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Boat tours of the Daintree River

  • Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia

Last updated: 18 March, 2024

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: 0
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

  • 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 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 A$35

Min age 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [1321 ratings]

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  • Port Douglas

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 A$35

Min age 0

Rating 4.79 / 5 [838 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Port Douglas

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 A$146

Min age 3

Rating 4.82 / 5 [388 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Port Douglas

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 A$35

Min age 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [274 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Port Douglas

This is a great tour for those who only want to spend a half-day out, are short on time, or want to enjoy a nice sleep-in while on holiday! 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. Enjoy a beer, wine or soft drink with a snack while cruising. After the Wildlife Cruise, we head over to Mossman Gorge. 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 an afternoon!

Price A$146

Min age 3

Rating 4.82 / 5 [183 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >