jumping croc tour really was!
Wear sunglasses – The glare off the river while watching crocodiles for 45 minutes can put a strain on your eyes without sunnies!
Is a Jumping Crocs Cruise Worth It?
Absolutely!
Even if you are a little nervous at the thought of being so close to these dangerous animals, I just know you will truly enjoy this experience. This is one of the best Crocodile Tours in Darwin and the most unique things to do in Darwin and Australia. It is authentic, it’s outback, it’s Australia!
Learn more about the BEST Jumping Crocs Cruise half-day tour here, or the full-day tour here!
Other Activities to do while in Darwin
Now that you’ve locked in the perfect jumping croc cruise, it’s time to plan the rest of your Darwin adventure! Luckily, there’s no shortage of fun things to do here, but to make it easier, I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favorite activities below:
- Sunset dinner cruise – Watching the sunset from the water in Darwin was one of my favorite evenings! This dreamy cruise sails across the harbor while you sip sparkling wine and enjoy a 7-course dinner—does it get any better than that?
- Go jet skiing! – Hitting the water on a jet ski is hands-down one of our favorite things to do in Darwin. You can rent one yourself, or you can join this awesome guided jet-ski tour instead. It brings you to all the best spots, so you don’t have to worry about navigating and can just focus on the views.
- Learn Darwin’s WWII history – I was genuinely surprised by how much WWII history Darwin has, and this half-day tour totally opened my eyes. We explored key sites, learned about the bombing of Darwin, and visited the Aviation Museum, all with an amazing local guide who made it super engaging. If you’re into history, this tour is a must!
- Visit the wetlands – One of our favorite ways to explore Darwin’s epic nature is on this Corroboree Billabong Wetland tour. It includes a 2.5-hour cruise that takes you through lush wetlands where you’ll spot crocs, vibrant birdlife, and learn all about the region from a knowledgeable guide. It’s laid-back, scenic, and super informative!
- Explore Kakadu National Park – Just 1.5 hours from Darwin, Kakadu is a must-see and makes for an epic day trip. We recommend this full-day guided tour to hit all the highlights without the stress of navigating on your own. You’ll visit incredible spots like Ubirr Rock and learn all about Aboriginal culture from an Indigenous guide—such a meaningful way to experience this UNESCO-listed park!
Where to Stay in Darwin
If you’re visiting Darwin, then you’re going to need somewhere to stay. Lucky for you, there are tons of amazing places to stay in Darwin. In fact, there are so many that you might have a hard time choosing!
To help you decide which hotel is best for your needs, I’ve put together a list of the best ones for every budget. These choices are based on my own experience and the experiences of friends and family who always came to visit us in Darwin!
Luxury – $$$
Hilton Darwin is a sleek 5-star hotel right in the heart of the city—perfect if you want to be close to all the action. The rooms are modern and spacious, and there’s a rooftop pool (yes, please!), a fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant serving up delicious local dishes. You’ll be just a short stroll from the waterfront, the Esplanade, and Darwin’s best shops and restaurants, so it’s a super convenient and luxurious base for your stay!
Room prices can range depending on the room category and time of year, but are usually between $200 – $400 AUD. You can check prices and availability online here!
Mid-Range – $$
If you want to be right in the middle of the action without splurging, Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel is a great pick. The rooms are modern and comfy, and if you opt for an apartment, you’ll get a kitchenette and a balcony—some even with ocean views! There’s also an outdoor pool, gym, and restaurant on-site, so it ticks all the boxes for a relaxing, well-located stay.
Rooms usually cost around $300 AUD during the busy dry season, and $150 AUD during the wet season. Reserve your stay here on Booking.com.
Budget – $
The Cavenagh is a centrally located, affordable, and comfortable hotel with a pool and clean rooms. They have standard double rooms, but also have a few dorms available too. The on-site restaurant is a favorite among Darwin locals for their delicious steak and cold beer, so you can’t go wrong grabbing a bite to eat here!
Rooms at the Cavenagh start at $150 AUD. You can check prices and book The Cavenagh online here.
For more details on where to stay in Darwin, check out our complete blog! Otherwise, you can have a look at all of the hotels available online here.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
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Thanks for Reading!
And there you have it, the absolute best Jumping Croc Cruise from Darwin and everything you need to know before you go! I hope you are feeling excited and well-prepared for your adventure.
As you can tell, I am very enthusiastic about Darwin and Australia in general! If you found this blog useful, then be sure to check out the rest of our blogs about Australia. Otherwise, check out some of our most popular blogs below:
10 Things to Know BEFORE Whale Watching in Sydney
The Best Phillip Island Tour from Melbourne – My Honest Review!
15 Things to KNOW Before Swimming with Dolphins in Perth, Australia