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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

There are river cruises and there is cruising through a 180-million-year-old rainforest, amid ancient and primitive flora teeming with wildlife.

Expect plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” during your cruise. Even for seasoned travellers, the first sight of the massive saltwater crocodiles (some of which top 20 feet) is jaw-dropping – and there is no shortage of these cold-blooded monsters on this river.

While crocodiles are the headline act here visitors will also see an impressive range of other native species, including frogs, butterflies and birds. Cassowaries, tree kangaroos, ringtail possums and kingfishers are some of the more exotic residents – but harder to spot. The boat captains offer a fascinating insight to the Daintree, its history and wildlife, and to local Aboriginal legends as you go.

Price from: £11
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-2 hours

Getting there & doing it

All licensed cruise boats on the Daintree River operate from private jetties. Departure point depends on the operator you are going with.

Since there is no public transport in this part of Queensland, guests will need their own vehicle or book onto an organised tour. Visitors staying in the nearby Daintree Rainforest may be able to arrange transfers via their hotel.

When to do it

Wildlife cruises operate on the Daintree River all year round, but the cooler and drier months (June to October) are preferred. Saltwater crocodiles are generally visible throughout the day, but late afternoon and evening cruises are better if want to see smaller species such as frogs.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

Port Douglas

1 hour Daintree River wildlife and crocodile cruise on the only solar electric boat on the Daintree river. The boat it is nice and quiet and...

A32 | Rating 4.89 / 5 [882 ratings]

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1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise

1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise

Port Douglas

WHY OUR CRUISE IS THE BEST IN THE DAINTREE: • Experienced Local Guides. • Located at a private boutique location, away from the touristy cro...

A33 | Rating 4.79 / 5 [721 ratings]

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Ultimate Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

Ultimate Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

Port Douglas

Immerse yourself deep into the rainforest by taking a trip on our world-renowned wildlife experience cruise. During your 60 – 90 minute jour...

A35 | Rating 4.88 / 5 [163 ratings]

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Daintree River Late Afternoon Wildlife Cruise

Daintree River Late Afternoon Wildlife Cruise

Port Douglas

The perfect way to finish your Daintree Rainforest experience. Floating on the water, enjoying the late afternoon light, watching wildlife f...

A70 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [126 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Silky Oaks Lodge

Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[23.7 miles]

Rainforest relaxation guaranteed at this beautifully run eco-lodge with a fantastic restaurant and award-winning spa.

Official star rating:

Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel

Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[27.8 miles]

A compact, beachside hotel equipped with kitchenettes that’s an excellent choice for those travelling on a budget. Adults only.

Official star rating:

Peppers Beach Club

Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[27.8 miles]

Decidedly upmarket beachside resort hotel with a fantastic in-house spa and award-winning restaurant. A good all-rounder with something for everyone.

Official star rating:

Shantara Resort

Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[27.9 miles]

A modern apartment hotel in the centre of Port Douglas. A perfect, convenient base, close to all of the evening action, for those who want to spend their days out exploring (rather than lounging in a resort). Adults only.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Port Douglas

Queensland, Australia

Swish, cosmopolitan and delightfully laid-back, Port Douglas is an ideal stepping off point for trips to the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef, and to connect with authentic indigenous culture.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia[11.4 miles]

One of the world’s natural wonders, the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest is an ancient and stunningly beautiful rainforest, packed with exotic and rare flora and fauna.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours

Cooya Beach, Queensland, Australia[21.8 miles]

Discover the secrets of Queensland’s coastal landscape and learn traditional aboriginal skills such as spear-throwing, mud-crabbing and fishing on an immersive tour with a Kuku Yalanji guide.

Best for ages: 4+ | £48 | 3 hours

Drift Snorkelling on the Mossman River

Mossman, Queensland, Australia[24.1 miles]

Discover a different perspective on the Daintree Rainforest by drifting along the Mossman river on an inflatable raft, with turtles and waterdragons under the water and soaring mountains above.

Best for ages: 4+ | £65 | 3.5+ hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Art gallery
Experience

Indigenous Art Gallery

Mossman, Queensland, Australia[24.2 miles]

This quality art gallery features the work of the best local Kuku Yalanji artists. The gallery is part of a unique indigenous tourism project which also includes dreamtime walks, a gift shop and a café serving local bush tucker.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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