UPDATED FEB 2020. The Australian Saltwater Crocodile is the largest reptile in the world. It’s the ultimate apex predator who has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. And, on a personal note, they are my favorite animal. If you are in the Northern Territory and want to see them up close and in the wild, without getting any teeth marks in you, then I’ve got you covered today with this practical guide to taking a Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River. This has been one of my go-to tours to take visitors to and I’ve done it a handful of times. In my opinion, it is the best crocodile experience in the Northern Territory. I hope it can help you to plan your own tour but if you have any questions, just let me know.
How To Take An Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise From Darwin
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
FAQ for taking a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
Where is the Jumping Crocodile Cruise located?
Adelaide River, about 1-hour drive from Darwin.
Which company to choose?
I toured with the Original Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruises.
How much does it cost?
$32USD per adult.
What should you bring with you?
- Water bottle
- Camera (An action camera is great for this tour and my other favorite travel camera is the Sony Alpha a6000
) - Sunscreen
- Hat
- Lightweight towel and swimwear if you want to add on an adventure afterward
)
and swimwear if you want to add on an adventure afterward
How to get to the Jumping Crocodile Cruises from Darwin
I recommend renting a car for your holiday to Darwin and the surrounding areas because of how spread out everything is and the limited public transport.
To drive there from Darwin, you can enter ‘The Original Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruises’ into Google Maps and it will take you out of Darwin, down the Stuart Highway, then the Arnhem Highway to get you there.
There is free parking on-site and lots of signs.
There is a shuttle from Darwin for one of the other companies and you can check out Adelaide River Transfers for more information on those.
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What to expect
Well, jumping crocodiles for one.
A piece of meat is dangled on a string from the front of the boat and the crocodile moves slowly in. Once it is a little closer, the back emerges from the water.
After a quick evaluation, and what I can assume is a reptilian risk assessment, the crocodile’s back submerges as the nose rises.
The guide lifts the meat higher and, in an instant, the crocodile lunges out of the water to the base of its tail, snatching the meat from the string.
The jaws close with 3000 pounds of jaw pressure with a loud ‘pop!’ and the crocodile splashes back down into the murky, brown water.
Why do the crocodiles jump out of the water?
It is amazing to see up close – just remember to keep your limbs inside the boat when taking pictures.
As our guide mentioned, it’s not the crocodile getting the meat that she would be concerned about, it’s the others in the water watching you.
It’s marketed as jumping, but it’s not a party trick that they do.
It’s a natural action that crocodiles do in the wild to snatch food from things like tree branches.
The powerful tail that also propels them from the edge of the water when attacking at riverbanks, can also force them out of the water upright to reach low hanging animals.
The crocodile-infested Adelaide River
Although I am biased because they are my favorite animal, these magnificent creatures are nothing short of amazing.
The way they glide through the water, occupy a territory, camouflage themselves in an instant, and kill with speed and precision is simply fascinating.
During the tour, you are able to admire them from a safe distance as you venture out onto the Adelaide River.
As the boat cruises further away from the dock, the river locals come out to visit. They don’t jump out and dance for a piece of meat. Instead, what looks like a small log pops up from below the water.
A small log with two intense eyes, moving slowly towards the boat with cautious curiosity, waiting to see what we have to offer.
Since they are territorial, the tour guides can recognize some of them by their distinguishing features and some even have names.
Other things to do after the cruise
If you’re interested in cooling off with a swim in a designated swimming area, I recommend the Berry Springs Nature Reserve which is about 40 minutes away. My full review is linked at the end of this post.
If you’d prefer to stay on land, I recommend a visit to the Window on the Wetlands which is only 5 minutes away, or drive about 40 minutes to do some bushwalking around the Mary River Wilderness Retreat.
I have camped here before and it’s a great spot to stay the night if you are camping or campervanning, though they also have rooms if you won’t be camping.
Otherwise, you can just visit and head back to Darwin.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat after the tour, I recommend the iconic Humpty Doo Hotel for a classic, pub meal in a real outback pub-style setting. Be prepared to meet some characters and make sure you get a souvenir t-shirt.
Safety tips
Don’t jump in the water or go anywhere near the edge of the water.
The staff will give you all the tips you need, but just remember to keep your limbs inside the boat.
While you are visiting the Northern Territory, only swim in designated areas.
Seeing them appear and disappear into the murky water during the tour is a big reminder that just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
Further reading if you’re interested in Crocodiles
If you enjoy the time out on the water with the crocodiles and want to learn more about them, I recommend getting the book Crocodile Attack by Hugh Edwards
.
I read this probably about 10 years ago but it has a lot of fascinating stories of crocodile attacks, including the attack on Val Plumwood in 1985 where a crocodile utilized this jumping maneuver to attack.
Once you are back on land, stop in at the kiosk to grab a drink, a crocodile themed souvenir and of course, take a jumping photo with the jumping crocodile statue-like I did.
It’ll be a great memento of the terrific wildlife experience in the Northern Territory.
And remember, as my hero Steve Irwin always said, “Crocs Rule!”
Other guides to help you plan your visit
How To Plan A Day Trip To Litchfield National Park – Darwin, Australia
A Guide To Visiting The Territory Wildlife Park From Darwin, Australia
For more information
Visit the Jumping Crocodile Cruise website
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Hi Katie
Could you please correct the information, by the photos you have taken it look like you went on “The Original Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises”
GREAT PHOTOS BY THE WAY!!