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Last updated: 29 May, 2023
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.

Logistics

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.

Who to go with: organised tours

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

Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

Port Douglas

Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise
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 there are no petrol fumes or exhaust , it is also good for getting close to the wildlife without disturbing it. We aim to treat this fragile ecosystem with respect and have minimal impact, our boat does not create a wake so we do not erode the mangroves. We are the only boat with "Croc Cam"; a digital video with a very good zoom for showing hard to see animals on a big screen. Wildlife includes Salt Water Crocodiles, snakes, frogs, and birds and also interpretation of the mangrove environment. The business is locally family owned and operated and has been going since 2002. We offer a unique eco experience with minimal impact; see, hear and smell nature at its best. We also offer longer two or three hour cruises by bookings only, maximum 10 people great for photography or those that want a longer more personalised tour.

Price: A35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [1124 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise

Port Douglas

1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise
WHY OUR CRUISE IS THE BEST IN THE DAINTREE: • A local Aussie family business that live a great lifestyle in the Daintree and want to share our Daintree river tours with you! • Experienced Local Guides. • Located at a private boutique location • Nature walk to private jetty in a Conservation Park. We operate Daintree tours from our home on the banks of the Daintree River in a secluded wildlife boutique facility. Come and relax in our garden room, listen to the surrounding wildlife and enjoy a complimentary Daintree Tea or coffee before or after your Daintree river tours experience. Peruse our tropical souvenir collection. Meander through our lush tropical garden to our private jetty  

Price: A35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.78 / 5 [793 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Daintree Discovery Tours - Morning Half Day Daintree River & Mossman Gorge

Port Douglas

Daintree Discovery Tours - Morning Half Day Daintree River & Mossman Gorge
This is a great tour for those who only want to spend a half-day out or are short on time. We visit two areas on this trip, Daintree River and Mossman Gorge. We begin with a drive along the Captain Cook Highway, on the way to the Daintree River, and share a little history along the way. Here, we board a cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for local wildlife, including the estuarine crocodile, snakes, birds, frogs, and more. After the Wildlife Cruise, we enjoy morning tea with Lamingtons and tea/coffee. Once in Mossman Gorge National Park, we conduct an interpretive walk along an elevated boardwalk. Weather dependent, we can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear rainforest stream, whilst being surrounded by the beautiful and healing Mossman Gorge rainforest. What a memorable way to spend your morning!

Price: A134

Min age: 3

Rating 4.80 / 5 [331 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Ultimate Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

Port Douglas

Ultimate Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise
Immerse yourself deep into the rainforest by taking a trip on our world-renowned wildlife experience cruise. During your 60 – 90 minute journey, you will slowly glide along the Daintree River while one of our local guides shares their knowledge about the unique tropical ecosystem. Along the way, you will also have the chance to see native wildlife such as Estuarine Crocodiles in their natural habitat. We want every guest that visits with us to leave loving the river as much as we do. While we can’t guarantee what wildlife you’ll see, each cruise provides a unique experience. We encourage you to make the most of your trip by asking any and all questions you may have.

Price: A35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [228 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman

Port Douglas

Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman
Start your day with a cruise on the mighty Daintree river.  This 2 hour cruise takes you on journey of discovery exploring the main river and its tributaries in search of iconic wildlife including highly sought-after birds (kingfishers, herons, egrets, frogmouth amongst others) as well as crocodiles & snakes.  The dawn cruise showcases the river at is most picturesque and serene as the boat travels along the smooth waters of the Daintree river. Cruises cater for a maximum of just 10 passengers and are customised to the interests of the passengers. The boat used is a unique ‘hybrid’ vessel utilising both a regular outboard and an incredible electric motor which creates less disturbance enabling outstanding views of wildlife. Cruises start and finish at the public boat ramp in Daintree Village. Daintree Village is 45 mins from Port Douglas and located on the south-side of the Daintree River.

Price: A70

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [156 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Port Douglas

Queensland, Australia

an aerial view of Port Douglas

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.